Abstract
Background: Geographical variation may affect the phytochemistry as well as the biological activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root. Herein, a series of biological activities were performed to evaluate the impact of geographical origin on the biological potential of eight different licorice samples. Methodology: Cell culture studies were performed for cytotoxicity (MCF7, HCT116, HepG2, and MRC5), glucose uptake assay (HepG2), and glutathione peroxidase activity (HepG2), whereas alpha-amylase inhibition activity was tested for antidiabetic potential. Results: The Indian sample was observed to be more cytotoxic against MCF7 (22%) and HCT116 (43%) with an IC50 value of 56.10 (+/- 2.38) mu g/mL against the MCF7 cell line. The glucose uptake was seen with a mean value of 96 (+/- 2.82) and a range of 92-101%. For glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), the Syrian (0.31 +/- 0.11) and Pakistani samples (0.21 +/- 0.08) revealed a significant activity, whereas the Palestinian (70 +/- 0.09) and Indian samples (68 +/- 0.06) effectively inhibited the alpha-amylase activity, with the lowest IC50 value (67.11 +/- 0.97) mu g/mL for the Palestinian sample. The statistical models of PCA (principal component analysis) and K-mean cluster analysis were performed to correlate the geographical origin, extract yield, and biological activities for the eight licorice samples of different origins. Conclusion: The licorice samples exhibited significant cytotoxic, GPx, and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. The samples with higher extract yield showed more potential in these biological activities.