Effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) extract on cell count and blood parameters in male mice

Licorice with common name of licorice pea from Leguminosae family has been noted for its many therapeutic effects. Using natural substances of plant origin has a long history in the treatment of various diseases. In this research, the effect of licorice on blood factors was examined. This study was performed on 50 mice. The samples were randomly divided into five groups (three treatment groups, control and the placebo group) and were kept under identical conditions. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Licorice in doses of 50, 100, 150 mg/kg were injected by intraperitoneal (IP) within 20 days every other day. Physiological serum was injected to the control group. The main parameters included the RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, MCHC, MCH and MCV compared with control groups. Results showed that hemoglobin, platelet count, MCV and MCHC increased at all doses and MCH increased in 100 and 150 mg/kg dose, but the number of red blood cells decreased in doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in hematocrit. Results indicated a dose-dependent effect of the licorice on blood factors in mice.