The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) rhizome on the isolated colon of male rats and its interaction with adrenergic system

Back ground & aim: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) is a native medicinal plant in Iran that its rhizome has been traditionally used for treatment of bowel spasm and diarrhea. So in the present study, the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice rhizome on mechanical activity of isolated colon of male rats has been studied.
In this experimental study, colon tissue of adult male rats were dissected and separated into two groups: experimental and control. Then mechanical activity of tissue strips were recorded by power lab A-D instrument in basal condition, and after administration of phenylephrine and epinephrine and propranolol in the presence and absence of licorice rhizome extract (with effective dose 0.036 mg/ml). Also the mechanical activity of control group strips were recorded at the same condition with extract solvent (ethanol %70). Data were analyzed statistically with using Independent-Samples T Test.
The mechanical activity of tissue in presence of extract and epinephrine significantly decreased (p≤0.05) with compare to the control group. while the mechanical activity in the presence of extract and propranolol significantly increased (p≤0.05) With compare to the control group. but the mechanical activity of tissue doesn’t significant change in the presence of phenylephrine and extract with compare to the control group
According to the present study it can be concluded that hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice maybe has modifying effect on colon motility via synergist effect with beta adrenergic receptors and independent of the alpha adrenergic receptors.