Abstract

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Leguminosae) roots and rhizomes are used in herbal medicines for health effects and it contains more than 100 various useful compounds including phenolics and triterpene saponins (glycyrrizin). In this investigation, the content of some biochemical compounds important in pharmacy, food industry and economics were compared in G. glabraroot gathering from seven localities of Kerman province. Correlative effect of some climate factors on the content of some metabolites was also investigated. The highest content of glycyrrhizin was in Andohjerd. Shahrbabak locality showed the highest content of total phenolic compounds while the lowest was found in Andohjerd. Tannins and sugar content were highest in roots gathered from Baft and Kohbanan, respectively. The results showed a correlation between tannins and glycyrrhizin content and latitude of locality. Total phenolic contents had correlation with longitude. Anthocyanins content in the roots showed a correlation with soil pH and electrical conductivity while, sugar content was correlated with soil pH, precipitation and soil texture. Based on the results, it seems that the pattern of phenolic contents differs based on climatic conditions. Between studied parameters, temperature and soil factors are the most correlated climatic parameters affect the content of some secondary metabolites in roots of G. glabra.

Key words: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Kerman province, root, phenolic compounds.