Comparson of the total flavonoids content in roots of four cultivated licorice under the same growing condition

OBJECTIVE To comparing the contents of total flavonoids in roots of cultivated Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Glycyrrhiza glabra,Glycyrrhiza inflata and Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora under the same growing condition.METHODS The total flavonoids in roots of the four cultivated licorice were extracted and separated by ethanol at room temperature.The contents of the total flavonoids in the extractives were analyzed by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry with Al(NO3)3 coloration method.RESULTS The contents of total flavonoids in roots of cultivated Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Glycyrrhiza glabra,Glycyrrhiza inflata and Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora were 0.41%,0.31%,0.17% and 0.05% respectively.CONCLUSION The quality of Glycyrrhiza uralensis is the best one in the four cultivated licorice according to the contents of total flavonoids in roots and cultivated Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora can't be used as flavonoids resource plant.