Effect of different solvents on phytochemical and antimicrobial potential of licorice extract

Abstract

Effect of the solvents ethanol, acetone, and distilled water at several concentrations on the antimicrobial potential, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid and phenolic content, and biochemical screening was studied for licorice extract. All extract at 100% solvent concentration showed the presence of phenols, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, coumarins, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids followed by 75% and 50% concentrations except fatty acids, proteins, and quinones. The highest total phenolic content (114.17 mg/GAE) was observed in 100% ethanol extract and total flavonoid content (56 mg/QE) in 100% distilled water extract. The ethanol 100% extract had greatest antioxidant activity (62.3%) at 400µg/mL concentration. Antimicrobial effect was recorded higher against Streptococcus pyogenes (21mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (20mm) in 100% ethanol extract. Gram-negative bacteria showed resistance against all licorice extract. Due to various bioactive compounds in licorice extract it would be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the pharmaceutical and food industry with multiple health benefits