Metabolite Profiling and Classification of DNA-Authenticated Licorice Botanicals

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Metabolomics
• Chemometrics

Background:

• Raw licorice roots are complex mixtures from multiple Glycyrrhiza species (G. glabra, G. uralensis, G. inflata).
• These species show significant metabolite variations, particularly in flavanones (Fs), chalcones (Cs), and phenolic compounds.
• Accurate botanical and chemical authentication is crucial for quality control of licorice, a widely used dietary supplement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create complementary chemometric models for metabolite profiling.
• To enable classification and quality control of authenticated licorice.
• To establish a foundation for botanical and chemical authentication of licorice materials.

Main Methods:

• DNA authentication of 51 commercial licorice samples.
• Metabolite profiling using (1)H NMR and UHPLC-UV.
• Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA).

Main Results:

• Developed chemometric models successfully identified and classified Glycyrrhiza species based on Fs, Cs, and phenolic profiles.
• Combined DNA authentication and chemometrics effectively characterized mixtures, hybrids, and outlier samples.
• The study provides a robust framework for licorice authentication and quality control.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methods offer a comprehensive approach for the quality control of crude licorice and derived products.
• This work enhances the reliable identification and classification of different Glycyrrhiza species.
• The study supports the safe and effective use of licorice as a dietary supplement.