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Determination of Ochratoxin A, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Total Sugar, and Extract Content in Licorice Root Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
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Mohammad Hossein Raayat   , Jalal Gholamnezhad * , Mohammad Jamal Saharkhiz |
| Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran |
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Abstract: |
Background and Objective: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran, with significant amounts exported annually. Contamination with ochratoxin A, as well as the content of active compounds such as glycyrrhizic acid, are important quality indicators of this product. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of ochratoxin A, glycyrrhizic acid, total sugar, and extract in licorice root using standard laboratory methods.
Materials and Methods: Five licorice root samples were collected from the warehouse of an extract-producing company in Shiraz. The levels of ochratoxin A and glycyrrhizic acid were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total sugar content and extract percentage were also determined according to the national standards of Iran.
Results: The results showed that the level of ochratoxin A in the examined samples ranged from 1 to 5 mg/ng. The amount of glycyrrhizic acid was determined to be between 3.7% and 4.3% dry weight, total sugar between 15% and 17%, and extract percentage between 37% and 39% dry weight. The highest level of ochratoxin A (5 mg/ng) was observed in a sample that had the lowest amount of glycyrrhizic acid (3.7%).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the presence of ochratoxin A contamination in the licorice root samples, as well as variations in the levels of active compounds. Continuous monitoring of licorice root quality, especially regarding mycotoxin contamination and preservation of active compounds, appears essential to ensure the safety of exported products.
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| Keywords: Ochratoxin A, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mycotoxins, Total sugar |
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Type of Study: Research |
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