Analysis and comparison of Radix Glycyrrhizae (licorice) from Europe and China by capillary-zone electrophoresis (CZE)

Using the present CZE method, it was demonstrated that (1) G. glabra was distinguished from G. uralensis especially by phenolic compounds GLAB (G. glabra: 0.19 ± 0.11%; n = 53) and LQ (G. uralensis, 1.34 ± 0.34%, n = 10); (2) on average, GL contents were higher in Chinese commercial licorices; (3) relatively high LCA contents were especially detected in a Chinese commercial licorice (origin estimated as G. inflata); (4) Glycyrrhiza species were also distinguished by applying PCA on the basis of CZE peak area data of GL, GLAB, GA, LQ and LCA; and (5) liquiritin apioside was found in all samples.