NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
35 µm (mostly 15–25 µm) long; numerous simple oval, round or fusiform
starch granules, free or in parenchyma cells, with no striation but occasionally
showing hilum, 2–20 µm (mostly about 10 µm) in diameter; cork
may be present (1, 2, 7).
Geographical distribution
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Native to central and south-western Asia and the Mediterranean region
(11, 12, 13). It is cultivated in the Mediterranean basin of Africa, in southern
Europe, and in India (1, 11–13).
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia (16, 17).
General identity tests
Macroscopic, microscopic, and microchemical examinations (1–7); and
thin-layer chromatographic analysis for the presence of glycyrrhizin (2–7).
Purity tests
Microbiology
The test for Salmonella spp. in Radix Glycyrrhizae products should be
negative. The maximum acceptable limits of other microorganisms are as
follows (18–20). For preparation of decoction: aerobic bacteria—not more
than 10 7 /g; fungi—not more than 10 5 /g; Escherichia coli—not more than
10 2 /g. Preparations for internal use: aerobic bacteria—not more than 10 5 /g
or ml; fungi—not more than 10 4 /g or ml; enterobacteria and certain Gramnegative
bacteria—not more than 10 3 /g or ml; Escherichia coli—0/g or ml.
Total ash
Not more than 7% (6, 7).
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 2% (1–3, 6, 7).
Sulfated ash
Not more than 10% (2).
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 20% (8).
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