METABOLIC EFFECTS OF LICORICE ROOTS (GLYCYRRHIZA-GLABRA) ON LIPID DISTRIBUTION PATTERN, LIVER AND RENAL FUNCTIONS OF ALBINO-RATS

The biochemical activity of licorice roots was investigated by administrating it to hypcrcholesterolaemic rats at two different doses. High cholesterol level in the serum and most organs of hypercholesterolaemic rats was accompanied by high levels of triglycerides and total lipids but low one of phospholipids. The hypocholesterolaemic action of licorice roots was accompanied by hypolipaemic action but higher level of phospholipids in the rat serum and most organs. The results showed that while the high cholesterol level in the rat serum has impairing effects on liver and renal functions, the licorice administered to these rats has a counteracting action i.e. it can improve the impaired function of both liver and kidney. It has also a hypoglycaemic action.