Distribution Characteristics of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Wild and Cultivated Liquorices and Their Applications
野生与栽培甘草不同部位甘草酸分布特点及其意义

The distribution characteristics and dynamic variations of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in Glycyrrhizic uralensis has been studied by ultrasonic extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The content of GA of underground parts of both wild and cultivated liquorices were greater than that of aboveground parts and that in inconstant roots was close to that of taproots. The monthly variation in GA content was similar among wild and cultivated liquorices. The amplitude of variation of GA in rhizomes was greater than that in taproots and inconstant roots. During a growing season, the content of GA in taproots of cultivated liquorices increased, peaking in October. Therefore, the optimal picking time is in late autumn. GA content in taproots of cultivated liquorices at 1.0 m soil depth was higher a trend to increase, so such planting model could reduce root harvest which displayed. To solve such problems, further exploration is needed for effective cultivation techniques for liquorice.