Absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of glycycoumarin, a major bioactive coumarin from Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)

Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) is a natural plant resource widely used as food and herbal medication in China. Glycycoumarin (GCM) major coumarin licorice that possesses several biological activities. However, little known about its pharmacokinetic profile. The present study aimed to describe the oral absorption, tissue distribution, excretion of GCM rats. Free (parent drug) and/or total drug plus glucuronidated metabolite) samples was quantified before after hydrolysis reaction with β -glucuronidase using reliable LC-MS/MS method. results indicated rapidly absorbed transformed into conjugated metabolites administration. plasma concentrations i. v. (10 mg/kg) administration quickly decreased an average t 1/2,λz 0.71 h, whereas concentration reduced slowly 1/2, λz 2.46 h. area under curve approximately four-times higher than free GCM. Presumably, because hepatic intestinal tract first-pass metabolism, exhibited poor bioavailability 9.22%, estimated from concentration. Additionally, distributed various tissues except brain. liver had highest concentration; further, promptly eliminated test intraperitoneal (20 administration, but only small amount excreted via bile urine. Overall, low bioavailability; it tissues, These are helpful for better understanding characteristics pharmacological effects