Evaluation of antioxidant activity and heavy metals content in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) growing wild in Armenia

In this study, for the first time an analysis of the metal content in extracts obtained from licorice roots grown in the forests of five different regions in Armenia was conducted. Our findings indicated that the concentrations of metals in the extracts did not exceed the permissible limits set by regulatory standards. Furthermore, we investigated the quantitative composition of flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins in the licorice roots, which had not been previously studied. Our results revealed that the composition of these substances is significantly influenced by the soil characteristics of the region. To assess the antioxidant properties of the licorice extract, we employed the approach known as the kinetics of competitive reaction method. Our study successfully demonstrated that the extract derived from the roots of the licorice plant, collected from all five regions under study, exhibited notable antioxidant properties. [Display omitted] •Assessment of the concentrations of some heavy metals in licorice roots harvested from five regions of Armenia were done.•Heavy metal concentrations in licorice root were within acceptable limits.•The Kotayk and Tavush regions had the lowest combined heavy metal content.•Investigation of antioxidant properties of licorice roots growing in five regions of Armenia were done.•The Gegharkunik region showed the highest antioxidant activity.