Licochalcone L, an undescribed retrochalcone from Glycyrrhiza inflata roots

Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin is among the three glycyrrhizin producing Glycyrrhiza species and can be distinguished from other species with regard to its retrochalcone contents. Seven retrochalcones, echinatin and licochalcones A, C, D, E, K, and L were isolated and characterized from the chloroform extract of G. inflata roots. Among the isolates, licochalcone L was found to be previously undescribed. Structure elucidation of these specialised metabolites was achieved through NMR and mass spectroscopic data analyses.

Keywords: Glycyrrhiza inflata; Licorice/liquorice; licochalcone L; liquorice root; marker compounds; retrochalcone.