In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root is a well-known medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of licorice root extract against Vibrio parahaemolyticus using the agar well diffusion method. 70% methanol was used as the negative control, while 0.01% chloramphenicol served as the positive control. All treatments were performed in triplicate to ensure reproducibility. The licorice root extract exhibited measurable zones of inhibition, indicating antibacterial potential, though its activity was lower compared to the standard antibiotic. No inhibitory effect was observed in the negative control, confirming the validity of the assay. The findings suggest that licorice root extract possesses promising antibacterial properties and may serve as a potential natural source of antimicrobial compounds. Further studies are recommended to isolate the active constituents and assess their mechanisms of action.