Application of immunoassay method for determination of licochalcone A in licorice derived products and cosmetics

Licochalcone A is a licorice chalcone that belongs to the flavonoid subclass. The pharmacological activities of licochalcone A are well known in anti-microbial and anti-inflammation properties. In clinical setting, it is used for reducing the inflammation-related symptoms such as redness and rash, as well as intended for strengthen skin. However, the current method for analysis of licochalcone A is high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which its sensitivity is not sufficient for licochalcone A analysis [1]. Especially, the cosmetic products, which consists of multi-ingredients and contained small amount of licochalcone A (normally less than 0.05%) [2]. The previous study developed the monoclonal antibody specific to licochalcone A [3]. Moreover, the ELISA method was developed and validated. In this study, we aim for applied ELISA method for determination of licorice products including herbal powders and cosmetic preparations. The result showed that the licochalcone A was found in herbal compound drugs in range 3.89 – 6.46 mg/g dry weight. In case of cosmetic product, it was found about 0.05 – 8.84 µg/g dry weight. The result indicated that ELISA method can be used for quantitative analysis of licochalcone A in all type of preparations (serum, lotion, gel, and cream) while HPLC has limitation due to the sensitivity. Therefore, the ELISA was a good alternative method for determination of licochalcone A in sample with complicate ingredients and contained small amount of licochalcone A.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022

• References

• 1 Weng Q, Chen L, Ye L. et al. Determination of licochalcone A in rat plasm a by UPLC–MS/MS and its pharmacokinetics. Acta Chromatogr 2019; 31: 262-265
• 2 DallʼOglio F, Fabbrocini G, Tedeschi A. et al. Licochalcone A in combination with salicylic acid as fluid based and hydroxy-complex 10 % cream for the treatment of mild acne: a multicenter prospective Trial. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2019; 12: 961-967
• 3 Krittanai S, Pichetpongtorn P, Sakamoto S, Putalun W. Monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay for the specific quantification of licochalcone A: an active chalcone in licorice. Food Agr Immunol 2022; 33: 220-234