This article and associated images are based on a poster originally authored by Alfira Miftakova, Nargiz Uali, and Abdul Rahim Kabiry and presented at ELRIG Drug Discovery 2026 in affiliation with the University of Reading and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
This poster is being hosted on this website in its raw form, without modifications. It has not undergone peer review but has been reviewed to meet AZoNetwork's editorial quality standards. The information contained is for informational purposes only and should not be considered validated by independent peer assessment.
Background
HSV-1
- Common human viral pathogen, major cause of recurrent orolabial herpes (seroprevalence >67%)
- Standard therapy: Acyclovir, valacyclovir
- Limitation: Emergence of drug-resistant strains (TK-deficient altered), especially in immunocompromised patients
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
- Contains triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids (e.g., glycyrrhizin, 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid)
- Previously reported antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-repairing properties
Rationale for topical formulation
- May provide localized delivery and a protective formulation for the lip area.
2. Objectives
The aim of this study was to formulate a 1% (w/w) Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract lip balm and evaluate its phytochemical profile, physicochemical properties, stability, and preliminary microbiological quality.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
3. Extraction and UHPLC-MS
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
Analytical conditions: Agilent 1290 Infinity UHPLC; Agilent 6530 Q-TOF MS; SB-C18 column; Positive-ion ESI; 67-minute gradient
Figure 1. Total ion chromatogram (TIC) of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract obtained by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS in positive-ion mode. Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
4. Formulation and characterization
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
Preparation workflow:
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
Physicochemical and organoleptic properties:
Source: University of Reading
| Parameter |
Result |
| Appearance |
Smooth, semi-solid, homogeneous |
| Color |
Pale yellow, herbal tint |
| Odor |
Mild, sweet herbal aroma |
| Texture |
Soft, non-grainy |
| Melting point |
52–56 °C |
| pH |
≈5.4 |
| Spreadability |
Uniform, non-greasy |
| Homogeneity |
No particle aggregation |
Microbiological screening:
- Nutrient Agar (bacteria): No visible growth (two days)
- Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (fungi/yeast): No visible growth (seven days)
5. Phytochemical profile
Figure 2. Major metabolites tentatively identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Key mass signals: m/z 823.29 and m/z 839.29-840.29 (RT 21.29-22.77 min), corresponding to glycyrrhizic acid and its ammonium/sodium adducts. Image Credit: Image courtesy of Alfira Miftakova et al., in partnership with ELRIG (UK) Ltd.
Conclusion
A 1% Glycyrrhiza glabra lip balm was successfully formulated, demonstrating excellent physical stability and a complex saponin/flavonoid profile. These results demonstrate the potential of licorice bioactives as a topical formulation and provide a foundation for further in vitro HSV-1 antiviral and cytotoxicity studies, as well as future clinical evaluation.
References
- James, C., et al. (2020). Herpes simplex virus: global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 98(5), pp.315–329. DOI:10.2471/blt.19.237149. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7265941/pdf/BLT.19.237149.pdf.
- Pompei, R., et al. (1979). Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits virus growth and inactivates virus particles. Nature, 281(5733), pp.689–690. DOI:10.1038/281689a0. https://www.nature.com/articles/281689a0.
- Sabouri Ghannad, M., et al. (2014). The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Herpes Simplex Virus 1. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 7(7). DOI:10.5812/jjm.11616. https://brieflands.com/journals/jjm/articles/18755.
- Baltina, L. (2003). Chemical Modification of Glycyrrhizic Acid As A Route to New Bioactive Compounds for Medicine. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 10(2), pp.155–171. DOI:10.2174/0929867033368538. https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/8913.
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Last Updated: Oct 12, 2026