ObjectiveTo explore the synthesis and anti-radiation activity of glycyrrhizin magnesium through classic animal experiments.

MethodsThe Gly-Mg compound was synthesized by the substitution reaction of glycyrrhizin(Gly) and magnesium, and the structure was identified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. ICR mice irradiated with ¹³⁷Cs γ-rays were used as experimental subjects. The mice were divided into 5 groups:single-irradiation control group (physiological saline), Gly (50 mg/kg) group, Gly-Mg low, medium and high dose administration groups (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg).The 30-day survival rate of mice irradiated with 7.8 Gy (lethal dose) and the 7-day radiation resistance of mice irradiated with 6.0Gy (sub-between groups. The t-test was used to compare the two groups.

ResultsThe Gly-Mg was successfully synthesized. After the irradiation of 7.8 Gy γ-ray emitted from ¹³⁷Cs radiation resource, the survival rates of mice irradiated with 7.8 Gy and given Gly-Mg at 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg increased to 25.0%, 33.3%, and 41.7%, respectively. The average survival time was prolonged significantly compared with the control group(t=3.418, P < 0.05). The thymus index(t=3.259, 7.580, 3.415, all P < 0.05), spleen index, liver index(t=4.615, 1.797, both P < 0.05; t=3.341, P < 0.01), gonadal index(t=1.826, P < 0.05; t=2.631, 2.893, both P < 0.01) were improved of all Gly-Mg irradiated groups. Thymus, liver, and gonad indexes were statistically significant in different groups. The medium dose group of Gly-Mg significantly increased the number of WBC(t=2.888, P < 0.01), bone marrow n ucleated(t=4.570, P < 0.05), percentages of DNA(t=6.139, P < 0.01), and colony forming unit of spleen(t=1.872, P < 0.05) the difference was statistically significant.

ConclusionsThe steps involved in Gly-Mg synthesis are simple, and raw materials are easily available. Gly-Mg showed a protective effect against damage induced by irradiation. It is expected to be developed into anti-radiation drugs.