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Family Leguminosae
Anis
Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra
L.
LIQUORICE
Yan gan cao

Scientific names Common names
Glycyrrhiza brachycarpa Boiss. Anis (Tag.)
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Common licorice (Engl.)
Glycyrrhiza glandulifera Waldst. & Kit. Sweet wood (Engl.)
Glycyrrhiza hirsuta L. Licorice root (Engl.)
Glycyrrhiza pallida Boiss. & Bie Liquorice (Engl.)
Glycyrrhiza pallida Boiss.  
Glycyrrhiza violacea Boiss. & Noe  
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is an accepted name. The Plant List
Anis is a shared local name for Glycyrrhiza glabra (Anis. Licorice) and Foeniculum vulgare (Anis, Fennel, Haras).

Other vernacular names
ARABIC: 'arq al sous.  
BENGALI: Jashtimodhu.
BURMESE: Noekiyu.
CHINESE: Yang can cao, Guang guo gan cao.
CROATIAN: Sladki korijen.
DANISH: Lakrids.
DUTCH: Zoethout.
FINNISH: Lakritsijuuri, Lakritsi.
FRENCH: Bois doux, Réglisse, Réglisse glabre.
GERMAN: Bärendreck, Echtes Süßholz, Lakritze, Lakritzeholz , Lakritzenwurzel , Lakritzpflanze, Spanisches Süßholz, Süßholz, Süßholzwurzel.
GREEK: Glykoriza (Glikoriza).
GUJARATI: Jethimadh.
HINDI: Jethimadh, Mulethi, Mulhatti, Mulhathi.
ITALIAN: Liquirizia, Regolizia.
JAPANESE: Gurukiruriza gurabura, You kanzou,You kanzou.
KANNADA: Atimadhura, Yasthimadhu.
KOREAN: Mingamtscho.
LAOTIAN: Saem.
MALAYALAM: Yashtimadhukam.
MARATHI: Jesthamadha.
NORWEGIAN: Lakrisrot.
PERSIAN: Shirin bayan.
PORTUGUESE: Alcaçuz.
PUNJABI: Malathi, Muleti.
RUSSIAN: Koren solodki, Lakrichnik, Solodka gladkaia, Solodka golaia.
SANSKRIT: Madhuuka, Yashtimadhu, Yoshtimadhu.
SINHALESE: Atimaduram.
SLOVAKIAN: Sladké drievko
SLOVENIAN : Sladki koren.
SPANISH: Orozuz, Ragaliz.
SWAHILI: Susu.
SWEDISH: Lakrits, Lakritsrot.
TAMIL: Atimaduram, Ciimaiyatimaturam, Atimaduram, Athimaduram, Atimaturam.
TELUGU: Atimadhuramu.
THAI: Cha em thet.
TURKISH: Meyan kökü
URDU: Mulhati.
VIETNAMESE: Cam thảo.

Gen info
Licorice is a plant of ancient origin, steeped in history, and has been medicinally used for more than 4000 years. It is a component of many traditional medical systems. Hippocrates in 400 BC mentioned it as a remedy for ulcers. Locally, referred to as "anis" because of its similarity in taste with haras (fennel).
Glycyrrhiza is Greek-derived, meaning "sweet root" and Glycyrrhiza glabra means sweet root with hairless seed pods.
The dried, peeled or unpeeled underground stems and roots constitute the drug known as Licorice.

Botany
Licorice is a perennial plant, growing about 1.5 meter high. The wrinkled and woody rootstock is brown outside and yellow inside; sweet-tasting. Leaves are unequally branched, in 4-7 pairs. Flowers are pale blue, violet, yellowish-white or purplish in color, arising from the axils of the leaves in racemes or spikes, followed by pods. Pods are smooth and small, resembling a partly-grown peapod, compressed with many seeds.

Distribution
- Cultivated.
- Nowhere spontaneous.
- Native of southeast Europe and southwest Asia.

Constituents
- Study yielded Major bioactive constituent of rhizomes is glycyrrhizin (a triterpenoid saponin), glycyrrhizinic acid, glabin A and B, glycyrrhetol, glabrolie, isoglabrolide, isoflavones coumarins, triterpene sterols, etc.
- Study yielded a new chacone derivative, neoligban lipid esters and phenolic compounds (formononetin, glabridin, hemileiocarpin, hispaglabridin B, isoliquirtigenin, 4'-O-methylglabridin and paratocarpin B.

- Roots yield bioactive constituents. 40-59% of total dry material weight is water-soluble, biologically active complexes i.e., starches (30%), pectins, simple sugars, gums, mucilage (rhizome), polysaccharides, amino acids, triterpene saponin, flavonoids, mineral salts, bitters, essential oil, fat, asparagines, estrogenic hormone, tannins, glycosides, protein, resins, sterols, volatile oils among others. (39)
- The primary active ingredient, Glycyrrhizine (glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrruzzunate) constitute 10-25% of the liquorice root extract. It is a saponin compound that is 60 times sweeter than cane sugar. (39)
- In studies for secondary metabolites, G. glabra has yielded more than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are the main components; in humans, metabolic processes can convert glycyrrhizin to glycyrrhetinic acid, and both have similar pharmacologic effects. (40)
- Flavonoid rich fractions from dried roots include liquirtin, isoliquertin, liquiritigenin, and rhamnoliquirili and five new flavonoids i.e., glucoliquiritin apioside, prenyllicoflavone A, shinflavanone, shinpterocarpin and 1-methoxyphaseolin. Dried roots also yielded five new flavonoids i.e., glucoliquiritin apioside, prenyllicoflavone A, shinflavanone, shinpterocarpin and 1-methoxyphaseolin. (Rastogi RP and Mehrotra BN). (41)
- HPLC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts of four root samples yielded eight phytoestrogens i.e., daidzein (4'-7-dihydroxyisoflavone), daidzin (daidzein-7-glucoside), genistein (4'5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), genistin (genistein-7-glucoside), formononetin (7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone), ononine (formononetin-7-glucoside), glycitein (4',7-dihydroxy-g-methoxy-isoflavone), and coumestrol. (56)

Properties
- Sweet root is said to contain a glycyrrhizin, a saponin glycoside, that is roughly 50 times sweeter than cane sugar.
- Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic, alterative, diuretic and laxative.
- Considered antibacterial, anti-hepatotoxic, estrogenic, antifungal, antihemorrhoidal, antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiulcer.
- Studies have suggested antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, wound healing, memory enhancing, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, antiandrogenic, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, skin lightening, cerebroprotective, mast-cell stabilizing, anti-tussive, hair growth stimulatory, antiulcer, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antiasthma properties.


Parts used
Roots, leaves, and rhizomes

Uses
Culinary / Edibility
- The fruit, seeds and young leaves are used for flavoring. (Once used to flavor licorice candies, but most licorice candy is now flavored with anise oil.)
- Valued for its sweetness – glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice, is 50 times sweeter than table sugar.
Folkloric

- Infusion of the rootstock used for cough, colds, bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness and dysuria.
- Powdered roots used as expectorant.
- Strong decoction is laxative.
- Decoction: 20 gms for 1 liter of water, 4 ti 5 cups daily.
- In China, it is an ingredient in many remedies and used for spasmodic cough.
In ancient Greece, China and Egypt, used for gastritis and UGI tract ailments.
Others
Ritual: Ancient Egyptians used a licorice drink to honor the spirits of the Pharaohs.

Studies
Antimicrobial / Glabridin / Roots:
Study investigated the antimicrobial potential of Gg roots. Glabridin was identified as potentially active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. It also showed activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains of bacteria. (1)
Antimicrobial / Leaves: Study of antimicrobial activity of various extracts of leaves were studied and compared to root extract activities. The root and leaf extracts showed dose-dependent activity against Candida albicans and tested gram-positive bacteria. The ethanolic extracts of leaves was the most active against gram-positive bacteria.
Antioxidant / Anti-Cancer:
Study yielded a new chacone derivative, neoligban lipid esters and seven known phenolic compounds. Hispaglabridin B, isoliquirtigenin, and paratocarpin B were found to be potent antioxidant agents. Isoliquirtigenin also demonstrated to prevent the incidence of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon and lung tumors in mice when administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg. (2)
Memory Enhancement Effect: Aqueous extract of G glabra significantly improved learning and memory of mice and also reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam and scopolamine. Its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties may be contributing to the memory enhancement effect through facilitation of the cholinergic-transmission in mouse brain. (
3)
Anti-Allergic: Study yielded main components as glycyrrhizin, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritin, and liquiritigenin were isolated from licorice, and their anti-allergic effects, such as anti-scratching behavior and IgE production-inhibitory activity, were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.
Antiallergic effects of licorice are were attributed to glycyrrhizin, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, and liquiritigenin, which can relieve IgE-induced allergic diseases such as dermatitis and asthma. (4)
Hepatoprotective: Study evaluated the potential efficacy of Gg in protecting tissues from peroxidative damage in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Results showed Gg to be a potential antioxidant and attenuates the hepatotoxic effect of CCL4. (5)
Osteoporosis Benefit: Hexane extract of Gg showed an inhibitory effect on bone resorption of about 40% at dilution of 1:10,000 without being toxic. (
6)
T-cell Expression Enhancement: A double-blind randomized pilot study showed CD25 expression on T cells significantly increased in subjects ingesting Echinacea with notable increases in activation from Astragalus membranaceous and Glycyrrhiza glabra. (
8)
Anti-Androgenic: Reduction of serum testosterone has been reported with G glabra. This study showed the alcoholic extract of G glabra to have antiandrogenic properties possibly through increased testosterone metabolism, down-regulation of androgen receptors or activation of estrogen receptors. (
9)
Hypolipidemic: G glabra has been known to contain hypolipidemic compounds and flavonoids with high antioxidant properties. The study showed GG significantly decreased TC, LDL and TG levels while increasing HDL and lessening atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta. The effect was probably through to an effect on plasma lipoproteins, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (
10)
Cerebro-protective: Study on the aqueous extracts of roots of G glabra showed it possesses a cerebroprotective effect in hypoxic rats which may be mediated through its antioxidant effects. (
11)
Phytoesterogens / Roots: Study analyzing the phytoestrogen content
of GG roots harvested in Syria yielded eight phytoestrogen compounds. All tested extracts contain daidzein, daidzin, genistein, formononetin, ononin and coumestrol. (12)
Anticonvulsant: Study showed the ethanolic extract of G. glabra inhibits PTZ- (pentylenetetrazol) and lithium-pilocarpine-induced convulsions but not MES-induced (maximum electroshock seizure) convulsions. (13)
Glabridin / Memory and Learning Benefits: Glabridin is a major active isoflavan from Glycyrrhiza glabra. Study investigated the effect of chronic treatment with glabridin on cognitive function in untreated diabetic and glabridin-treated diabetic rats. Results showed improved learning and memory in non-diabetic rats and reversal of learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. The effect was attributed, possibly, to the combined antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anticholinesterase properties of glabridin. Results suggested a potential use in the management of demented diabetic patients. (15)
Pharmacology / Toxicology of Glycyrrhizin: Licorice extracts and its main component, glycyrrhizin, are extensively used in foods, tobacco and herbal medicinal formulations. In the US, estimated consumption is 0.027-3.6 mg glycyrrhizin/kg/day. Glycyrrhizinates can inhibit 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for inactivating cortisol. High level exposure can produce hypermineralocorticoid-like effects in both animals and humans. Other studies have shown anti-ulcer, anti-viral, and anti-genotoxic properties. The study proposes an acceptable daily intake of 0.015-0.229 mg glycyrrhizin KBW per day. (16)
Antibacterial / Roots: Study of root extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against two gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and two gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria. (17) Study of ethanol root extract of G. glabra showed antibacterial activity on selected oral microbes. (48)
Blood Glucose / Anti-Diabetic Effects: Study shows Gg affects peroxisome proliferation activated receptors, thereby regulating the expression of genes that play an important role in glucose metabolism. (18)
Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity / Synergistic Herb-Herb Interaction: Pretreatment
of mast cell with Liquorice extract, Solanum xanthocarpum extract, and Adhatoda vasica extract showed significant protection against experimentally induced degranulation.(19)
Alleviation of Functional Dyspepsia: In a randomized, DB, placebo-controlled study, GutGard, an extract of Gg, showed significant efficacy in the management of functional dyspepsia. (20)
Excessive Use During Pregnancy / Adverse Effects on Child's IQ and Behavior: (1) Science News report that excessive consumption of licorice by expectant mothers may adversely affect the child's intelligence and behavior - children did not perform as well in cognitive tests and were more likely to have poor attention spans and exhibit disruptive behavior (ADHD). The effects were attributed to glycyrrhizin in licorice, affecting the placental barrier and allowing stress hormones (glucocorticoids) fetal brain development. (2)
Preterm Birth Risks: Heavy licorice consumptions has been associated with shorter gestation. Study showed heavy glycyrrhizin consumption versus lower level consumption was associated with a two-fold increased risk of preterm (<37 weeks) delivery. (22)
Effect on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Function in Children: Prenatal overexposure to glucocorticoids is a mechanism that may adversely "program" the function of the HPAA. Glycyrrhizin in licorice potently inhibits 11B-hyroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, the feto-placental barrier to the higher maternal cortisol levels. Study results showed dose-dependent pre-natal 'programming' of HPAA function by overexposure to glucocorticoids. (24)
Prenatal Use / Adverse Effects on Child's IQ and Behavior:Study concludes prenatal exposure to glycyrrhiza dose-dependently predicts poorer verbal and visuospatial abilities and narrative memory, as well as increased risk of externalizing symptoms, attention, rule-breaking and aggression problems in children. (25)
Protective against Cadmium and Oxidative Induced DNA Damage: Study showed G. glabra extracts provided increased resistance of DNA against CdCl2 induced genetic and oxidative damage in human lymphocytes. (26)
Protective against Cadmium and Oxidative Induced DNA Damage: Study in peptic ulcer patients compared quadruple therapy of amoxicillin, metronidazole, omeprazole, and bismuth subnitrate with a regimen that replaced bismuth subnitrate with licorice. Results suggest licorice could be a replacement for BSN in treatment with quadruple therapy when the regimen is not available. (27)
Effect of Yashtimadhu on Mental Intelligence and Memory Function in Male Students: A formulation from crude powder prepared from roots was used in evaluating mental intelligence and memory function in male students. Results showed Yashtimadhu consumption improves general intelligence rather than STM (short term memory). (28)
Antibacterial / Oral Pathogens: Study evaluated the antibacterial activity of G. glabra against oral pathogens. Results showed good antibacterial activity against six pathogens and suggests a good candidate to control dental caries and endodontic infections. (30)
Antidyslipidemic / Roots: Study evaluated an ethanolic extract of root and its fractions for antidyslipidemic activity on HFD induced dyslipidemic hamsters. Results showed reduced cholesterol levels which could be due to both phytosterol and saponin content of the GG root.(31)
Effects of Androgenic Alopecia / Roots: Study showed a petroleum ether extract of roots of G. glabra possess anti-androgenic alopecia activity comparable to that of finasteride, the standard drug recommended for androgenic alopecia. (32)
Antitussive: Study evaluated the antitussive activity of ethanol extracts of G. glabra and Adhatoda vasica in a cough model induced by sulphur dioxide gas in mice. Results showed the extracts exerted significant antitussive effect in experimental induced cough reflex in mice comparable to the standard drug codeine sulfate. (33)
Antiarthritic / Synergism with Boswellia serrata: Combined formulation of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Boswellia serrata at 1:1 proportion showed significant synergistic action in freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. (34)
Anti-Inflammatory / Anti-Ulcer / Lipid Effects: Study of root extract showed significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides without any significant reductions in HDl, LDL, and VLDL. The extracts also showed marked anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects in male rats. (35)
Silver Nanoparticles from Root Extracts: Plants provide an environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis process without using toxic chemicals in the synthesis protocols. In the study, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract as reducing agent. (36)
Antimalarial / 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid : Study investigated roots of G. glabra for anti-malarial activity. Study isolated 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid as a major constituent. in vitro studies against P. falcifarum showed significant anti-malarial potential. In-silico study showed GA possesses drug-like properties. In vivo study showed dose-dependent antimalarial activity. (37)
• Skin Lightening / Skin Tightening / Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity: Liquorice extract has been reported to be an effective pigment-lightening agent, the safest with the least side effects. Glabridin in the hydrophobic fraction of liquorice extract inhibits tyrosinase activity in cultured B16 murine melanoma cells. Other active compounds i.e., glabrene, Licochalcone A, and Isoliquiritin may also contribute to inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Liquirtin in the extract disperse melanin, inducing skin tightening. Antioxidant content may also contribute in decreasing the skin melanin content. (39)
• Hair-Growth Stimulatory Activity: A hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice has shown good hair growth promoting activity. Compared to standard drug Minoxidil (2%), a 2% concentration of liquorice extract showed better hair growth stimulatory activity than Minoxidil. (39)
• Pharmacological Mini-Review: This review summarized distribution, ethnobotany, major secondary metabolites, ethnopharmacology and potential medicinal uses of Glycyrrhiza glabra. It suggests that extracts of GG be experimentally validated for drug-food-extract interactions in clinical setup. (see constituents above) (40)
• Mechanisms of Action: Beneficial effects of licorice can be attributed to several mechanisms. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhzic acid inhibit growth and cytopathology of various RNA and DNA viruses, including Hepatitis A9 and C, herpes zoster, HIV, herpes simplex and CMV. Glycyrrhizin and metabolites inhibit hepatic metabolism of aldosterone. Licorice constituents exhibited steroid-like anti-inflammatory activity via, in part, to inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity. Glycyrrhizic acid affects inflammatory processes via inhibition of COX activity, prostaglandin formation and platelet aggregation. (41)
• Inhibitory Effect on Inflammation-Associated Corneal Neovascularization / Glycyrrhizin: CNV is one of the major causes of blindness around the world, affecting about 4.14% of the world population. The cause is molecular imbalance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Study evaluated the effect of G. glabra methanol extract and glycyrrhizin for treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV) using topical solutions of ME (2% w/v) and glycyrrhizin (1% w/v). Results showed considerable decrease in CNV. The major compound, glycyrrhizin, was not able to completely impede CNV, suggesting other constituents may be responsible for the effect. Further studies to determine exact molecular mechanisms were suggested. (42)
• Effect on HSP90 Gene Expression and Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cell Line / Roots: Study of ethanol root extracts showed G. glabra inhibited proliferation of HT-29 cell line as evidenced by highest rate of cell death by tryptan blue and MTT assays. Results suggested G. glabra has ability to induce apoptosis in HT-29 cells, thus confirming its anticancer property. (43)
• Drug Interactions: (1) Warfarin (Major): Interacts with licorice. Licorice increases breakdown of warfarin (coumadin) which may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. (2) Digoxin (Moderate): Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium can increase the side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin). (3) Estrogens (Moderate): Licorice may decrease the effects of estrogen pills. (4) Furosemide (Moderate): Licorice and furosemide (lasix) together may result in increased potassium loss. (5) Antihypertensive medications (Moderate): Large intake of licorice seem to increase blood pressure which may decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications like losartan, enalapril, amlodipine, furosemide, diltiazem, and many others. (See WedMD) (44)
• Antiulcerogenic / Toxicological Studies / Roots: Study evaluated the antiulcer property of G. glabra roots in ethanol induced ulcers in albino rats. Results showed very significant antiulcer activity at 77.7% after 15 days and 90% after 30 days of therapy. Acute oral toxicity study showed the extract to be safe up to a dose of 2,500 mg. Histopathology studies of vital organs showed no evidence of toxicity. (45)
• Antiasthma / Comparison with Boswellia carterii: Study evaluated the bronchorelaxant effect of Boswellia carterii (Olibanum) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) in 54 patients with chronic bronchial asthma (CBA). Patients showed significant elevation in FEV1. While both G. glabra and B. carterii can be used for prophylaxis and relief of CBA, results showed better symptomatic improvement and superiority of licorice over olibanum for chronic bronchial asthma. (46)
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study of G. glabra extract by protein denaturation assay and using aspirin as control showed very good anti-inflammatory activity. It has comparatively less side effects compared to aspirin. Its anti-inflammatory activities may be enhanced by purification of active compounds and determination of proper dosages. (47)
• Antibacterial / Glycosides Extract: Study evaluated the effect of a glycoside extract of G. glabra on three bacterial strains i.e., E. Coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus by agar diffusion (GN) and diffusion in liquid medium (MH). Results showed inhibitory effect on S. aureus and P aeruginosa, with no effect on E. coli strain. (49)
• Effect on Insulin Resistance and Adipokines / Clinical Trial: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial evaluated the effects of dried licorice extract along with calorie restricted diet, on body composition, insulin resistance and adipokines in overweight and obese subjects. Results showed supplementation with dried licorice extract plus a low calorie diet increased vaspin levels in obsee subjects. However, the anti-obesity effects of the intervention were not stronger than a low-calorie diet alone in the management of obesity. (Note: Link 51 is a study on Vaspin in Obesity and diabetes) (50)
• Neurologic Effects / Review: Review provides studies and evidence on the neuroprotective effects of licorice both in molecular/cellular and human/animal in vivo studies, with effects in acute and chronic neurologica disorders including ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Study suggests safety in therapeutic doses for optimization of treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders and decreasing the extent of neural tissue damage and neurologic deficits after cerebrovascular accidents. (52)
• Effect on Extract and Aerobic Exercise on Attitude of Menopausal Women: Study evaluated the effect of G. glabra plant and exercise on the attitude of menopausal women. Results showed consumption of G. glabra and a program of aerobic exercise have complementary effects and may have an impact in improving women's attitude toward menopause. (53)
• Memory Strenghtening Effect / Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Models: Study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of G. glabra on learning and memory using elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance paradigms. Results showed significant improvement in learning and memory of mice. The dose of 150 mg/kg reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam, scopolamine, and ethanol. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may contribute to the memory enhancing effect. The beneficial effect may be due to facilitation of cholinergic transmission in the brain. Results suggest G. glabra has promise as a memory enhancer in both exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models of memory. (54)
• Toxicological Effects / Review: While licorice is known for beneficial pharmacological effects, relevant articles report negative impacts in health. The review reports on studies on toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin in acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic and chronic states, and discusses the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental toxicity of licorice and glycyrrhizin. Important side effects are hypertension and hypokalemic-induced secondary disorders. (55)
• Antifungal Against Oral Candida albicans / Comparative Analysis: Study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of three medicinal plants viz., G. glabra bark, Ficus religiosa stem, and Plantago major husk against oral Candida albicans. All three showed acceptable potency against C. albicans comparable to synthetic antifungal agents. Glycyrrhiza glabra was the most effective of the three. (57)
• Anti-Herpes simplex Virus Activity: Study evaluated the effects of G. glabra root extract on HSV-1. Results showed significant difference in extract efficacy with regard to incubation period, effects of cells pretreated with licorice root extract, and preincubation of HSV1 with licorice. Study showed characteristics of a novel antiviral medication. (58)
• Antinociceptive / Roots: Study investigated the antinociceptive activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of G. glabra roots using different pain models in Swiss albino mice using acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions, formalin induced hyperalgesia, and tail flick models. Results showed both extracts exhibited anti-nociceptive activity by central and peripheral mechanisms. (59)
• Wound Healing / Cream Formulation: Study evaluated the wound healing effect of licorice on open skin wounds in rabbits using cream preparations of 5, 10, and 15% (w/w) extract in eucerin base. Dexpanthenol ointment was used as standard control. The 10% licorice cream showed potent healing activity, better than the dexpanthenol cream. (60)

Toxicity concerns
At high doses, may produce potentially severe side effects – hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention.
Most adverse effects attributed to glycyrrhiza (glycyrrhizic acid). Processing can remove the glycyrrhiza to produce DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) without the metabolic side effects of the unprocessed licorice.
Heavy consumption has been associated with increased risk of preterm birth. (see studies above)

Availability
Wildcrafted.
Extracts, tea, flavorings, and supplements in the cybermarket.

Updated October 2018 / August 2014

Photo ©Godofredo Stuart / StuartXchange
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Glycyrrhiza glabra / File:Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg / Flora de Filipinas / 1880 - 1883 / Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885, Gera, Germany / Public Domain / Permission granted to use under GFDL by Kurt Stueber / Wikipedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) / Drawing / Chest Of Books
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Photo / Flower (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) / Andrea Moro / Creative Commons Attribution / click on photo to see source image / alterVISTA

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Antimicrobial potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots / Vivek K. Guptaa, Atiya Fatimaa, Uzma Faridia et al / Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Volume 116, Issue 2, 5 March 2008, Pages 377–380
(2)
Anti-oxidant constituents of the roots and stolons of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). / Chin YW, Jung HA, Liu Y, Su BN, Castoro JA, Keller WJ, Pereira MA, Kinghorn AD. / J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jun 13;55(12):4691-7. Epub 2007 May 22.
(3)
Memory enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in mice / Dinesh Dhingra et al / Journal of Ethnopharmacology • Volume 91, Issues 2-3, April 2004, Pages 361-36 / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.01.016
(4)
In vitro and in vivo antiallergic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its components / Shin YW, Bae EA, Lee B, Lee SH, Kim JA, Kim YS, Kim DH. / Planta Med. 2007 Mar;73(3):257-61. Epub 2007 Feb 28.
(5)
Protective activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. on carbon tetrachloride-induced peroxidative damage / MG Rajesh, MS Latha / Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2004,Vol 36, No.: 5, Pp: 284-287
(6)
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA PLANT EXTRACTS FOR TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS AND THE EXTRACTION PROCESS THEREOF
/ WIPO Patent Application WO/2008/007214 / Free Patents OnLine
(7)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) / Medline Plus
(8)
The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD25 expression in humans: a pilot study / Heather Swickey, Julie Bush et al / Phytotherapy Research • Vol 21 Issue 11, pg 1109-1112 / 10.1002/ptr.2207 About DOI
(9)
Antiandrogenic activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra in male rats
/ Zamansoltani, F et al / International Journal of Andrology, Volume 32, Number 4, August 2009 , pp. 417-422(6) / DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00944.x
(10)
Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on Aorta Wall Atherosclerotic Lesion in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits / S Asgary, N Jafari Dinani et al / Pakistan Journ of Nutrition 6 (4): 313-317, 2007
(11)
Cerebroprotective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. root extract on hypoxic rats / P. Muralidharan et al / Bangladesh J Pharmacol 2009; 4: 60-64 / DOI: 10.3329/bjp.v4i1.105
(12)
HPLC-MS STUDY OF PHYTOESTROGENS FROM GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA
/ Ibrahim Khalaf, Laurian Vlase et al / FARMACIA, 2010, Vol. 58, 1
(13)
ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF ROOTS AND RHIZOMES OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA / Shirish D Ambawade, Veena Kasture, Sanjay Kasture / Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2002; 34: 251-255
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Sorting Glycyrrhiza names / MULTILINGUAL MULTISCRIPT PLANT NAME DATABASE / Copyright © 1995 - 2020, I.L.F.R. - The University of Melbourne / Maintained by Michel H. Porcher
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Glabridin as a major active isoflavan from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) reverses learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. / Hasanein P / Acta Physiol Hung. 2011 Jun;98(2):221-30.
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Risk and safety assessment on the consumption of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), its extract and powder as a food ingredient, with emphasis on the pharmacology and toxicology of glycyrrhizin. / Isbrucker RA, Burdock GA. / Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2006 Dec;46(3):167-92. Epub 2006 Aug 1.
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Studies of Antibacterial Activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract / Manoj M. Nitalikar, Kailas C. Munde, Balaji V. Dhore, Sajid N. Shikalgar / International Journal of PharmTech ResearchI, Vol.2, No.1, pp 899-901, Jan-Mar 2010
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Study of Glycyrrhiza glabra on glucose uptake mechanism in rats / Nitin Gupta, Sateesh Belemkar, Puneet Kumar Gupta and Ashish Jain / International Journal of Drug Discovery and Herbal Research, 1(2): April-June: (2011), 50-51
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Study on Herb-herb Interaction Potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra with Solanum xanthocarpum and Adhatoda vasica on Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity / Ravi A. Manek, Navin R. Sheth, Jitendra D. Vaghasiya, Shailesh V. Malaviya, Nurudin P. Jivani and J R. Chavda / International Journal of Pharmacology, 2011, Vol 7, No: 5,Pp 589-598 / DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2011.589.598
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An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study / Kadur Ramamurthy Raveendra, Jayachandra, Venkatappa Srinivasa, Kadur Raveendra Sushma et al / Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 216970, 9 pages / doi:10.1155/2012/216970
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Leaves Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. / Mahboubeh Irani, Marziyeh Sarmadi, Françoise Bernard, Gholam Hossein Ebrahimi pour and Hossein Shaker Bazarnov / Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2010), 9 (4): 425-428
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Preterm Birth and Licorice Consumption during Pregnancy / Timo E. Strandberg, Sture Andersson, Anna-Liisa Järvenpää and Paul M. McKeigue / American Journal of Epidemiology Volume 156, Issue 9Pp. 803-805
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Eating Licorice In Pregnancy May Affect A Child's IQ And Behavior / Science Daily, Oct 2009
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Maternal prenatal licorice consumption alters hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function in children.
/ Räikkönen K, Seckl JR, Heinonen K, Pyhälä R, Feldt K, Jones A, Pesonen AK, Phillips DI, Lahti J, Järvenpää AL, Eriksson JG, Matthews KA, Strandberg TE, Kajantie E. / Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2010 Nov;35(10):1587-93. Epub 2010 May 26.
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Maternal Licorice Consumption and Detrimental Cognitive and Psychiatric Outcomes in Children / Katri Räikkönen*, Anu-Katriina Pesonen, Kati Heinonen et al / American Journal of Epidemiology Volume 170, Issue 9Pp. 1137-1146
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In vitro studies on protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts against cadmium-induced genetic and oxidative damage in human lymphocytes. / Dirican E, Turkez H / Cytotechnology. 2014 Jan;66(1):9-16. / doi: 10.1007/s10616-012-9531-5. Epub 2013 Jan 17.
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The healing effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on Helicobacter pylori infected peptic ulcers
/ Marjan Rahnama, Davood Mehrabani, [...], and Mehdi Saberi Firoozi / Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Jun 2013; 18(6):532-533
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Effect of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) on Intelligence and Memory Function in Male Adolescents / A.K. Teltumbde, A.K. Wahurwagh, M.K. Lonare* and T.M. Nesari / Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SJAMS) Sch. J. App. Med. Sci., 2013; 1(2):90-95
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Phytochemical Constituent, Pharmacological Activities and Medical Uses Through the Millenia of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn: A Review / Asha Roshan et al / International Research Journal of Pharm, 2012, 3(8).
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Antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra against oral pathogens: an in vitro study / Fereshteh Sedighinia, Akbar Safipour Afshar, Saman soleimanpour1, Reza zarif, Javad Asili, Kiarash Ghazvini / Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, Vol. 2, No. 3, Summer 2012, 118-124
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ANTIDYSLIPIDAEMIC ACTIVITY OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA IN HIGH FRUCTOSE DIET INDUCED DSYSLIPIDAEMIC SYRIAN GOLDEN HAMSTERS / Santosh Kumar Maurya, Kanwal Raj* and Arvind Kumar Srivastava / Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2009 / 24 (4) 404-409
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POTENTIALITY OF PETROLEUM ETHER (60-80) °C EXTRACT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ON ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA / UPADHYAY SUKIRTI * AND SINGH VIJENDER / Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 6, Suppl 3, 2013, 52-55
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STUDY OF ANTITUSSIVE POTENTIAL OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA AND ADHATODA VASICA USING A COUGH MODEL INDUCED BY SULPHUR DIOXIDE GAS IN MICE
/ Yasmeen Jahan* and H.H. Siddiqui / IJPSR, 2012; Vol. 3(6): 1668-1674
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Anti-arthritic activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Boswellia serrata and their synergistic activity in combined formulation studied in freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats / N.K.Mishra*, S. Bstia, G. Mishra, K.A. Chowdary, S. Patra / J Pharm Educ Res Vol. 2, Issue No. 2, December 2011
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SOME EFFECTS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LIQUORICE) ROOTS EXTRACT ON MALE RATS
/ Mostafa A.Shalaby*, Hoda S. Ibrahim, Elham M. Mahmoud and Amal F. Mahmoud / Egyptian Journal of Natural Toxins, Vol. 1: 83-94, Dec. 2004.
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Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract / S. Dinesh, S. Karthikeyan and P. Arumugam / Archives of Applied Science Research, 2012, 4 (1):178-187
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In Silico and In Vivo Anti-Malarial Studies of 18β Glycyrrhetinic Acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra / Komal Kalani, Jyoti Agarwal, Sarfaraz Alam, Feroz Khan, Anirban Pal mail, Santosh Kumar Srivastava / PLoS ONE 8(9): e74761 / doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074761
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Glycyrrhiza glabra / Synonyms / The Plant List
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Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) - a potent medicinal herb / Monica Damle / International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2014; 2(2): pp 132-136
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Pharmacological Perspective of Glycyrrhiza glabraLinn.: a Mini-Review / Ajit Kumar Thakur and Pooja Raj / Journal of Analytical & Pharmaceutical Research, 2017; Vol 5, Issue 5 / DOI: 10.15406/japlr.2017.05.00156
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn) As a Valuable Medicinal Plant / Jalal Bayati Zadeh, Zahra Moradi Kor, Masoud Karimi Goftar / International journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research, 2013; 1(10): pp 1281-1288
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Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Its Major Constituent Glycyrrhizin on Inflammation-Associated Corneal Neovascularization / Syed Lugman Shah, Fazli Wahid, Nooruliah Khan, Umar Farooq, Abdul Jabbar Shah, Shah Tareen Fiaz Ahmad, and Taous Khan / Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018; 2018: 8438101 / doi:  10.1155/2018/8438101 / PMID: 29849730
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Effect of Root Extracts of Medicinal Herb Glycyrrhiza glabra on HSP90 Gene Expression and Apoptosis in the HT-29 Colon Cancer Cell Line. / Nourazarian SM, Nourazarian A, Majidinia M, Roshaniasi E / Asian Pac J Cancer Prev., 2015;16(18): pp 8563-6. / PMID: 26745117
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Drug Interactions / WebMD
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Antiulcerogenic and Toxicological Studies of Glycyrrhiza glabra Roots Available in Local Market of Karachi
/ Nudrat Fatima, Mansoor Ahmad, Shazia Syed, Hina Imran and Zahra Yaqeen / Karachi University Journal of Science, 2008; 36(1&2): pp 5-8
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Glycyrrhiza glabra versus Boswellia carterii in chronic bronchial asthma: A comparative study of efficacy / Faruk H. Al-Jawad, Ra AM Al-Razzuqi, Hashim M. Hashim, Nisreen JM Al-Bayati / Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Jan-Jun 2012; 26(1) / DOI: 10.4103/0972-6691.104437
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Anti Inflammatory Activity of Glycrrhiza glabra Extract-An in vitro Study / S. Jitesh, R. V. Geetha / J. Pharm. Sci & Res., 2017; 9(4): pp 451-452
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In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Oral microbes / Geetha R.V and Anitha Roy / International Journal of Drug Development & Research, Oct-Dec 2012; 4(4): pp 161-165
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Effect of glycosides extract of the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra L. from the region of Mlilli (southeast of Algeria) on the growth of some human pathogenic bacteria / Kriker Soulef, Yahia Abdelouahab, Boukhari Dalal / Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research, 2014; 3 (1): pp 28-34
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Changes of Insulin Resistance and Adipokines Following Supplementation with Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. Extract in Combination with a Low-Calorie Diet in Overweight and Obese Subjects: a Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial / Mohammad Alizadeh, Nazli Namazi, Elham Mirtaheri, Nafiseh Sargheini, Sorayya Kheirouri / Adv Pharm Bull. 2018; 8(1): pp 123-130 / doi:10.15171/apb.2018.015 / PMCID: PMC5896387
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Vaspin in obesity and diabetes: pathophysiological and clinical significance. / Blüher M / Endocrine,  Apr 2012; 41(2): pp 176-82. / doi: 10.1007/s12020-011-9572-0
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Neurologic effects of licorice: A review / Parsa Ravanfar, Golnaz Namazi, Afshin Borhani-Haqhighi, Shaghayegh Zafarmand / Plant Review, 2018; 12(23): pp 115-119
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Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and aerobic exercise on the attitude of postmenopausal women to menopause / Parvaneh Asgari, Fatemeh Bahramnezhad, Mohammad Golitaleb, Fatemeh Salehi, Razieh Mokhtari, Fatemeh Rafiei / J Bas Res Med Sci, 2017; 4(4): pp 1-7.
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Memory-Strengthening Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Behavioral Models / Milind Parle, Dinesh Dhingra, S K Kulkarni / Journal of Medicinal Food, 2004; 7(4) / https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2004.7.462
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Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review / Somayeh Nazari, Maryam Rameshrad, Hossein Hosseinzadeh / Phytotherapy Research, Nov 2017; 31(11): pp 1635-1650
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HPLC-MS STUDY OF PHYTOESTROGENS FROM GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA / IBRAHIM KHALAF, LAURIAN VLASE, DOINA LAZĂR, ANDREIA CORCIOVĂ, BIANCA IVÃNESCU, MIHAI IOAN LAZĂR / FARMACIA, 2010; Vol. 58(1): pp 89-94
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Antifungal efficacy of three medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabraFicus religiosa, and Plantago major against oral Candida albicans: A comparative analysis. / Sharma H, Yunus G Y, Agrawal R, Kalra M, Verma S, Bhattar S. / Indian J Dent Res, 2016; 27(4): pp 433-6
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The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Herpes Simplex Virus1 /  Masoud Sabouri Ghannad, Avid Mohammadi, Sohayla Safiallahy, Javad Faradmal, Mona Azizi  and  Zohreh Ahmadvand /Microbiol. 2014 ;7(7):e11616. / doi: 10.5812/jjm.11616.
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Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Roots of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Linn. / Amol Bhandage, Kavita Shevkar, Vaishali Undale. / Journal of Pharmacy Research, 2009; 2(5): pp 803-807
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Effect of Licorice on Wound Healing In Rabbits / Alsayed, A. Zaki; Mohammed, H. El-Bakry and Alaa, A. Fahmy / The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, Sept 2005; Vol 20: pp 58-65

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