ethanol extract of roasted licorice

Ethanol extract of roasted licorice (EERL) is a botanical preparation derived from the roots of the licorice plant (typically *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* or *Glycyrrhiza glabra*) that have undergone a thermal roasting process. This processing significantly modifies the chemical composition of the root, notably converting the major saponin glycyrrhizin into glycyrrhetinic acid and increasing the concentration of non-polar bioactive components such as licochalcone A. EERL has demonstrated potent anti-carcinogenic and pro-apoptotic activities in various cancer cell lines. Its mechanism of action involves the induction of apoptosis through the activation of caspases and the modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, as well as the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. By reducing glycyrrhizin levels through roasting, EERL is studied as a potentially safer alternative to raw licorice extracts, aiming to minimize mineralocorticoid-related adverse effects such as hypertension and edema associated with interference in steroid metabolism.

Other names

roasted licorice root ethanol extractethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis