glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. Its dried roots and rhizomes are commonly known as licorice or licorice root. The plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its expectorant (mucus-clearing), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial/antiviral properties and adaptogenic effects[1][6][10]. The primary active compound is glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which is responsible for its characteristic sweetness—about 50 times sweeter than sugar—and many of its pharmacological effects[4][5][6]. Glycyrrhizin exhibits antioxidant activity and modulates inflammation by inhibiting enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis. Licorice root has been studied for potential benefits in treating peptic ulcers (by increasing gastric mucus production), skin conditions like eczema (anti-inflammatory effect), viral hepatitis C infection (antiviral effect), coughs/bronchitis (expectorant action), and other gastrointestinal complaints[1][4][5][6]. However most uses lack robust clinical evidence; excessive intake can cause serious side effects due to mineralocorticoid-like activity of glycyrrhizin leading to hypertension and hypokalemia[7].

Brand names

Stronger Neo-Minophagen CGlycyron

Other names

licoricelicorice rootsweet rootbois douxgan caoglycyrrhizae extractum crudumglycyrrhizae radixkanzolakridslakritzenwurzellicochalcone-Aliquiritiae radixrussian licoriceshao-yao-gan-cao-tangspanish licorice