glycyrrhizae radix

Glycyrrhizae radix (甘草), commonly known as licorice root or Gan Cao in Chinese medicine, is the dried root and rhizome of several Glycyrrhiza species—primarily *Glycyrrhiza uralensis*, but also *G. glabra* and *G. inflata*. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is widely used for its harmonizing properties in herbal formulas[5][7]. The main active compounds include glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), liquiritin, liquiritigenin, and other flavonoids and saponins[8][10]. These constituents confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive (cough-suppressing), hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-ulcer effects[2][6][8]. In TCM practice it is used to tonify Qi (“vital energy”), clear heat and toxins from the body, relieve coughs/phlegm/pain/spasms/sore throat/skin infections/food or drug poisoning symptoms; it also harmonizes the actions of other herbs within multi-herb formulas[1][3][7][9]. Modern research supports some uses for digestive complaints such as gastritis or ulcers; however excessive intake can cause adverse effects including hypertension due to mineralocorticoid activity from glycyrrhizin[4][5].

Brand names

Chinese licorice

Other names

Gan Caolicorice rootRadix Glycyrrhizae甘草Chinese licorice rootGlycyrrhiza uralensis root