licorice extract

Licorice extract is a concentrated preparation derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, traditionally used in herbal medicine, food, and topical products. Its main bioactive components include glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone, which confer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and estrogenic activities[1][3][5]. Glycyrrhizin can inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and bind to glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, influencing cortisol metabolism and exhibiting mineralocorticoid effects[3]. The flavones liquiritigenin and others may selectively activate the estrogen receptor beta. Licorice extract has traditionally been used for gastrointestinal disorders (including peptic ulcers and gastritis), upper respiratory infections, skin ailments, menopausal symptoms, and as an adjunct in oral and dental health[1][4][5]. It is also being investigated for neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anticancer effects. Glycyrrhizin and other phytochemicals in the extract are responsible for its potential therapeutic uses and characteristic sweet flavor, but also for its adverse effects, including risk of hypertension and hypokalemia with prolonged or high-dose use[6][7].

Brand names

GlycyronDGLother regional supplement product names

Other names

licorice root extractGlycyrrhiza glabra extractRadix glycyrrhizae extractsweet root extractlicorice root