Glycyrrhiza inflata root extract

Glycyrrhiza inflata root extract is a **herbal preparation** derived from the roots of the Chinese licorice plant (*Glycyrrhiza inflata*), a member of the Fabaceae family. It contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds such as **flavonoids** (notably licochalcone A) and **glycyrrhetinic acid**, which are responsible for its well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, skin-soothing, hepatoprotective activities. The extract is widely used in traditional medicine systems across Asia for treating coughs, asthma, wounds, digestive issues like peptic ulcers or reflux disease as well as various skin conditions including eczema and redness. Modern research supports some benefits but also highlights safety concerns when consumed orally at high doses due to adverse cardiovascular effects linked to glycyrrhizin. While it interacts with several drugs through modulation of metabolic enzymes such as CYP450s or cellular transporters like P-gp—and thus can alter their efficacy or toxicity—it is not itself considered a molecular therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor but rather a complex botanical ingredient containing multiple active molecules.

Other names

Chinese licorice root extractLicorice root extract (from Glycyrrhiza inflata)Gan cao (Chinese name)Sweet rootLiquorice root extract

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways via flavonoids and glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhetinic acid interfering with receptor signaling and enzyme activity; Antioxidant scavenging of free radicals by plant flavonoids and related compounds; Modulation of liver enzymes including CYP450s, affecting drug metabolism in the liver