# Licorice Herb

> Licorice Herb (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Limit continuous use to 4-6 weeks for glycyrrhizin-containing products. Bioavailability: Glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed by intestinal bacteria to glycyrrhetinic acid (active metabolite) with approximately 70-90% absorption.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Glycyrrhiza glabra

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Licorice_Herb |

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Lozenges, Syrup, Granules, Soft extract, Spray-dried extract, Chewable tablets

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g root powder per day; 250-500 mg standardized extract (DGL) up to 3 times daily; 5-15 mL syrup 3 times daily. Limit continuous use to 4-6 weeks for [glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin)-containing products.

**Bioavailability:** Glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed by intestinal bacteria to glycyrrhetinic acid (active metabolite) with approximately 70-90% absorption. Glycyrrhetinic acid has a long half-life (6-10 hours). [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([liquiritigenin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#liquiritigenin), [isoliquiritigenin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoliquiritigenin)) show moderate oral bioavailability enhanced by phospholipid complexation. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) bypasses mineralocorticoid side effects while retaining mucosal protective actions.

**Optimal Timing:** 30 minutes before meals for gastric protection (DGL); after meals for digestive comfort; between meals for adrenal support; before bed in warm milk for throat soothing

**Standardized Extract:** Full-spectrum extract standardized to 20-25% glycyrrhizic acid. DGL extract with less than 3% glycyrrhizin, standardized to minimum 10% flavonoids. [Glabridin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glabridin)-enriched extract (minimum 2.5% glabridin) for skin-lightening applications. Soft extract (4:1) as pharmaceutical excipient.

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for root powder; 36 months for dry extract in sealed containers; 24 months for capsules/tablets; 18 months for syrups; 24 months for lozenges

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Root powder is hygroscopic; protect from moisture (RH below 55%). Soft extract should be stored in well-closed containers to prevent drying. Liquid forms at room temperature away from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), Glycyrrhetinic acid (18-beta), Liquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin, Glabridin, [Liquiritin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#liquiritin), Glabrol, Licoricidin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (30-50% ethanol)
- Enzymatic hydrolysis for DGL production
- Supercritical CO2 for flavonoid-enriched extract
- Spray drying for instant granules
- Membrane filtration for glycyrrhizin removal (DGL)

### Synergistic Combinations

- Adhatoda/[Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (respiratory synergy for cough)
- Amalaki (gastric mucosal protection)
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and respiratory)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/))
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and adrenal support)
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) ([Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) formulation for respiratory conditions)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/licorice-herb/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.