Licorice Herb
Glycyrrhiza glabra
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.
| Botanical name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: YASTI (Stem &Root) |
| Also called | Glycyrrhiza uralensis (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Also known as | Licorice Herb, LicoriceHerb |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2965732 · Wikidata Q52502809 · NCBI Taxonomy 49827 |
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-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 (liquiritigenin, 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-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, 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 (respiratory synergy for cough)
- Amalaki (gastric mucosal protection)
- Tulsi (immunomodulatory and respiratory)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective)
- Ashwagandha (adaptogenic and adrenal support)
- Pippali (Trikatu formulation for respiratory conditions)
Available from Age Ayurveda
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YastimadhuSingle-herb licorice root, traditionally used to support throat comfort and digestive balance.
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