# Yashtimadhu

> Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant used in Ayurveda. WHO Monograph on Radix Glycyrrhizae published in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volume 1, 1999). NF-kB pathway inhibition: Glycyrrhizin blocks HMGB1-TLR4-NF-kB signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) in macrophages.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Glycyrrhiza glabra
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO Monograph on Radix Glycyrrhizae published in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volume 1, 1999). European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a Community Herbal Monograph for Glycyrrhiza glabra/inflata/uralensis radix with well-established and traditional use designations. Listed in European Pharmacopoeia (minimum 4% glycyrrhizic acid), British Pharmacopoeia, and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. ESCOP monograph available. NCCIH (US NIH) maintains an active safety information page. Most extensively documented herb in international pharmacopeias among the five researched.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Yashtimadhu |

## How does it work?

- NF-kB pathway inhibition: [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) blocks HMGB1-TLR4-NF-kB signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) in macrophages.
- NLRP3 inflammasome: Inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome initiation and activation, attenuating IL-18, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and PGE2 levels.
- MAPK pathway: Attenuates activation of JNK, p38, and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases.
- Multi-pathway anti-inflammatory: Modulates NF-kB, MAPK, COX/LOX, and JAK/STAT pathways simultaneously.
- Neuroprotection: Restores mTORC1-AMPK1 axis in autophagic regulation, preventing mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis in Parkinson's models.
- Anti-ulcer: Prevents adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to gastric mucosa. Network of 29 phytochemicals acting on 157 target genes.
- Antiviral: [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) inhibits viral replication and entry through multiple mechanisms including interference with viral surface glycoproteins.
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/): Modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses via regulation of cytokine networks.
- Pseudoaldosteronism mechanism: Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, preventing cortisol-to-cortisone conversion, leading to mineralocorticoid excess.
- Key active constituents: [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) (glycyrrhizic acid, ~10% dry weight), [glabridin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glabridin), [liquiritigenin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#liquiritigenin), [isoliquiritigenin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoliquiritigenin), licochalcone A, and 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid.

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Matte S, Wanjari M, Nalban N and others 2025. [Pharmacological mechanisms of Glycyrrhiza glabra in peptic ulcer: a systems biology and experimental approach](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41113164/). *In silico pharmacology*. PMID [41113164](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41113164/) · [doi:10.1007/s40203-025-00429-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-025-00429-y)  
  Network pharmacology analysis identified 29 phytochemicals and 157 common target genes involved in anti-ulcer mechanisms. Confirmed multi-target therapeutic approach for peptic ulcer management.
- Eltahir AOE, Omoruyi SI, Augustine TN and others 2024. [Neuroprotective Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Total Extract and Isolated Compounds](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39065703/). *Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [39065703](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39065703/) · [doi:10.3390/ph17070852](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070852)  
  First report of neuroprotective activities of novel compounds isolated from licorice species in an in vitro Parkinson's disease model. Active [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) inhibited cytotoxic pathways in neural tissues.
- Prajapati K, Mishra R, Jain V 2026. [A comprehensive review of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: ethnopharmacology, pharmacological mechanisms and synergistic therapeutic strategies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41177239/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [41177239](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41177239/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.120827](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120827)  
  Comprehensive review established that licorice modulates NF-kB, MAPK, COX/LOX, and JAK/STAT pathways, reducing synovial hyperplasia, protecting cartilage, and restoring immune balance in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Wang J, Ren C, Bi W and others 2023. [Glycyrrhizin mitigates acute lung injury by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36423713/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [36423713](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36423713/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115948](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115948)  
  [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) attenuates inflammation and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome initiation and NF-kB signalling pathway activation, alleviating acute lung injury both in vitro and in vivo.
- Chavan S, Bhuvad S, Kumbhalkar B and others 2023. [Lipid-based ayurvedic formulations of a single herb-Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Pharmaceutical standardization, shelf-life estimation and comparative characterization](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37104998/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [37104998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37104998/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100711](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100711)  
  Standardization study of Yashtimadhu [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) and Yashtimadhu Taila providing pharmaceutical quality parameters and shelf-life data for traditional licorice formulations.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- CRITICAL: Chronic use or large doses (>30g/day for several weeks) of licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism syndrome: hypertension, hypokalemia, sodium/water retention, suppressed renin and aldosterone.
- [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) threshold for mineralocorticoid side effects: 0.7-1.4g [glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) (equivalent to 10-14g crude herb) in normal subjects.
- Contraindicated in congestive heart failure, hypertension, renal disease, and hypokalemia.
- Drug interaction: [Potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) depletion increases risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (digitalis).
- Drug interaction: May potentiate effects of corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids.
- Drug interaction: May reduce efficacy of [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) medications by causing sodium/water retention.
- Drug interaction: May interact with diuretics, increasing risk of hypokalemia.
- Drug interaction: May interact with anticoagulants (warfarin) -- altered drug metabolism reported.
- NCCIH (US NIH) warns that licorice root supplements can cause serious side effects when consumed in large amounts or for extended periods.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) formulations have a significantly improved safety profile for GI applications.
- Avoid during pregnancy due to potential effects on cortisol metabolism and premature birth risk.

## 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), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha, Taila (medicated oil), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Lozenge/pastille, Syrup, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewable tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 250-500 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; DGL: 380-760 mg chewed before meals; NOT to exceed 6 weeks continuous use at full dose

**Bioavailability:** Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%); hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to glycyrrhetinic acid (18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid), which is the primary systemically active metabolite with high protein binding (>99%) and long half-life (6-10 hours). Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, causing pseudo-aldosteronism at doses >50 mg glycyrrhizin/day for >6 weeks. Liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin (flavonoids) have moderate bioavailability (~20-30%). DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice, glycyrrhizin <3%) avoids mineralocorticoid side effects.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for GI protection; before meals for appetite and digestive stimulation; with honey for respiratory conditions; limit to 4-6 weeks continuous use, then 2-week break

**Standardized Extract:** Standard root extract: >25% glycyrrhizin by HPLC; DGL extract: <3% glycyrrhizin with >10% total flavonoids; Glabridin-enriched extract (for skin lightening): >40% glabridin; total flavonoids >5%

**Shelf Life:** Dried root sticks: 36-48 months; Powder: 24 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months; DGL tablets: 24-36 months; Syrup: 18-24 months

**Storage:** Airtight containers at 15-25 deg C. Root sticks very stable if kept dry. Powder protected from moisture (moderately hygroscopic). DGL products in standard pharmaceutical packaging.

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

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Enzymatic hydrolysis for DGL preparation (removal of glycyrrhizin)
- Spray drying for instant powder
- Supercritical CO2 for flavonoid-rich fraction
- Hot water extraction for glycyrrhizin-rich fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda vasica) - respiratory combination ([expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) + demulcent)
- Amalaki - GI mucosal protection synergy
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) stress-relief combination
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) - respiratory immune support
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) - bioenhancer for Yashtimadhu flavonoids
- Milk as vehicle - cooling and Pitta-pacifying combination

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.