Yashtimadhu

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Yashtimadhu

How does it work?

• NF-kB pathway inhibition: Glycyrrhizin 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 inhibits viral replication and entry through multiple mechanisms including interference with viral surface glycoproteins.
• 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 (glycyrrhizic acid, ~10% dry weight), glabridin, liquiritigenin, 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. In silico pharmacology. PMID 41113164 · doi: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. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39065703 · doi: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 and 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 41177239 · doi: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. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 36423713 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115948
  Glycyrrhizin 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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 37104998 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100711
  Standardization study of Yashtimadhu 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 threshold for mineralocorticoid side effects: 0.7-1.4g glycyrrhizin (equivalent to 10-14g crude herb) in normal subjects.
• Contraindicated in congestive heart failure, hypertension, renal disease, and hypokalemia.
• Drug interaction: Potassium depletion increases risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac glycosides (digitalis).
• Drug interaction: May potentiate effects of corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids.
• Drug interaction: May reduce efficacy of 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 (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, 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 (Adhatoda vasica) - respiratory combination (expectorant + demulcent)
• Amalaki - GI mucosal protection synergy
• Ashwagandha - adaptogenic stress-relief combination
• Tulsi - respiratory immune support
• Pippali - bioenhancer for Yashtimadhu flavonoids
• Milk as vehicle - cooling and Pitta-pacifying combination