Yashtimadhu

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Licorice (Liquorice)
Sanskrit	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 studies 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. Suggested possible multi-target mechanisms relevant to peptic ulcer.
• 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
  Review summarised evidence that licorice may modulate NF-kB, MAPK, COX/LOX, and JAK/STAT pathways relevant to 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.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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?

The marker compounds are listed under Dosage forms and preparation, below.

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

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

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

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