Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly called licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin and its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid as primary bioactive compounds. These molecules inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and modulate cortisol metabolism, while glycyrrhizin also suppresses viral replication and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity via prostaglandin pathway inhibition.

Origin & History

Mulathi, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herb originating from southern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is primarily harvested for its roots and rhizomes, which are rich in bioactive compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, extracted through methods such as decoction and percolation.

Historical & Cultural Context

Mulathi has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha as a rasayana for respiratory and digestive issues. Traditional Chinese medicine employs it for gastrointestinal ailments, cough, and bronchitis, showcasing its long-standing global medicinal use.

Health Benefits

• Reduces Streptococcus mutans in children when consumed as herbal lollipops, demonstrating oral health benefits (small trial, limited duration).
• Shows potential in reducing serum aminotransferases and improving liver histology in chronic hepatitis C patients (intravenous use, study specifics not detailed).
• May inhibit replication of Hepatitis C and influenza viruses, though human RCT details are sparse.
• Licorice extract can soothe peptic ulcers by enhancing mucus secretion and reducing gastric acid (systematic review/meta-analysis, no sample details).
• Anti-inflammatory effects observed in vitro with glycyrrhizin reducing cytokine activity.

How It Works

Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), preventing cortisol conversion to cortisone and producing mineralocorticoid-like effects. Glycyrrhetinic acid suppresses arachidonic acid cascade enzymes including phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis and downstream inflammatory signaling. Additionally, glycyrrhizin binds directly to thrombin and exhibits antiviral properties by inhibiting viral RNA polymerase activity, which underlies its studied efficacy against hepatitis C virus replication.

Scientific Research

Clinical trials include a study on licorice lollipops reducing oral bacteria in children and intravenous glycyrrhizin improving liver health in hepatitis patients. A systematic review supports its use in peptic ulcer treatment, although many claims lack large-scale RCT backing.

Clinical Summary

A small pediatric trial using licorice-based herbal lollipops demonstrated statistically significant reductions in Streptococcus mutans colony counts in saliva, though sample size and trial duration were limited, constraining generalizability. Intravenous glycyrrhizin administration in chronic hepatitis C patients showed reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels alongside improved liver histology, though study design specifics limit definitive conclusions. A Japanese long-term observational study involving intravenous Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (SNMC, a glycyrrhizin-based preparation) suggested reduced rates of hepatocellular carcinoma progression in hepatitis C patients over 10 years. Overall, evidence quality is moderate at best; most robust findings come from intravenous formulations rather than oral supplementation, and large-scale randomized controlled trials remain insufficient.

Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "Approximately 70-80% of root weight", "protein": "Around 5-10% of root weight", "fiber": "Approximately 2-4% of root weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)": "0.02 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)": "0.03 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B3 (Niacin)": "0.2 mg per 100g"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "100-150 mg per 100g", "Iron": "0.1-0.2 mg per 100g", "Magnesium": "10-20 mg per 100g", "Potassium": "300-400 mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Glycyrrhizin": "2-25% of root weight", "Flavonoids": "0.5-1.5% of root weight", "Saponins": "1-3% of root weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Glycyrrhizin is known for its poor bioavailability when taken orally, but it can be metabolized by gut bacteria to glycyrrhetic acid, which is more bioavailable. Flavonoids and saponins may have variable absorption depending on individual gut microbiota."}

Preparation & Dosage

Studied doses vary: glycyrrhizin at 1–100 μM in vitro, glabridin at 75 mg/kg in mice, and herbal licorice lollipops used twice daily for 22 days in children. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Agastache rugosa, ginger, turmeric, peppermint, fennel

Safety & Interactions

Prolonged or high-dose consumption of glycyrrhizin (above 100 mg/day) can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by sodium retention, hypokalemia, hypertension, and edema due to 11β-HSD2 inhibition. Mulathi interacts significantly with antihypertensive medications, corticosteroids, diuretics, and digoxin, as hypokalemia induced by glycyrrhizin can potentiate digoxin toxicity and reduce diuretic efficacy. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, hypokalemia, and during pregnancy, as glycyrrhizin has been associated with preterm birth and reduced fetal cortisol metabolism in epidemiological studies. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparations remove most glycyrrhizin and carry a substantially lower risk profile, making them preferable for gastrointestinal applications requiring longer-term use.