Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and block inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis. These compounds demonstrate potent antiviral activity against respiratory pathogens and accelerate wound healing through enhanced collagen synthesis.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupAyurveda
Evidence LevelStrong
Primary Keywordlicorice root benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, belonging to the Fabaceae (legume) family. The therapeutic component is primarily extracted from the root and rhizome through aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or standardized extraction methods, containing over 400 identified chemical constituents with glycyrrhizin serving as the primary bioactive compound.
“Licorice root has been a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, traditionally used for respiratory conditions and digestive complaints. It has documented use in Ayurvedic medicine for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory purposes, with historical applications across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditional medicine systems.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Clinical evidence includes a randomized controlled trial in COVID-19 patients showing improved inflammatory markers (CRP and ALT) though no effect on primary symptoms (PMID: 37847472), and a trial demonstrating therapeutic benefit in 36 chronic asthma patients. A comprehensive review analyzed 198 peer-reviewed articles published between 1956 and 2021 documenting licorice's therapeutic applications.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Clinical studies have used topical hydrogels at 5-20% w/w concentrations for wound healing, and 30 mg/mL concentrations in traditional beverage preparations. Therapeutic glycyrrhizin concentrations for antiviral effects range from 25-50 µg/ml in cell-based assays. Most clinical studies employed glycyrrhizin-standardized extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root) contains a complex array of bioactive compounds rather than significant macronutrient contributions. Key bioactive constituents include: Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid) at 2-25% dry weight (typically 4-6% in commercial root), the primary triterpenoid saponin responsible for sweetness (~50x sweeter than sucrose) and most pharmacological activity; Glycyrrhetinic acid (aglycone metabolite of glycyrrhizin, formed via gut bacterial hydrolysis, primary systemically active form with ~70-80% oral bioavailability after conversion); Flavonoids at 1-3% dry weight including liquiritin (0.5-1.2%), isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glabridin (0.1-0.3% in root extract), and formononetin; Polysaccharides (glycyrrhizan) at 3-5% contributing immunomodulatory effects; Coumarins including liqcoumarin, glycycoumarin, and umbelliferone at trace levels (<0.1%); Sterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol at approximately 0.05-0.1%; Volatile oils at 0.047% including anethole, fenchone, and linalool. Macronutrient profile per 100g dried root: carbohydrates 50-60g (predominantly starch and fiber), dietary fiber 7-10g, protein 6-8g (low bioavailability), fat <1g. Micronutrients include potassium (approximately 1150 mg/100g, notably high), calcium (370 mg/100g), magnesium (85 mg/100g), phosphorus (130 mg/100g), iron (7-8 mg/100g), zinc (1.2 mg/100g), and trace selenium. Vitamins present in modest amounts: thiamine (B1) ~0.03 mg/100g, riboflavin (B2) ~0.05 mg/100g, niacin ~0.4 mg/100g. Bioavailability notes: Glycyrrhizin undergoes extensive first-pass intestinal metabolism to glycyrrhetinic acid; peak plasma concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid reached at 8-24 hours post-ingestion due to enterohepatic recirculation; flavonoids such as glabridin show moderate bioavailability (~15-20%) with enhanced absorption in lipid-rich matrices; standardized extracts are typically normalized to 20-25% glycyrrhizin content for clinical applications.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, prolonging cortisol activity and reducing inflammation through suppressed prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene synthesis. The triterpene saponins directly bind to viral envelope proteins, preventing cellular entry of influenza and RSV. Glycyrrhetinic acid activates fibroblast growth factor pathways, accelerating collagen deposition and epithelial regeneration during wound healing.
Clinical Evidence
In vitro studies demonstrate antiviral efficacy at 25-50 µg/ml concentrations against H5N1 influenza and RSV with 80-90% viral inhibition. Small clinical trials (n=30-60) show accelerated healing of second-degree burns when applied topically, reducing healing time by 3-5 days compared to controls. Anti-inflammatory effects are well-documented in preclinical models, but large-scale human trials for systemic inflammation remain limited. Evidence is strongest for topical wound applications and moderate for respiratory viral prevention.
Safety & Interactions
Glycyrrhizin can cause pseudoaldosteronism with chronic use above 100mg daily, leading to hypertension, hypokalemia, and sodium retention. Contraindicated with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and digoxin due to potassium depletion risks. Pregnancy safety is unclear as glycyrrhizin may affect fetal cortisol levels and should be avoided. Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart conditions should avoid licorice supplements containing glycyrrhizin.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Glycyrrhiza glabraSweet rootLiquoriceGan caoYashtimadhuMulethiBlack sugarSpanish licorice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active compound in licorice root?
Glycyrrhizin is the primary bioactive compound, comprising 2-15% of licorice root extract. This triterpene saponin provides the characteristic sweet taste and most therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity.
How much licorice root extract is safe daily?
Safe dosages range from 200-600mg daily of standardized extract containing 12-20% glycyrrhizin. Doses above 100mg glycyrrhizin daily (roughly 800mg extract) may cause blood pressure elevation and electrolyte imbalances with prolonged use.
Can licorice root help with viral infections?
Laboratory studies show licorice compounds inhibit influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses at 25-50 µg/ml concentrations. However, human clinical trials for viral prevention are lacking, so evidence remains limited to in vitro antiviral activity.
Does licorice root interact with blood pressure medications?
Yes, licorice can dangerously interact with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-blockers by depleting potassium and raising blood pressure. The glycyrrhizin compound mimics aldosterone, counteracting blood pressure medications and potentially causing dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) safer than regular licorice?
DGL removes 97% of glycyrrhizin, eliminating blood pressure and electrolyte risks while retaining flavonoids and other compounds. DGL is considered safe for long-term use and doesn't interact with medications, but lacks the antiviral potency of whole licorice extracts.
Is licorice safe to use long-term for digestive support?
Long-term licorice use carries risks of hypertension, hypokalemia, and sodium retention due to mineralocorticoid effects of glycyrrhizin, particularly at doses exceeding 100 mg daily for extended periods. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) removes the problematic glycyrrhizin compound while retaining mucilage and flavonoid compounds that support digestive health, making it the preferred option for chronic use. Most clinical studies supporting gastrointestinal benefits used DGL at 380–1,520 mg daily in divided doses. Consult a healthcare provider before using regular licorice root extract for more than 4–6 weeks without monitoring.
Which form of licorice extract has the strongest anti-inflammatory effects?
Standardized licorice extracts containing 20–25% glycyrrhizin and high flavonoid content (especially liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin) show the most robust anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene pathways. Whole-root extracts and traditional decoctions contain variable glycyrrhizin levels (typically 2–15%), making their anti-inflammatory potency less predictable than standardized preparations. Licorice flavonoid extracts without glycyrrhizin offer anti-inflammatory benefits while minimizing mineralocorticoid side effects. The optimal form depends on your individual tolerance and whether you need prolonged use or acute support.
What does research show about licorice for respiratory viral infections?
In-vitro studies demonstrate licorice extracts inhibit respiratory viruses including influenza H5N1 and RSV at concentrations of 25–50 µg/ml, with glycyrrhizin and flavonoids as primary active compounds. However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited to small studies and case reports; no large-scale randomized controlled trials have definitively proven licorice prevents or significantly reduces severity of viral respiratory infections. Traditional use in East Asian medicine suggests licorice may support immune modulation and symptom relief when combined with other herbs, but direct human evidence is preliminary. More clinical research is needed before recommending licorice as a primary treatment for acute viral respiratory illness.
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