Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Strong Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Glycyrrhiza uralensis contains glycyrrhizin as its primary bioactive compound, which exerts anti-inflammatory effects through 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibition and NF-κB pathway modulation. This Traditional Chinese Medicine herb demonstrates oral health benefits and hepatoprotective properties in clinical research.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a perennial legume plant native to China, Mongolia, and parts of Russia, commonly known as Chinese licorice or Gancao. The medicinal parts are primarily the roots and rhizomes, harvested after 3-4 years of cultivation and extracted via hot water or solvents to yield compounds like glycyrrhizin and polysaccharides.
Clinical evidence is limited to one randomized, double-blind controlled trial (PMID: 40413479) testing G. uralensis mouthwash in 60 patients with periodontal disease, showing significant reductions in plaque and gingival indices. No human RCTs for systemic uses have been conducted; most evidence comes from preclinical mouse models and in vitro studies.
Clinically studied dosage: 15 mL mouthwash containing G. uralensis extract (concentration unspecified), gargled once daily for 5 days. Preclinical oral doses include 100 mg/kg glycyrrhizin equivalent in mice. No established human dosage ranges for powder or standardized extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice root) is not consumed as a macronutrient source but contains a well-characterized array of bioactive compounds. Primary bioactive: glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) at 2–9% dry weight of root, which is 30–50x sweeter than sucrose and serves as the principal marker compound per pharmacopeial standards (Chinese Pharmacopoeia minimum: 2.0%). Glycyrrhizin hydrolyzes to glycyrrhetic acid (18β-glycyrrhetinic acid) in the gut via bacterial action, representing its primary bioavailable metabolite. Flavonoids comprise approximately 1–3% dry weight, dominated by liquiritin (liquiritigenin-4'-O-glucoside), isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin; these chalcone and flavanone compounds underpin antioxidant activity (T-AOC, GSH-Px, SOD elevation observed in mouse studies). Additional bioactives include glabridin (~0.1–0.3% in root extract), licochalcone A, licoricidin, and licorisoflavan A — the latter two identified as primary antibacterial agents against periodontal pathogens (S. mutans, P. gingivalis) in the human RCT (n=60). Polysaccharides account for ~5–10% dry weight and are implicated in gut microbiota modulation and immunomodulatory effects. Coumarin derivatives (liqcoumarin, glycycoumarin) are present at trace levels (<0.1%). Mineral content includes potassium (~1,200 mg/100g dry root), calcium (~900 mg/100g), magnesium (~150 mg/100g), and iron (~15 mg/100g), though these are not primary reasons for therapeutic use. Crude fiber is approximately 10–15% dry weight (largely cellulose and pectin). Protein content is low (~5–7% dry weight, limited nutritional relevance). Bioavailability notes: glycyrrhizin has poor direct oral bioavailability (~20–30%) but is extensively converted to glycyrrhetic acid by intestinal microbiota (Eubacterium sp.), achieving systemic exposure; flavonoid glycosides require gut hydrolysis to aglycone forms for absorption, with bioavailability estimated at 10–40% depending on gut microbiome composition; glabridin exhibits moderate oral bioavailability with lipophilic characteristics favoring membrane interaction. Standardized extracts are typically normalized to glycyrrhizin content (≥4%) or total flavonoids (≥1.5%).
Glycyrrhizin, the primary triterpene saponin in Glycyrrhiza uralensis, inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, extending cortisol's anti-inflammatory activity. The compound suppresses NF-κB signaling pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-6. Additional flavonoids like liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin contribute to antioxidant effects through free radical scavenging.
One randomized controlled trial (n=60) demonstrated significant reductions in dental plaque and gingival inflammation with Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract over 4 weeks. Preliminary mouse studies suggest immune-modulating effects through gut microbiota changes and increased superoxide dismutase activity. Hepatoprotective effects have been observed in animal models, but human liver protection data remains limited. The clinical evidence base is currently small and requires larger, longer-duration human trials.
Glycyrrhizin can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism with prolonged use, leading to hypertension, hypokalemia, and edema. The herb may interact with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and digoxin by affecting potassium levels and blood pressure. Individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disorders should avoid use. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established in clinical studies.
