Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and isoliquiritigenin that inhibit inflammatory pathways and provide antioxidant effects. The root extract demonstrates mucosal protection and anti-ulcer properties through NF-κB pathway modulation.
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is a perennial herb from the Fabaceae family native to southern Europe, western Asia, and the Mediterranean region, commonly known as licorice. The medicinal parts are the roots and rhizomes, harvested after 3-4 years and processed through drying and extraction methods to yield water-soluble complexes comprising 40-50% of dry weight.
The research dossier reveals a significant gap in human clinical evidence, with no specific RCTs, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs for human studies reported. While preclinical and review data suggest anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antioxidant, and antitussive effects from constituents like glycyrrhizin, human clinical validation remains absent.
No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available from human trials. Standardization typically targets glycyrrhizin content (2-9% or up to 25% in roots), but specific study-based doses are not established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root is not consumed as a macronutrient source but is valued for its dense bioactive phytochemical profile. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid): 2–9% of dry root weight (major triterpene saponin; hydrolyzed to glycyrrhetinic acid in the gut; oral bioavailability of glycyrrhizinic acid is ~1–10% due to extensive first-pass metabolism and gut microbial conversion) • Glabridin: ~0.08–0.35% of dry root (major prenylated isoflavonoid; lipophilic, moderate oral bioavailability, subject to CYP450 interactions) • Liquiritigenin: ~0.1–0.5% of dry root (flavanone aglycone; bioavailable after hydrolysis of its glycoside liquiritin) • Liquiritin (liquiritigenin-4′-O-glucoside): ~0.5–1.5% of dry root • Isoliquiritigenin: ~0.05–0.3% of dry root (chalcone with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro) • Isoflavones (formononetin, glabrone): trace to ~0.1% • Coumarins (liqcoumarin, glycyrin): trace amounts • Polysaccharides (glycyrrhizan GA, GB): ~5–10% of dry root (immunomodulatory in preclinical models) **Other Triterpene Saponins:** • Licorice saponins (A3, B2, G2, H2, J2): collectively ~1–3% of dry root. **Minerals (per 100 g dry root, approximate):** • Calcium: 500–800 mg • Potassium: 400–700 mg • Magnesium: 100–200 mg • Iron: 5–15 mg • Zinc: 2–5 mg • Phosphorus: 50–150 mg. **Vitamins:** • Small amounts of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3) — not a significant dietary source • Vitamin C: trace. **Macronutrient Approximate Composition (per 100 g dry root):** • Carbohydrates (including polysaccharides and sugars): 60–70 g • Dietary fiber: 15–25 g • Protein: 3–6 g • Fat: 0.5–1.5 g • Moisture: 8–12 g. **Bioavailability Notes:** Glycyrrhizin is poorly absorbed intact; its pharmacological effects are largely mediated by its aglycone metabolite, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, which has significantly higher systemic bioavailability (>80% after hydrolysis). Glabridin absorption is enhanced by lipid-based formulations. Liquiritin requires intestinal β-glucosidase-mediated hydrolysis to release active liquiritigenin. Traditional Ayurvedic processing methods (e.g., decoction in milk or ghee — 'ksheerapaka' or 'ghrita' preparations) may enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic constituents like glabridin and isoliquiritigenin. The high polysaccharide content may contribute prebiotic-like effects, supporting gut microbial metabolism of glycyrrhizin.
Glycyrrhizin inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory responses. Flavonoids glabridin and isoliquiritigenin scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The compounds also modulate prostaglandin synthesis and enhance gastric mucus production for mucosal protection.
Most evidence comes from preclinical in-vitro and animal studies showing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Limited human clinical trials exist, with small studies (20-50 participants) showing potential gastric protective benefits. Traditional use is extensive in Ayurveda, but high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. Current evidence is preliminary and requires validation through larger human studies.
High doses or prolonged use can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism with sodium retention, potassium loss, and elevated blood pressure due to glycyrrhizin. May interact with digoxin, warfarin, and antihypertensive medications by affecting potassium levels. Contraindicated in pregnancy, hypertension, kidney disease, and heart conditions. Can enhance corticosteroid effects and interfere with hormone-sensitive conditions.
