# Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/glycyrrhiza-glabra
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sweet root, Liquorice, Gan cao, Yashtimadhu, Mulethi, Black sugar, Spanish licorice

## Overview

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and block inflammatory [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis. These compounds demonstrate potent [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against respiratory pathogens and accelerate wound healing through enhanced [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health).

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) support through inhibition of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (strong preclinical evidence)
• Antiviral activity against respiratory viruses including H5N1 influenza and RSV at 25-50 µg/ml concentrations (in-vitro evidence)
• Enhanced wound healing for second-degree burns with complete healing by day 19 in animal models (preliminary evidence)
• [Immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects through elevation of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody levels (preclinical evidence)
• Anxiolytic effects and [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) reduction in chronic mild stress models (animal evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, prolonging [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) activity and reducing inflammation through suppressed [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) 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 Summary

In vitro studies demonstrate [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) 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.

## 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](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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.

## Dosage & 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](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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.

## Safety & Drug 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](/ingredients/condition/stress) and should be avoided. Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart conditions should avoid licorice supplements containing glycyrrhizin.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a randomized controlled trial in COVID-19 patients showing improved [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) 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.

## Historical & Cultural Context

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) purposes, with historical applications across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditional medicine systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Echinacea, Elderberry, Vitamin C, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can licorice root help reduce inflammation?

Yes, licorice root demonstrates meaningful anti-inflammatory activity through well-characterised mechanisms. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and leukotrienes, key mediators of the inflammatory cascade. A randomised controlled trial in COVID-19 patients (PMID: 37847472) showed glycyrrhizin-standardised extract significantly reduced CRP, a primary inflammatory marker. Preclinical evidence also supports suppression of broader inflammatory pathways. While human trial data remains limited, the mechanistic and clinical signals for anti-inflammatory support are considered among licorice root's strongest evidence areas.

### Does licorice root help with asthma?

Clinical evidence suggests licorice root may offer therapeutic benefit for chronic asthma. A randomised trial involving 36 chronic asthma patients demonstrated meaningful improvement with glycyrrhizin-standardised licorice extract. The likely mechanism involves inhibition of leukotriene synthesis — leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors central to asthma pathophysiology. Glycyrrhizin's anti-inflammatory action on airway inflammation may also reduce mucus hypersecretion. However, evidence is preliminary and licorice should not replace prescribed asthma medications. Always consult a respiratory specialist before adding licorice to an asthma management plan.

### Can licorice root be used for wound healing?

Preliminary animal evidence supports topical licorice root for accelerating wound healing, particularly for burns. In animal models of second-degree burns, licorice-based hydrogel formulations at 5–20% w/w concentration achieved complete healing by day 19. The active compound glycyrrhetinic acid activates fibroblast growth factor pathways, directly stimulating collagen deposition and epithelial regeneration. These findings are promising but human clinical trials on wound healing remain lacking. Topical licorice preparations for wound care should not be considered a substitute for standard medical wound management without professional guidance.

### Does licorice root affect cortisol levels?

Yes, licorice root has a documented pharmacological effect on cortisol metabolism. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which normally converts active cortisol into inactive cortisone. By blocking this enzyme, licorice effectively prolongs and amplifies cortisol activity in tissues. This mechanism underlies both its anti-inflammatory benefits and its potential risk of raising blood pressure or causing pseudohyperaldosteronism with high-dose or prolonged use. People with conditions sensitive to cortisol fluctuations, including Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, or adrenal disorders, should use licorice root only under medical supervision.

### Can licorice root boost the immune system?

Preclinical evidence indicates licorice root exerts immunomodulatory effects by elevating levels of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA — antibodies central to both innate and adaptive immune responses. Glycyrrhizin also demonstrated antiviral activity against respiratory pathogens including H5N1 influenza and RSV at concentrations of 25–50 µg/ml in cell-based assays, likely by binding to viral envelope proteins and preventing cellular entry. While these findings are encouraging, robust human clinical data on immune enhancement specifically from licorice supplementation is currently limited. Results from in-vitro and animal studies do not always translate directly to human outcomes.

### Does licorice root help with anxiety or stress?

Animal research suggests licorice root may have anxiolytic and stress-reducing properties. In chronic mild stress models, glycyrrhizin-containing licorice extracts demonstrated measurable reductions in stress-related behavioural markers. The proposed mechanism likely involves the cortisol-modulating action of glycyrrhizin — by influencing cortisol availability through 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibition, licorice may help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress response. However, human clinical trial evidence specifically for anxiety or chronic stress is currently lacking. Licorice root should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders without healthcare professional guidance.

### What is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and how does it differ from regular licorice root?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a processed form of licorice root from which glycyrrhizin has been removed or significantly reduced. Because glycyrrhizin is responsible for the cortisol-amplifying effects that can raise blood pressure and cause electrolyte imbalances, DGL is considered safer for long-term or higher-dose use, particularly for gastrointestinal applications such as gastric ulcer support. However, removing glycyrrhizin also eliminates or reduces the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities associated with the intact compound. The choice between DGL and standard licorice extract should depend on the intended health application and individual health status.

### Can I take licorice root if I have high blood pressure?

Licorice root requires caution in individuals with hypertension. Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which leads to sustained cortisol activity that mimics aldosterone effects — promoting sodium retention, potassium excretion, and consequently elevated blood pressure. This condition, known as pseudohyperaldosteronism, is a well-documented risk with regular or high-dose licorice consumption. Licorice root also interacts with antihypertensive medications by potentially counteracting their blood pressure-lowering effects. People with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney conditions should avoid glycyrrhizin-containing licorice supplements unless specifically directed by a physician. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be a safer alternative.

### 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.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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