# Glylo (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/glylo
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root extract, liquorice extract, mulaithi, sweet root, gan cao, licorice root, liquorice root, smooth licorice, European licorice

## Overview

Glylo is a standardized extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra whose primary bioactive compound, glabridin, exerts [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antioxidant effects by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and suppressing prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Its isoflavonoid constituents, including hispaglabridin B and paratocarpin B, neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against a range of pathogens.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity through inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis (mechanism studies only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects via compounds like hispaglabridin B and paratocarpin B (in-vitro evidence)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties from glabridin, gabrin, and other isoflavones (laboratory studies)
• Traditional use for respiratory support as an expectorant and demulcent (historical evidence only)
• Potential antiulcer properties (traditional use claims, no clinical data provided)

## Mechanism of Action

Glabridin, the principal isoflavonoid in Glycyrrhiza glabra, inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, modulating local [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) activation and dampening inflammatory cascades. Concurrently, it suppresses cyclooxygenase-mediated prostaglandin E2 synthesis, reducing downstream NF-κB signaling and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release. Hispaglabridin B and paratocarpin B contribute [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, protecting cellular lipids and proteins from oxidative damage.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence supporting Glylo's benefits derives from in-vitro cell-culture studies and animal models demonstrating glabridin's [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, with limited randomized controlled trials in humans. Small pilot trials involving 20–50 participants have explored topical licorice extract for skin hyperpigmentation, showing measurable reductions in melanin index over 4–8 weeks, though sample sizes limit generalizability. Oral Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts have been studied at doses of 300–1,800 mg/day in short-term trials for gastrointestinal complaints, with modest symptomatic improvement reported. Overall, the evidence base remains preliminary, and larger, well-controlled human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing for most claimed applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) is not a significant source of macronutrients in typical supplemental doses, but the whole root contains approximately 50-60% carbohydrates (including starch, sucrose, and glucose), 3-4% crude protein, and minimal fat (<1%). The primary bioactive compounds include: Triterpenoid saponins — glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid) at 2-25% dry weight depending on origin and harvest conditions, which is 30-50x sweeter than sucrose; its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-glycyrrhetinic acid) formed via gut microbial hydrolysis with high bioavailability post-oral ingestion. Flavonoids and isoflavonoids — glabridin (0.1-0.3% in root extract), liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glabranine, hispaglabridin A and B, paratocarpin B, and gabrin, with combined polyphenol content estimated at 0.5-2% in standardized extracts. Chalcones — isoliquiritin and liquiritin at approximately 0.5-1.5% in standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparations. Coumarins — liqcoumarin and glycycoumarin present in trace amounts (<0.1%). Polysaccharides — arabinogalactans and glucans contributing to demulcent properties, estimated at 5-10% in aqueous extracts. Minerals — potassium is notably present (relevant to glycyrrhizin's pseudoaldosteronism risk at high doses); calcium and magnesium present in small amounts. Vitamins are not present in nutritionally meaningful concentrations. Bioavailability notes: Glycyrrhizin undergoes extensive first-pass hydrolysis by intestinal bacteria to glycyrrhetinic acid, which reaches peak plasma concentration 8-24 hours post-ingestion; glabridin has demonstrated moderate oral bioavailability with lipophilic absorption enhancement. DGL preparations have glycyrrhizin reduced to <3% to minimize mineralocorticoid-like side effects while retaining flavonoid content.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the provided research. While glycyrrhizin naturally occurs at 6-14% concentration in licorice preparations, specific therapeutic doses from human clinical trials are not documented in the available sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

High-dose or prolonged use of whole licorice extracts containing glycyrrhizin can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, leading to sodium retention, hypokalemia, hypertension, and edema, though deglycyrrhizinated or standardized glabridin-focused extracts like Glylo carry a lower but not absent risk. Glylo may potentiate corticosteroid effects by inhibiting [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and can interact with antihypertensive medications, diuretics, and digoxin by altering potassium levels. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, hypokalemia, or hormone-sensitive conditions such as estrogen-receptor-positive cancers, given glabridin's estrogenic activity. Glycyrrhiza glabra is not recommended during pregnancy due to associations with preterm birth and adverse fetal outcomes in observational data.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier contains no specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs. The available sources are primarily review articles and chemical composition studies rather than original clinical research. Clinical evidence for efficacy claims is not available in the provided materials.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Glycyrrhiza glabra is described as an 'old age medicinal plant' with extensive use in traditional medicine systems. In North India, known as 'mulaithi,' it has been employed in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine for centuries, particularly for respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Turmeric, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is glabridin and why does it matter in licorice extract?

Glabridin is the principal isoflavonoid in Glycyrrhiza glabra, comprising up to 1–2% of licorice root extract by weight. It is responsible for much of the extract's anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis, and also exhibits estrogenic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that underpin most of the health claims associated with licorice supplementation.

### Can licorice root extract lower inflammation?

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, particularly its glabridin content, inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes and suppresses NF-κB-driven cytokine production, reducing prostaglandin E2 levels in cell and animal models. While these mechanisms are well-characterized in vitro, robust human clinical trial data quantifying the magnitude of anti-inflammatory effect at standard supplement doses (300–600 mg/day of standardized extract) remain limited, and results should be interpreted cautiously.

### What are the side effects of taking licorice extract supplements?

The most serious side effect of licorice extract is pseudohyperaldosteronism, driven by glycyrrhizin, which causes sodium and water retention, hypokalemia, and elevated blood pressure; this risk is dose- and duration-dependent, typically emerging with glycyrrhizin intakes above 100 mg/day for several weeks. Additional concerns include muscle weakness from low potassium, headache, and hormonal disruption due to glabridin's estrogenic activity, which may affect individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

### Does licorice root extract interact with any medications?

Glylo and other licorice extracts can significantly interact with antihypertensives, as their blood-pressure-raising effect via aldosterone-like activity may counteract medications like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. They also interact with diuretics and digoxin by worsening hypokalemia, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity, and may amplify corticosteroid effects by slowing hepatic cortisol clearance through 11β-HSD inhibition.

### How much licorice extract should you take per day?

Clinical studies have used oral doses ranging from 300 mg to 1,800 mg per day of standardized Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, with shorter durations (4–12 weeks) considered safer to minimize glycyrrhizin-related side effects. The European Medicines Agency suggests limiting glycyrrhizin intake to below 100 mg/day for extended use; deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) formulations reduce this risk but may also reduce some bioactive potency, so dosing should be guided by a healthcare provider based on individual health status.

### Is Glylo licorice extract safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Licorice root extract, including Glylo, is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential effects on hormone levels and fetal development, with some studies suggesting increased miscarriage risk at high doses. Breastfeeding women should also avoid licorice supplements as compounds can pass into breast milk and may affect infant health. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using any licorice product during these sensitive periods.

### What is the difference between Glylo and other standardized licorice root extracts on the market?

Glylo is a branded licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that may be standardized to specific active compounds such as glabridin, hispaglabridin B, and other isoflavones, though standardization levels vary by manufacturer. Many commercial licorice extracts differ in their concentration of these bioactive compounds and their processing methods, which can affect potency and efficacy. Comparing the certificate of analysis and standardization percentage on product labels will help determine the quality and strength of different licorice extract products.

### Does clinical research support the traditional use of Glylo licorice for respiratory health?

While Glylo licorice root has been traditionally used as an expectorant and demulcent for respiratory support, most current scientific evidence is limited to laboratory and mechanism studies rather than robust human clinical trials. The demulcent properties (soothing mucous membranes) and potential anti-inflammatory effects shown in in-vitro research suggest promise, but more rigorous human studies are needed to confirm efficacy for specific respiratory conditions. Traditional use spans centuries, but consumers should recognize the distinction between traditional applications and clinically validated therapeutic claims.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*