# Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/mulathi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice root, Sweet root, Liquorice, Yashtimadhu, Mulethi, Jethi madh, Gan cao, Sweet wood, Licorice, European licorice

## Overview

Mulathi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly called licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin and its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid as primary bioactive compounds. These molecules inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and modulate [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), while glycyrrhizin also suppresses viral replication and exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity via prostaglandin pathway inhibition.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces Streptococcus mutans in children when consumed as herbal lollipops, demonstrating oral health benefits (small trial, limited duration).
• Shows potential in reducing serum aminotransferases and improving liver histology in chronic hepatitis C patients (intravenous use, study specifics not detailed).
• May inhibit replication of Hepatitis C and influenza viruses, though human RCT details are sparse.
• Licorice extract can soothe peptic ulcers by enhancing mucus secretion and reducing gastric acid (systematic review/meta-analysis, no sample details).
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects observed in vitro with glycyrrhizin reducing cytokine activity.

## Mechanism of Action

Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), preventing [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) conversion to cortisone and producing mineralocorticoid-like effects. Glycyrrhetinic acid suppresses arachidonic acid cascade enzymes including phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 synthesis and downstream inflammatory signaling. Additionally, glycyrrhizin binds directly to thrombin and exhibits [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties by inhibiting viral RNA polymerase activity, which underlies its studied efficacy against hepatitis C virus replication.

## Clinical Summary

A small pediatric trial using licorice-based herbal lollipops demonstrated statistically significant reductions in Streptococcus mutans colony counts in saliva, though sample size and trial duration were limited, constraining generalizability. Intravenous glycyrrhizin administration in chronic hepatitis C patients showed reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels alongside improved liver histology, though study design specifics limit definitive conclusions. A Japanese long-term observational study involving intravenous Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (SNMC, a glycyrrhizin-based preparation) suggested reduced rates of hepatocellular carcinoma progression in hepatitis C patients over 10 years. Overall, evidence quality is moderate at best; most robust findings come from intravenous formulations rather than oral supplementation, and large-scale randomized controlled trials remain insufficient.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "Approximately 70-80% of root weight", "protein": "Around 5-10% of root weight", "fiber": "Approximately 2-4% of root weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)": "0.02 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)": "0.03 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B3 (Niacin)": "0.2 mg per 100g"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "100-150 mg per 100g", "Iron": "0.1-0.2 mg per 100g", "Magnesium": "10-20 mg per 100g", "Potassium": "300-400 mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Glycyrrhizin": "2-25% of root weight", "Flavonoids": "0.5-1.5% of root weight", "Saponins": "1-3% of root weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Glycyrrhizin is known for its poor bioavailability when taken orally, but it can be metabolized by gut bacteria to glycyrrhetic acid, which is more bioavailable. Flavonoids and saponins may have variable absorption depending on individual gut microbiota."}

## Dosage & Preparation

Studied doses vary: glycyrrhizin at 1–100 μM in vitro, glabridin at 75 mg/kg in mice, and herbal licorice lollipops used twice daily for 22 days in children. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Prolonged or high-dose consumption of glycyrrhizin (above 100 mg/day) can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by sodium retention, hypokalemia, hypertension, and edema due to 11β-HSD2 inhibition. Mulathi interacts significantly with antihypertensive medications, corticosteroids, diuretics, and digoxin, as hypokalemia induced by glycyrrhizin can potentiate digoxin toxicity and reduce diuretic efficacy. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, hypokalemia, and during pregnancy, as glycyrrhizin has been associated with preterm birth and reduced fetal [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in epidemiological studies. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparations remove most glycyrrhizin and carry a substantially lower risk profile, making them preferable for gastrointestinal applications requiring longer-term use.

## Scientific Research

Clinical trials include a study on licorice lollipops reducing oral bacteria in children and intravenous glycyrrhizin improving [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) in hepatitis patients. A systematic review supports its use in peptic ulcer treatment, although many claims lack large-scale RCT backing.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Mulathi has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha as a rasayana for respiratory and digestive issues. Traditional Chinese medicine employs it for gastrointestinal ailments, cough, and bronchitis, showcasing its long-standing global medicinal use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Agastache rugosa, ginger, turmeric, peppermint, fennel

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the safe daily dosage of mulathi (licorice root)?

The World Health Organization suggests a maximum of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day from dietary and supplemental sources combined, roughly equivalent to 5–7 grams of licorice root powder. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements, which contain less than 3% glycyrrhizin, can be used at higher doses (typically 380–760 mg before meals) with a significantly reduced risk of hormonal side effects. Individuals with hypertension or kidney conditions should consult a physician before any use.

### Can mulathi help with liver disease?

Intravenous glycyrrhizin preparations, notably Stronger Neo-Minophagen C used clinically in Japan, have shown reductions in serum ALT and AST in hepatitis C patients and some evidence of slowed progression to hepatocellular carcinoma over 10-year observational follow-up. The mechanism involves glycyrrhizin's direct antiviral activity against HCV replication and its anti-inflammatory suppression of hepatic prostaglandin synthesis. However, these findings are specific to intravenous administration; evidence for equivalent benefit from oral licorice root supplements in liver disease is currently insufficient.

### Does mulathi raise blood pressure?

Yes, regular consumption of glycyrrhizin-containing mulathi can raise blood pressure by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which allows excess cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors, causing sodium and water retention and potassium loss. This effect has been documented at intakes as low as 100 mg glycyrrhizin daily over several weeks and is reversible upon discontinuation. People with pre-existing hypertension should avoid glycyrrhizin-containing licorice products entirely and opt for DGL formulations instead.

### Is mulathi safe during pregnancy?

Mulathi containing glycyrrhizin is not considered safe during pregnancy; a Finnish cohort study found that high prenatal licorice exposure (above 500 mg glycyrrhizin per week) was associated with preterm birth, lower gestational age, and cognitive and behavioral effects in offspring. The proposed mechanism is impairment of placental 11β-HSD2 activity, which normally protects the fetus from excess maternal cortisol. Pregnant women are advised to avoid glycyrrhizin-containing licorice root supplements and limit dietary licorice consumption throughout gestation.

### What is the difference between mulathi and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)?

Standard mulathi root contains 2–9% glycyrrhizin by dry weight, the compound responsible for both its therapeutic antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects and its hormonal side effects including hypertension and hypokalemia. DGL is licorice root processed to remove over 97% of glycyrrhizin, reducing glycyrrhizin content to below 3%, which eliminates most endocrine risks while preserving flavonoid compounds like liquiritin and isoliquiritigenin that support mucosal healing and gastric protection. DGL is therefore preferred for conditions like gastric ulcers and GERD, while full-spectrum mulathi is used in contexts where glycyrrhizin's antiviral or liver-protective activity is specifically targeted.

### Does mulathi help with oral health and cavity prevention?

Research shows mulathi (licorice root) may reduce Streptococcus mutans, a cavity-causing bacterium, when consumed as herbal lollipops in children, suggesting potential oral health benefits. However, existing studies are limited in duration and sample size, so more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal delivery methods for dental applications.

### Can mulathi help with hepatitis C infection?

Mulathi shows promise in reducing liver enzyme levels and improving liver histology in some chronic hepatitis C patients, particularly when administered intravenously, and research suggests it may inhibit hepatitis C virus replication in laboratory settings. However, clinical evidence remains limited, and intravenous administration requires medical supervision; consulting a healthcare provider is essential before considering mulathi as part of hepatitis C management.

### Does mulathi have antiviral properties against common infections?

Mulathi demonstrates potential antiviral activity against hepatitis C and influenza viruses in laboratory studies, with research suggesting it may inhibit viral replication mechanisms. Nevertheless, human clinical trial data is limited, and more rigorous research is needed to establish practical effectiveness, appropriate dosing, and safety for treating viral infections in real-world settings.

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