# Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

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

## Overview

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a medicinal herb containing glycyrrhizin as its primary bioactive compound, which exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties. The herb demonstrates [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects against oral bacteria and shows potential for supporting liver health in clinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces dental bacteria: Herbal licorice lollipops significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans counts in high-risk children (evidence: small human study)
• Supports [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox): Shows benefits for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (evidence: limited human trial data from Hajiaghamohammadi et al. 2012)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Inhibits inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and PGE2 (evidence: primarily in-vitro/animal studies)
• Digestive support: Traditional use for acidity, ulcers, and constipation with steroid-like effects on mucus secretion (evidence: traditional use validation)
• Respiratory relief: Used for cough, bronchitis, and asthma management (evidence: traditional use across multiple systems)

## Mechanism of Action

Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound in mulethi, inhibits bacterial growth by disrupting cell wall synthesis and interfering with biofilm formation. The compound also modulates inflammatory pathways by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. Additionally, glycyrrhizin supports [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms and by promoting hepatocyte regeneration.

## Clinical Summary

A small human study demonstrated that herbal licorice lollipops significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans counts in high-risk children, indicating strong [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects against dental bacteria. Limited human trial data from Hajiaghamohammadi et al. suggests benefits for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, though larger studies are needed. The existing clinical evidence is promising but comes from small-scale trials with limited sample sizes. More robust randomized controlled trials are required to establish definitive therapeutic efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "Approximately 70-80% of dry weight", "protein": "Around 5-10% of dry weight", "fiber": "Approximately 3-4% of dry weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)": "0.02 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)": "0.05 mg per 100g", "Vitamin B3 (Niacin)": "0.4 mg per 100g"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "75 mg per 100g", "Iron": "6 mg per 100g", "Magnesium": "50 mg per 100g", "Potassium": "370 mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Glycyrrhizin": "2-25% of root extract", "Flavonoids": "Includes liquiritin and isoliquiritin, concentrations vary"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Glycyrrhizin is metabolized in the gut to glycyrrhetic acid, which can affect bioavailability. Excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia. Flavonoid absorption can be influenced by gut microbiota."}

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional forms include 1 tbsp mulethi powder mixed with honey/water daily for respiratory issues or licorice tea for [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox). Maximum safe dose is approximately 100 mg glycyrrhizin/day to avoid adverse effects. Standardized extracts typically contain 5-20% glycyrrhizin. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Mulethi consumption may cause pseudoaldosteronism with symptoms including hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention due to glycyrrhizin's mineralocorticoid-like effects. The herb can interact with [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids, potentially enhancing their effects. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, or hypertension should avoid mulethi supplementation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use mulethi as it may cause uterine contractions and hormonal disruptions.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for mulethi remains limited, with most studies being small-scale or traditional use validations. Notable human trials include a study on licorice lollipops reducing oral bacteria in children and Hajiaghamohammadi et al. (2012) investigating effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, though specific sample sizes and PMIDs were not provided in available sources.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Used for millennia in Ayurveda as Yashtimadhu for digestive and respiratory ailments and as a Rasayana for [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), mulethi has parallel applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine for gastrointestinal problems, cough, and arthritis. Historical use spans ancient Egypt, Greece, and Asia for treating sore throat and liver/lung diseases.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Amla, Ashwagandha, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in mulethi that provides health benefits?

Glycyrrhizin is the primary bioactive compound in mulethi, comprising 4-20% of the root extract. This triterpenoid saponin is responsible for most of the herb's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects.

### How much mulethi is safe to consume daily?

The WHO recommends limiting glycyrrhizin intake to 100mg per day, which equals approximately 2-5 grams of mulethi root. Higher doses may cause pseudoaldosteronism with dangerous cardiovascular effects including hypertension and fluid retention.

### Can mulethi help with stomach ulcers and digestive issues?

Mulethi traditionally treats digestive complaints and preliminary studies suggest glycyrrhizin may protect gastric mucosa and reduce inflammation. However, large-scale clinical trials specifically examining mulethi's effects on stomach ulcers are currently lacking.

### Does mulethi interact with blood pressure medications?

Yes, mulethi can significantly interact with antihypertensive medications by enhancing their hypotensive effects through glycyrrhizin's mineralocorticoid activity. This combination may lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances requiring medical supervision.

### Is mulethi effective for respiratory conditions like cough?

Mulethi has traditional use as an expectorant and cough suppressant in Unani medicine, with glycyrrhizin showing anti-inflammatory effects in respiratory tissues. However, controlled clinical trials specifically evaluating mulethi's efficacy for respiratory conditions are limited and more research is needed.

### Is mulethi safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mulethi should be avoided or used only under medical supervision during pregnancy, as some studies suggest high doses may increase miscarriage risk and affect fetal development. While traditional use during breastfeeding is common in Ayurvedic medicine, insufficient clinical data exists to confirm safety, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use during lactation.

### Can mulethi help reduce dental plaque and improve oral health?

Research shows that herbal licorice preparations, including mulethi lollipops, significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans (cavity-causing bacteria) in high-risk children in clinical studies. This antimicrobial effect suggests mulethi may support oral health as an adjunct to standard dental hygiene, though more research is needed to establish optimal forms and dosing for preventive use.

### What is the evidence for mulethi's effectiveness in treating fatty liver disease?

Limited human trial data, notably from a 2012 study by Hajiaghamohammadi et al., suggests mulethi may benefit individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. However, current evidence remains preliminary and larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and recommend mulethi as a standard treatment option.

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