Glycyrrhiza glabra: Uses, Active Compounds, Benefits and Safety

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice or liquorice root, is one of the most thoroughly documented medicinal plants in the history of human medicine. Ancient Egyptian papyri, Assyrian clay tablets, Chinese pharmacopoeias, Ayurvedic texts, Greek medical literature, and Roman natural history all record its uses — making it one of the very few herbs that has been in continuous documented clinical use for over 4,000 years across four major medical civilisations simultaneously.

Today, Glycyrrhiza glabra is the third most widely used herb in the world by volume, and among the most extensively researched, with thousands of peer-reviewed studies examining its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications. Its uses span gut healing, adrenal support, respiratory medicine, antiviral activity, liver protection, hormonal modulation, and skin care.

This article provides the most comprehensive clinical guide to Glycyrrhiza glabra uses available, covering its botanical identity, traditional uses across medical systems, active compounds and their mechanisms, evidence-based clinical applications, dosage, and the critical safety information needed for responsible use.

Botanical Identity and Traditional Names

Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Common names: Licorice, Liquorice, Sweet Root, Licorice Root Ayurvedic name: Yashtimadhu (“sweet stick”) Traditional Chinese Medicine name: Gan Cao (“sweet herb”), one of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM Other names: Réglisse (French), Süssholz (German), Regaliz (Spanish)

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and Southern Russia. It grows to approximately 1 metre in height with pinnate leaves and pale purple to violet flowers. The medicinally active part is the root and rhizome, harvested in autumn from plants at least 3–4 years old.

The name Glycyrrhiza derives from the Greek glykys (sweet) and rhiza (root), a reference to glycyrrhizin, the compound that makes licorice root 50 times sweeter than sucrose.

Traditional Uses of Glycyrrhiza glabra Across Medical Systems

Ancient Egyptian and Assyrian Medicine

Among the oldest documented Glycyrrhiza glabra uses are those recorded in the Ebers Papyrus (c.1550 BCE), where licorice is listed as an ingredient in compound preparations for digestive complaints, cough, and fever. Licorice root was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, testament to its significance in Egyptian medicine and culture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Uses (Gan Cao)

In TCM, Gan Cao is classified as a harmonising herb, one that moderates the action of other herbs in a formula, reduces toxicity, and improves palatability. Its TCM uses include:

Tonifying the spleen and stomach qi
Moistening the lungs and suppressing cough
Clearing heat and resolving toxicity
Moderating harsh properties of other herbs

Gan Cao appears in more TCM formulas than virtually any other herb, reflecting its role as a fundamental harmoniser in complex multi-herb preparations.

Ayurvedic Uses (Yashtimadhu)

In Ayurveda, yashtimadhu is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) with particular affinity for the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Traditional Ayurvedic Glycyrrhiza glabra uses include:

Trikatu preparations for respiratory conditions
Treatment of pittaj (pitta-driven) conditions including gastritis and peptic ulcer
Medhya rasayana (brain tonic) for memory and cognitive support
Topical application for skin brightening and wound healing

Traditional Western / European Uses

European physicians from Dioscorides to Culpeper documented the uses of Glycyrrhiza glabra for coughs, sore throat, digestive complaints, and as a demulcent for inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes. Licorice preparations were among the first commercially manufactured pharmaceutical preparations in Britain, confectionery forms of licorice were produced as medicine in Pontefract (Yorkshire) from the 17th century.

Active Compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra

Understanding Glycyrrhiza glabra uses requires understanding the phytochemistry that drives them. The root contains over 300 identified compounds, of which the following are clinically most significant:

1. Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizinic Acid)

The primary triterpenoid saponin of G. glabra, comprising 2–25% of dried root by weight. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for:

The characteristic sweetness (50× sweeter than sucrose)
Anti-inflammatory action through multiple pathways including inhibition of phospholipase A2, COX-2, and 5-LOX
Antiviral activity, documented against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2), influenza A, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and SARS-CoV-related coronaviruses
Hepatoprotective effect, intravenous glycyrrhizin is a registered pharmaceutical in Japan for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Cortisol-potentiating effect, through inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which normally converts active cortisol to inactive cortisone in tissues. This is the basis of both the adrenal-supportive action AND the blood-pressure-raising side effect

2. Glycyrrhetinic Acid (18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid)

The primary metabolite of glycyrrhizin after intestinal hydrolysis. More lipophilic than glycyrrhizin and more readily absorbed. Shares the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and 11β-HSD2-inhibiting actions, with additional:

Anticancer activity, pro-apoptotic effects documented in multiple cancer cell lines in laboratory studies
Anti-adipogenic effects, reducing fat cell formation
Skin-lightening action through tyrosinase inhibition

3. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)

A processed form of licorice from which the glycyrrhizin has been removed. DGL retains the gut-healing flavonoids and demulcent compounds without the blood-pressure-raising and adrenal effects. This form is specifically used for peptic ulcers, gastritis, and GERD.

4. Glabridin

The primary isoflavone of G. glabra, found in highest concentration in the root extract. Glabridin’s documented activities include:

Potent antioxidant activity
Anti-inflammatory action through NF-κB inhibition
Oestrogen receptor binding, phyto-oestrogenic activity relevant to menopausal symptom management
Tyrosinase inhibition, the basis for licorice’s use in skin brightening and hyperpigmentation
Anti-adipogenic effects, inhibiting lipid accumulation

5. Liquiritin and Isoliquiritin (Flavanones)

Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic flavonoids contributing to the digestive and respiratory anti-inflammatory activity. Liquiritin also has documented antidepressant-like activity in animal models through monoamine neurotransmitter modulation.

6. Licoricidin and Licorisoflavone

Isoflavonoids with documented antibacterial activity, relevant to H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease.

7. Polysaccharides

High molecular weight polysaccharides with immunomodulatory and demulcent properties, contributing to the soothing action on mucous membranes.

Glycyrrhiza glabra Uses: Clinical Evidence

1. Gastrointestinal Uses, Peptic Ulcer and Gastritis

The most extensively evidenced Glycyrrhiza glabra uses are in gastrointestinal disease, particularly peptic ulceration, gastritis, and GERD.

DGL for peptic ulcer: Multiple randomised controlled trials have evaluated DGL preparations for gastric and duodenal ulcers. A landmark trial published in the British Medical Journal compared DGL to cimetidine (an H2 blocker) for gastric ulcer healing, both produced equivalent ulcer healing rates at 6 and 12 weeks. DGL’s mechanism involves:

Stimulation of mucus production by goblet cells, increasing the protective mucus layer
Enhanced epithelial cell proliferation, accelerating healing
Prolongation of the lifespan of intestinal epithelial cells
Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers, through licoricidin and licorisoflavone

Gastritis and GERD: DGL preparations taken as chewable tablets before meals significantly reduce gastric acid discomfort, epigastric pain, and the burning of GERD, without the rebound acid hypersecretion associated with antacid overuse. The demulcent polysaccharide and flavonoid content coats and soothes the inflamed gastric mucosa.

The gut health context for these uses is explored in our guide to gut and digestive health, understanding your digestive system, and the broader connection to IBS and bowel conditions is addressed in our post on IBS, IBD, UC and bowel cancer.

2. Respiratory Uses

Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used for respiratory conditions across every traditional medical system and the pharmacological basis is now clear.

Expectorant action: Glycyrrhizin stimulates mucus secretion in the bronchial tract and thins existing mucus, facilitating expectoration. This is the basis for licorice’s use in bronchitis, productive coughs, and COPD management.

Bronchial antispasmodic: The flavonoid content relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, relevant in asthma and the bronchospasm component of chronic bronchitis. Clinical research published in the journal Phytomedicine confirmed significant improvements in pulmonary function in asthmatic patients treated with G. glabra extract.

Anti-inflammatory in the airways: Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid inhibit 5-LOX, the enzyme producing the leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4) that drive bronchial inflammation in asthma and COPD.

Upper respiratory catarrh: Licorice soothes inflamed pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa, used for sore throat, laryngitis, and pharyngitis. A licorice gargle preparation has clinical trial evidence for reducing post-operative sore throat.

Relevant reading: The respiratory context is explored in our post on stopping the inflammation pandemic, breathe easy.

3. Adrenal Support and Stress Recovery

One of the most clinically useful Glycyrrhiza glabra uses in modern herbal practice is adrenal support in states of chronic stress depletion, the presentation sometimes called “adrenal fatigue” or more accurately HPA axis dysregulation.

Mechanism: Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-HSD2, the enzyme that inactivates cortisol in peripheral tissues. This effectively increases the availability of cortisol at tissue level, prolonging its action and reducing the demand on the adrenal glands to produce more. The result is support for flagging adrenal output without directly stimulating adrenal production.

Clinical picture where this is most appropriate: The person who wakes exhausted despite adequate sleep, who struggles to function until mid-morning, who crashes in the afternoon, and who finds that moderate stress produces disproportionate exhaustion. This pattern reflects insufficient cortisol availability and short-term licorice use (4–6 weeks maximum) can meaningfully support recovery.

Important context: This same mechanism, cortisol potentiation, is also what causes licorice to raise blood pressure with sustained use. The adrenal use is short-term; the blood pressure risk is with long-term or high-dose use. See Safety section below.

4. Antiviral Uses

Glycyrrhizin is among the most extensively researched natural antiviral compounds. Its antiviral mechanisms include:

Direct virucidal action — disrupting viral envelopes
Inhibition of viral replication through induction of interferon
Immunomodulatory activity — enhancing natural killer cell activity

Documented antiviral activity of G. glabra against:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) — topical and systemic glycyrrhizin reduces viral load, recurrence frequency, and lesion duration
Influenza A and B — in vitro and animal studies confirm significant antiviral activity
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) — intravenous glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) is a licensed pharmaceutical in Japan for HCV, shown to reduce liver enzyme elevation and slow fibrosis progression
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) — documented antiviral activity
SARS-CoV — glycyrrhizin was shown to inhibit SARS-CoV replication in vitro in studies published following the 2003 SARS outbreak, with research interest renewed during the COVID-19 pandemic

5. Hepatoprotective (Liver-Protective) Uses

Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the most important liver-protective herbs in global herbal medicine — a use that has transcended traditional medicine into pharmaceutical application.

Glycyrrhizin intravenous therapy is a registered pharmaceutical treatment in Japan and some Asian countries for chronic viral hepatitis — reducing liver enzyme elevation (ALT, AST), reducing fibrosis progression, and improving liver function markers.

Mechanisms of hepatoprotection:

Reduction of lipid peroxidation in liver cells
Inhibition of NF-κB-driven hepatic inflammation
Induction of hepatocyte growth factors
Antifibrotic action — reducing stellate cell activation that drives liver scarring

Clinical relevance to fatty liver: The connection between liver inflammation and metabolic disease is explored in our post on fatty liver — early warning signs and lifestyle support and visceral fat and organ health.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Uses

Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid produce anti-inflammatory effects through multiple simultaneous mechanisms — a breadth of anti-inflammatory action that pharmaceutical NSAIDs cannot match:

Inhibition of phospholipase A2 — reducing arachidonic acid release, the starting point of the inflammatory cascade
Inhibition of COX-2 — reducing prostaglandin synthesis (same mechanism as ibuprofen)
Inhibition of 5-LOX — reducing leukotriene production (mechanism not shared by NSAIDs)
NF-κB inhibition — reducing the master inflammatory transcription factor
Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines — TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β

This makes G. glabra relevant to any inflammatory condition — from joint inflammation and skin inflammation to gut inflammation and cardiovascular inflammatory burden. The connection to systemic inflammation is explored in our post on healing the heart — inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

7. Hormonal and Menopausal Uses

The isoflavone content of G. glabra — particularly glabridin — provides phyto-oestrogenic activity, binding to oestrogen receptors with selective agonist/antagonist activity depending on tissue type.

Menopausal symptoms: Glabridin has demonstrated oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) binding that may reduce hot flush frequency and severity in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Used as a component of multi-herb menopausal formulas.

Note on PCOS: Licorice has documented anti-androgenic activity through inhibition of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase — reducing testosterone production in the ovary. Used cautiously in PCOS alongside other herbs.

8. Skin Uses (Topical Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Topical G. glabra preparations — particularly glabridin-rich licorice root extract — are among the most widely researched natural skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory skin compounds.

Hyperpigmentation: Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis — producing measurable skin-lightening effects. Clinical trials confirm significant improvements in melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun-induced pigmentation with topical licorice preparations.

Anti-inflammatory skin action: Licogelicone A and isoliquiritigenin reduce skin inflammation in eczema and dermatitis when applied topically.

Antimicrobial: Topical licorice preparations show activity against Propionibacterium acnes — relevant in acne management.

9. Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Uses

Beyond antiviral activity, Glycyrrhiza glabra shows broad antimicrobial activity:

Antibacterial: Activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans (oral bacteria), and Helicobacter pylori — the latter through licoricidin and licorisoflavone disrupting H. pylori cell membrane function
Antifungal: Activity against Candida albicans in vitro
Antiparasitic: Research published in PubMed confirms antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum — the primary malaria parasite — reflecting the traditional use of licorice for febrile and malarial illness across multiple cultures

Glycyrrhiza glabra Dosage Guide

Dose depends significantly on the form used and the condition being treated:

Form	Standard Dose	Notes
Dried root (tea/decoction)	1–5g per cup, simmer 15 min, 1–3 cups daily	Bitter-sweet taste; cover while steeping
Tincture (1:3, 25% ethanol)	2–5ml three times daily	Most flexible form for clinical prescription
Standardised extract (glycyrrhizin content)	200–600mg daily (standardised to 24% glycyrrhizic acid)	Most consistent dose; use short-term
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) tablets	380mg, 2–4 tablets, chewed 20 min before meals	Specifically for peptic ulcer and GERD; no BP risk
Topical licorice extract (skin)	0.5–2% glabridin concentration	For hyperpigmentation and skin inflammation

Duration:

DGL form: Can be used long-term (months) — no blood pressure risk
Whole licorice / glycyrrhizin-containing forms: Maximum 4–6 weeks at therapeutic doses; monitor blood pressure

Glycyrrhiza glabra Safety, Contraindications and Drug Interactions

This is the most important section for responsible Glycyrrhiza glabra use — the herb is both genuinely powerful and has real risks at higher doses or with prolonged use.

The Blood Pressure Warning

Glycyrrhizin’s inhibition of 11β-HSD2 increases cortisol availability at the kidney, producing aldosterone-like effects: sodium and water retention, potassium excretion, and consequent blood pressure elevation. This is clinically significant.

Pseudohyperaldosteronism — the syndrome of sodium retention, potassium loss, oedema, and hypertension caused by excess licorice intake — is a documented clinical condition with case reports in the medical literature. It typically occurs with daily intakes above 100mg glycyrrhizin (approximately 50g of whole licorice confectionery, or high-dose therapeutic preparations).

WHO recommendation: Maximum 100mg glycyrrhizin daily is the WHO threshold above which adverse effects become likely.

Contraindications

Hypertension — whole licorice (glycyrrhizin-containing) is contraindicated; DGL is safe
Hypokalaemia (low potassium) — licorice worsens potassium loss
Heart failure and oedema — sodium retention worsens fluid accumulation
Liver cirrhosis — despite the hepatoprotective effect of glycyrrhizin, established cirrhosis with ascites is a contraindication
Kidney disease — reduced ability to compensate for electrolyte disturbance
Pregnancy — observational studies link high licorice consumption during pregnancy to preterm birth and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring; avoid in pregnancy
Oestrogen-dependent conditions — the phyto-oestrogenic glabridin content warrants professional guidance in oestrogen-sensitive cancer history

Drug Interactions

Drug Category	Interaction	Clinical Significance
Antihypertensives	Licorice opposes blood pressure lowering	High — avoid whole licorice
Diuretics (especially loop and thiazide)	Additive potassium loss	High — hypokalaemia risk
Digoxin	Hypokalaemia increases digoxin toxicity risk	High — contraindicated together
Corticosteroids	Licorice potentiates steroid effects	Moderate — professional guidance
Warfarin	Possible enhancement of anticoagulant effect	Moderate — monitor INR
Oral contraceptive pill	May increase OCP-related hypertension risk	Moderate — professional guidance

Safe Forms for Those with Blood Pressure Concerns

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has had glycyrrhizin removed to less than 3% — eliminating the blood pressure and potassium effects while retaining the gut-healing flavonoids and demulcent compounds. DGL is specifically recommended for:

Peptic ulcer and GERD management
Gastritis
Inflammatory bowel conditions
Anyone with hypertension who needs licorice’s gut-healing properties

Frequently Asked Questions About Glycyrrhiza glabra

Q: What are the main Glycyrrhiza glabra uses in modern herbal medicine? The primary clinical uses are: gut lining healing (particularly DGL for peptic ulcers and gastritis), adrenal support in chronic stress states, respiratory expectorant and anti-inflammatory, antiviral (particularly for herpes and hepatitis), liver protection, and topical skin brightening.

Q: What is the difference between licorice root and DGL licorice? DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is processed to remove glycyrrhizin — the compound responsible for both the adrenal and antiviral benefits AND the blood pressure-raising side effects. DGL is safe long-term and is specifically used for gut healing. Whole licorice root retains glycyrrhizin and should be used short-term (4–6 weeks) only.

Q: Can I take Glycyrrhiza glabra every day? DGL form: yes, long-term use is safe. Whole licorice / glycyrrhizin-containing preparations: maximum 4–6 weeks at therapeutic doses. Daily intake should remain below 100mg glycyrrhizin (WHO guideline).

Q: Is Glycyrrhiza glabra the same as the licorice sweets? Traditional licorice confectionery (not aniseed-flavoured sweets, which contain no actual licorice) does contain licorice extract, but in variable and often low concentrations. Medical-grade preparations provide standardised glycyrrhizin or glabridin concentrations that confectionery cannot guarantee.

Q: Does Glycyrrhiza glabra raise blood pressure? Whole licorice and glycyrrhizin-containing preparations can raise blood pressure through sodium retention — particularly at doses above 100mg glycyrrhizin daily or with prolonged use. DGL licorice does not raise blood pressure. Anyone with hypertension should use DGL form only and consult a qualified medical herbalist.

Q: What is Glycyrrhiza glabra called in Ayurveda? In Ayurvedic medicine, Glycyrrhiza glabra is called yashtimadhu — meaning “sweet stick.” It is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenative) and medhya (brain tonic) herb with particular affinity for the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

How Glycyrrhiza glabra Is Used at Herba Naturalle

At Herba Naturalle, Glycyrrhiza glabra is used clinically as part of individualised herbal prescriptions — never as a standalone product, but as part of carefully formulated combinations chosen specifically for each patient’s presentation.

Its most common applications in clinical practice are:

In gut-healing formulas for IBS, gastritis, peptic ulceration, and leaky gut — typically as DGL or low-dose tincture alongside Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and digestive bitters. The Digestive Reset Bundle addresses this clinical pattern.
In respiratory formulas for bronchitis, asthma, and upper respiratory catarrh — combined with Thyme, Mullein, and Elecampane. The Lungwort Plus provides complementary respiratory mucosal support.
In adrenal and stress recovery formulas — combined with Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Siberian Ginseng for short-term HPA axis support. The Smooth Muscle and Immune Reset Bundle addresses the smooth muscle inflammation component.
In antiviral support protocols — for herpes, respiratory viral illness, and immune depletion.

The connection between digestive health and systemic inflammation — central to Glycyrrhiza glabra‘s clinical role — is explored across our Inflammation Pandemic series:

Summary: Glycyrrhiza glabra Uses at a Glance

Use	Evidence Level	Best Form
Peptic ulcer healing	Strong (multiple RCTs)	DGL
Gastritis and GERD	Strong	DGL
H. pylori inhibition	Moderate (in vitro, clinical)	Whole root / tincture
Adrenal support	Moderate (pharmacological + clinical)	Tincture / standardised extract
Respiratory expectorant	Strong (traditional + clinical)	Tea / tincture
Antiviral (herpes, influenza)	Moderate to strong	Standardised glycyrrhizin
Hepatoprotection	Strong (pharmaceutical use in Japan)	Standardised glycyrrhizin
Anti-inflammatory	Strong (pharmacological)	Tincture / extract
Skin brightening (topical)	Moderate (clinical trials)	Topical glabridin extract
Menopausal symptom support	Emerging	Standardised isoflavone extract

To discuss whether Glycyrrhiza glabra is appropriate for your specific health situation, contact Herba Naturalle to book a consultation with Anjela Jeganathan. Browse the full 224-herb index and the complete herbal product range.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not replace the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist or physician. Glycyrrhiza glabra requires professional guidance, particularly for those with hypertension, heart conditions, pregnancy, or those taking pharmaceutical medications.

Anjela Jegnathan – 30+ years Experience with Herbal Clinic at Croydon UK

Holistic herbal medicine to restore digestion, calm the nervous system and support the body’s healthy inflammatory response.

Developed through over 30 years of experience in integrated medicine and more than 25 years of full-time clinical herbal practice.

Healing begins when you turn inwards.