# Abstract ___ Licorice root is an extremely versatile herb used both in traditional and modern medicinal applications. It is a member of the *Leguminosae/Fabaceae* family with two common varieties *viz.* Chinese licorice (*Glycyrrhiza glabra*) and American licorice (*Glycyrrhiza uralensis*), with the former being the most predominantly available. The dried roots of licorice contain many triterpenoids and hundreds of flavonoids working synergistically to support the medicinal qualities of this herb. Medicinal applications include use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, antiviral, anti-ulcer, antitussive, anti-oxidant, skin whitening, anti-diuretic agent. This article is a review of various available literature regarding traditional and modern applications of *Glycyrrhiza spp.* ___ # 1. Introduction ___

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The state of the world health care system is in nothing short of a crisis. Pharmaceutical medicines are producing arguably extreme adverse effects on the human populace. Pharmaceutical companies have long skirted the damages caused by their medicines by marketing them as “potential side-effects”; however, side-effects are merely direct-effects which produce undesired results in the patient. These undesired effects driven by pharmaceutical medications has majorly influenced a revival of herbal remedies. Herbs which are recognized as generally safe to consume typically come with minimal to no undesired effects to human health. One of these herbs that has come back to the attention of the general populace is *Glycyrrhiza spp.*

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*Glycyrrhiza spp.* is one of the most commonly referred to medicines in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. There is an old Chinese saying which states, “nine out of ten formulas contain licorice root.”1 The name *Glycyrrhiza* is derived from the Greek *γλυκύς* (glukus), meaning "sweet", and *ῥίζα* (rhiza), meaning "root".2 It contains a compound known as Glycyrrhizin (GL) which is known to be 50-100x sweeter than sucrose.3 Common names for this herb are licorice root, sweet-root, and sweet-wood. The profile is sweet with a lingering licorice aftertaste. It is mildly cooling and moistening.
___ # 2. Bioactive constituents ___

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Many different constituents have been isolated from *Glycyrrhiza glabra* with 40-50% of the dried plant material weight being water-soluble, biologically active compounds. Starches (30%), pectins, polysaccharides, simple sugars, gums, mucilage (Rhizome), amino acids, triterpene saponin, flavonoids, mineral salts, bitters, asparagines, tannins, glycosides, resins, sterols, volatile oils and various other substances are found in this complex. GL is the main active constituent which comprises 10-25% of the licorice root extract.4 GL is a triterpene glycoside saponin containing a 5 carbon ring structures bound to two glucose moieties. The aglycone of GL is known as Glycyrrhetic acid (GA).3 As a tribasic acid, GL appears in several salt forms. It occurs naturally in the licorice plant as potassium and calcium salts.4 The ammoniated salt of GL is manufactured for commercial use. Specifications for this salt have been established by the FDA.5 *Glycyrrhiza glabra* owes its yellow color to its various flavonoid content. Flavonoid rich fractions include liquiritigenin (LTG), liquiritin, licuraside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, and licochalcone A (LCA), glabradin (GLD) among others.6 Five new flavonoids were recently isolated - glucoliquiritin apioside (a flavanone bisdesmoside), prenyllicoflavone A (a bisprenylflavone), shinflavanone (a prenylated pyranoflavanone), shinpterocarpin, and 1-methoxyphaseollin.7 Many volatile compounds have been isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza of which include Carvone, Methyl chavicol, α-Terpineol, 5-Methyl-Furfural, Thymol, Carvacrol, Eugenol, and various others.8 ___ # 3. Traditional uses ___ Licorice root has been regularly paired with other herbs in order to harmonize the qualities of other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mixtures for centuries.10 Licorice root has been used in TCM to treat upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, stomach and spleen qi deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, and more.9 Licorice root in Iran has found its way into different applications for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.9 The Greeks used licorice root to treat asthma and coughs, diseases affecting the voice, and diseases of the lungs.9 Pliny suggested that licorice be used as a remedy for asthma, malaises of the throat, and ulcerations of the mouth in his *Naturalis Historia of Plinius* (~77 AD).11 Furthermore, licorice root was used as an herbal medicine that could treat artery diseases, heart palpitations, and angina in Germany during the Middle Ages.9 Licorice root has been found to be used in both cosmetics and as food additives due to its anti-microbial properties.9 Cosmetics produced in Japan have frequently contained licorice root extracts. Licorice root also produces an anti-inflammatory effect which makes it great for use in creams, lotions, and other topicals. Licorice root also contains saponins which gives it the ability to mix polar and nonpolar components used in cosmetics.9 American folk magic states that carrying a cross made by tying two sticks together with red yarn will protect one against injury and negativity.5 Most commonly, however, licorice root has been associated as a symbol of love and sex.12 ___ # 4. Pharmacological activity in literature ___ ### 4.1 Anti-inflammatory activity ___ Reports show that GL and its aglycone, GA, show great anti-inflammatory properties. Their action on this response is similar to that of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. GA was shown to inhibit all factors responsible for the body’s inflammation response during *in vitro* studies. It inhibits cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin formation.13 ___ ### 4.2 Antiviral activity ___ Research shows GL to be an effective antiviral against vaccinia, herpes simplex 1, Newcastle disease, vesicular stomatitis. Results of this study showed GL irreversibly inactivates the herpes simplex 1 virus.14 *In vitro* studies were able to show that GL effectively inhibits the replication of the Human-Immunodeficiency virus.15 GL has also been shown to be effective in suppressing replication of the SARS-coronavirus.16 GL inhibits influenza’s capability of binding to DNA, in turn reducing its ability to replicate.17 GA was shown to reduce rotovirus yields by 99% subsequent to viral inoculation. Levels of viral proteins VP2, VP6, and NSP2 were all significantly reduced.18 GA inhibited the human respiratory syncytial virus through several mechanisms, including preventing viral attachment.19 ___ ### 4.3 Antimicrobial activity ___ Recent studies over the years have shown that components of *Glycyrrhiza spp.* possess significant antimicrobial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Candida albicans*, and *Bacillus subtilis*.20-23 GA was shown to decrease the expression of *SaeR* and *Hla*, key virulence genes of Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which produced bactericidal activity in GA and effectively destroyed MRSA.20 LCA and GLD were shown to significantly inhibited biofilm production and hyphal transition of *C. albicans* producing fungicidal activity.24 LTG has been shown to prevent the production of α-hemolysin, an important exotoxin in the pathogenesis of *S. aureus*, thereby protecting the body against staphylococcal infections.25 In brief, the antimicrobial activity of *Glycyrrhiza spp.* is in most part due to GA, LCA, GLD, and LTG. ___ ### 4.4 Anti-ulcer activity ___ Recent studies have begun to show that most patients with ulcers are simultaneously infected with *Helicobacter pylori*.26 Due to its antibacterial activity against *H. pylori*, GL has been strongly implicated as a progressive treatment for ulcers.27 ___ ### 4.5 Anti-malaria activity ___ LCA has been reported to show significant activity against malaria. *In vivo* studies in mice with *P. yoelii* showed that LCA was able to eradicate the malaria parasite completely with no toxicity at 1000 mg/kg.28 ___ ### 4.6 Hepatoprotective activity ___ GL has been shown to significantly inhibit CCl4 induced liver damage at concentrations of 25–200 μg/ml. Alteration of the membrane fluidity by GL has been a theorized mechanism. GA presents hepatoprotective activity through lipid peroxidation and inhibiting free radicals.29 GL is effective in treating acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.30 ___ ### 4.7 Immunostimulatory activity ___ *In vitro* studies showed that extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra at 100μg/ml concentration improved the immune response. Production of TCD69 lymphocytes and macrophages from human granulocytes was significantly increased. Where *in vivo* studies showed that licorice root extract prevented the rise of immune-complexes related to autoimmune disorders.31 ___ # 5. Contraindications ___ While *Glycyrrhiza spp.* has been recognized as generally safe for consumption, GA acts as an inhibitor of an enzyme which metabolizes cortisol falsely increasing urinary cortisol levels while blood serum levels remain unchanged.32 GA has been found to be responsible for an exaggerated ACTH response which can lead to hypocalcemia, and pseudoaldosteronism (a condition mimicking hyperaldosteronism which leads to hypertension) due to the enzyme inhibition developing excess levels of cortisol in the kidneys.33 Due to this cascade of effects, individuals who are prone to low blood pressure should consult their doctors before using *Glycyrrhiza spp.* Many different medications are shown to have cross-interactions with *Glycyrrhiza spp.* and thus anyone on medications should consult their doctors before using this herb. ___ # 6. Conclusion ___ *Glycyrrhiza spp.* having been studied for its medicinal value as an herb comes to no surprise with herbal medicines being brought to the public’s attention once again. The therapeutic properties of *Glycyrrhiza spp.* span many areas of health and help in some severe cases where modern pharmaceuticals are lacking. *Glycyrrhiza spp.* has been shown to be active against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria like MRSA while also yielding potential for a vast array of other pathogens as an antibiotic, antiviral, and an antifungal. This herb also shows great potential as a hepatoprotective agent, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and an immunostimulatory agent. Further research is needed to standardize dosages and to further validate current findings, especially in the area of *in vivo* studies. However, due to its extremely low toxicity, *Glycyrrhiza spp.* surely shows significant potential for the future of medicine. ___ ## Abbreviations GA- Glycyrrhetic Acid GL- Glycyrrhizin GLD- Glabradin LCA- Licochalcone A LTG- Liquiritigenin MRSA-> Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus TCM- Traditional Chinese Medicine ___ # References 1. Z.L. Wang, J.C. Du, L.Q. Yu, D.L. Ba, Z. Shi. “The utilization value, current research and problems of Glycyrrhiza.” Grassland of China, 24 (2002), pp. 73-76. 2. Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott. “A Greek-English Lexicon.” A Greek-English Lexicon, γλυ^κύ-ρρι_ζα. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=gluku/rriza. Accessed March 8, 2020. 3. Glória M. “SWEETENERS | Others.” Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2003:pp.5695-5702. doi:10.1016/b0-12-227055-x/01404-8. 4. Damle M. “Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) - a potent medicinal herb.” International Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2014;2(2):pp.132-136. 5. “CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.” accessdata.fda.gov. ttps://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1408. Accessed February 8, 2020. 6. Fu B, Li H, Wang X, Lee FSC, Cui S. “Isolation and Identification of Flavonoids in Licorice and a Study of Their Inhibitory Effects on Tyrosinase.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005;53(19):pp.7408-7414. doi:10.1021/jf051258h. 7. KITAGAWA I. “Chemical Studies of Chinese Licorice-Roots. I. Elucidation of Five New Flavonoid Constituents from the Roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Collected in Xinjiang.” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1994;42(5). doi:10.1248/cpb.42.1056. 8. Quirós-Sauceda, A. E., Ovando-Martínez, M., Velderrain-Rodríguez, G. R., González-Aguilar, G. A., & Ayala-Zavala, J. F. “Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) 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Acta Med Okayama, 1983; 37, pp. 385-391. 14. Pompei, Raffaello & Pani, Alessandra & Flore, O & Marcialis, MA & Loddo, B. Antiviral activity of glycyrrhizic acid. Experientia. 1980;36:304. 10.1007/BF01952290. 15. Sasaki H, Takei M, Kobayashi M, Pollard RB, Suzuki F. “Effect of Glycyrrhizin, an Active Component of Licorice Roots, on HIV Replication in Cultures of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from HIV-Seropositive Patients.” Pathobiology. 2002;70(4):229-236. doi:10.1159/000069334. 16. Cinatl J, Morgenstern B, Bauer G, Chandra P, Rabenau H, Doerr H. “Glycyrrhizin, an active component of liquorice roots, and replication of SARS-associated coronavirus.” The Lancet. 2003;361(9374):pp.2045-2046. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(03)13615-x. 17. Moisy D., Avilov S.V., Jacob Y., Laoide B.M., Ge X.Y., Baudin F. “HMGB1 protein binds to influenza virus nucleoprotein and promotes viral replication.” J Virol. 2012;86:pp.9122–9133. 18. Hardy M.E., Hendricks J.M., Paulson J.M., Faunce N.R. “18β-glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits rotavirus replication in culture.” Virol J. 2012;9:96. 19. Yeh C.F., Wang K.C., Chiang L.C., Shieh D.E., Yen M.H., Chang J.S. “Water extract of licorice had anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;148:pp.466–473. 20. Long D.R., Mead J., Hendricks J.M., Hardy M.E., Voyich J.M. “18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus survival and attenuates virulence gene expression.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013;57:pp.241–247. 21. Awandkar S.P., Mendhe M.S., Badukale D.M., Kulkarni M.B. “Antimicrobial action of cold aqueous and cold ethanolic extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra against bovine mammary pathogens.” Anim Sci Report. 2012;6:pp.88–91. 22. Yoshida T., Yoshida S., Kobayashi M., Herndon D.N., Suzuki F. “Pivotal advance: glycyrrhizin restores the impaired production of β-defensins in tissues surrounding the burn area and improves the resistance of burn mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infection.” J Leukoc Biol. 2010;87:pp.35–41. 23. Irani M., Sarmadi M., Bernard F., Ebrahimi P.G.H., Shaker B.H. “Leaves antimicrobial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.” Iran J Pharm Res. 2010;9:pp.425–428. 24. Messier C., Grenier D. “Effect of licorice compounds licochalcone A, glabridin and glycyrrhizic acid on growth and virulence properties of Candida albicans.” Mycoses. 2011;54:pp.e801–e806. 25. Dai X.H., Li H.E., Lu C.J., Wang J.F., Dong J., Wei J.Y. “Liquiritigenin prevents Staphylococcus aureus–mediated lung cell injury via inhibiting the production of α-hemolysin.” J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2013;15:pp.390–399. 26. Basso D, Plebani M, Kusters JG. “Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection.” Helicobacter. 2010;15:pp.14-20. doi:10.1111/j.1523-5378.2010.00781.x. 27. Chung J. “Inhibitory actions of sulindac on arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in strains of Helicobacter pylori from peptic ulcer patients.” Toxicology in Vitro. 1999;13(2):pp.241-248. doi:10.1016/s0887-2333(98)00076-9. 28. Sianne S, Fanie RVH. “Antimalarial activity of plant metabolites.” Nat Prod Rep. 2002; 19:pp.675-692. 29. Jeong HG, You HJ, Park SJ, Moon AR, Chung YC, Kang SK et al. “Hepatoprotective effects of 18β- glycyrrhetinic acid on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury: inhibition of cytochrome P450 2E1 expression.” Pharmacological Research. 2002; 46:pp.221-227. 30. Xu-ying W, Ming L, Xiao-dong L and Ping H. “Hepatoprotective and anti hepatocarcinogenic effects of glycyrrhizin and matrine.” J Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2009; 181(1):pp.15-19. 31. Revers FE. “Clinical and pharmacological investigations on extract of licorice.” Acta Medica Scandinavica. 1956; 154:pp.749-751. 32. Newell-Price JD. “Cushing Disease.” The Pituitary. 2017:515-571. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-804169-7.00017-9. 33. Kageyama K, Takayasu S, Moriyama T, Sakihara S, Suda T. “A Case of Pseudoaldosteronism, Accompanied with Hypocalcemia and Exaggerated ACTH Response.” Endocrine Journal. 2004;51(1):83-87. doi:10.1507/endocrj.51.83. ___ ![lotus for scientists.gif](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmcgzZe6TNcesN2kSQBegYBQxb7TRgPGKUzWRV4HsmhoM6/lotus%20for%20scientists.gif) ![naturalmedicinebannernew2.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZ2tTVCiZ6QZ1yovA98eZXQr7UwaWzJfEgpzqpKtbSkjh/naturalmedicinebannernew2.png) # LOVELAUGHTER&&XHAOS *PALPABLE POPE Ypyskypo Skwyrl, the Y's Cat-herder aka Chief Bigstick High Priest, Church of Erin Erisian Ataxia Troupe : Caste of the Black Star* https://steemimg.com/images/2016/09/22/YpyskypoSkwyrlVerified9e2f2.png