Sach Health Supplies LLC.
Photo credit : Universitat Craz/ Gernot Katzer
Glycyrrhiza Glabara.
Plant parts used:
Roots and runners, either un-peeled or peeled.
Description :
The plant is approximately 1.5 m. high with typical papilionaceous flowers.
There are three variants yielding commercial liquorice. (1) Russian
liquorice (2) Spanish liquorice (3) Persian liquorice.
Chemical components present :
The main constituents are glycyrrhizin (madhuyastin), the potassium and
calcium salts of glycyrrhetinic acid. Flavonoid rich fractions include
liquirtin, isoliquertin (a chalcone) liquiritigenin and rhamnoliquirilin. The
Indian roots show various 2-methyliso- flavones, and an unusual
coumarin, C liquocoumarin, 6 - acetyl- 5, hydroxy- 4- methyl coumarin.
Asparagine is also found.
Medicinal properties :
Extensive modern pharmacological research on this herb supports its
claims in older literature of multiple uses. Recent studies report the
anti-inflammatory action of glycyrrhizin acid.
Deglycyrrhiznised liquorice is used in peptic ulcer(*7). It is a mild laxative
which soothes and tones the mucous membranes and relieves muscle
spasms.
In ayurveda, it is used extensively as a demulcent (having a softening or smoothing effect especially to the
skin), and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also used in symptomatic relief in peptic ulcer, and as an antiarthritic
agent.
Contraindication:
Glycyrrhizic acid has been reported to cause oedema(*12,*13). Its effect is less toxic than that of
cortisone(*3). Large doses of liquorice (30-50 gms) can produce Cushingoid features in man.
References:
1. Iketa T.: Nippon Kosholnin Kagakkushu 8 (1)..67: (1984).
2. Li Sheng Chang et al: jen Min Pao Chien 3: 235 (1959).
3. Ito, K. et al.: Bull Pharm. Res. Inst. (japan) 10: 35 (1955). Chem Abstr. 50: 10687 a (1956).
4. Gujral, M. L. and P. N. Saxena, Ind. J. Med. Res. 44: 657 (1958).
5. Groen, J. et al: New Eng. J. Med. 244. 471 (1951).
6. Borst, J. G. G. et al.. Lancet 264: 657 (1953).
7. Hennemann, H. and G. Kunert, Pharmazie 8: 463 (1953).
8. Zhao, M. Q. et al.: Acta Pharm. Sin. IS: 325 (1983).
9. Kiso, Y. et al.: Planta Med. 2: 50 (1985).
10. Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusha Co. Ltd.: Marmen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Japanese patent. Chem Abst. 102:
32261 b (1985).
11.Suzuki, H. et al.: Asian Med. J. 26. 423 (1983).
12. Card. W. J. et al... Lancet 264..663 (1953).
13. Rovers. F. E... Acta Med. Scand. 154: Suppl. 312 749 (1956).
