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Liquorice

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Synonyms: Radix Glycyrrhizae, Sweet liquorice

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Biological source:

Botanical name:Glycyrrhiza glabra

Part used: unpeeled stolons, roots and subterranean stems

Family: Leguminosae

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Geographical source:

Mainly found in China, Europe, India, Iraq, Japan, USA etc

A stolon is a stem that grows along the ground surface

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Macroscopical features (Root)

    • Color: externally greyish brown to dark brown, internally tawny yellow
    • Odor: characteristic
    • Taste: sweet
    • Shape: nearly cylindrical
    • Size: 1/4th inch to 1 inch thickness
    • Other features: longitudinal fibres present, contains porous wood, tough, texture closely fibrous. Fracture: fibrous in bark, splintery in wood

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Microscopical features (Leaf)

    • Cork consists of radially arranged thin walled tubular cells.
    • Phelloderm consist of parenchymatous and sometimes collenchymatous cells.
    • Starch and calcium oxalate crystals found in phelloderm.
    • Phloem consist of sieve tissue alternating with thick walled lignified fibres.
    • Xylem vessels and xylem parenchyma present.
    • Medulllary rays radially elongated.
    • Pith is present in rhizomes, absent in root.

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Chemical constituents

The chief constituent is Glycyrrhizin (6-8%) which is 50 times sweeter than sucrose.

Other constituents include Glycyrrhetinic acid, Isoliquiritin, Asparagin etc

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Pharmacological action / Uses

    • Produces demulcent and expectorant effects
    • Widely used in bronchial problems such as bronchitis, cold, flu and cough.
    • Used in treatment of chronic inflammations such as arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
    • Effective in helping to reduce fever.
    • Also used for relieving stress.