Licorice Extract: A Natural Bioactive Ingredient for Health, Food, and Cosmetics

Technical Introduction

Licorice Extract is derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (European licorice), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice), or Glycyrrhiza inflata plants. It is a well-known traditional herbal extract that has been used for centuries in medicine, food, and cosmetics.

The main bioactive components include:

• Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid): a sweet-tasting triterpenoid saponin (~50× sweeter than sugar).

• Flavonoids (liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin): antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Polysaccharides: immune-supportive agents.

• Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza spp.

• Main Active Ingredients: Glycyrrhizin, Liquiritin, Glabridin, Isoflavones

• Forms: Powder, liquid, or paste extract

• Appearance: Brownish-yellow powder or dark liquid

• Solubility: Water soluble (depending on extract type)

Applications

1. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Uses

• Used as an expectorant and demulcent in cough syrups and throat lozenges.

• Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects.

• Studied for potential use in gastric ulcer treatment, liver support, and immune modulation.

• Included in dietary supplements for overall wellness.

2. Food & Beverage Industry

• Natural sweetener and flavor enhancer in confectionery, beverages, and traditional candies.

• Provides masking effects to reduce bitterness in formulations.

• Used in herbal teas and functional beverages.

3. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Skin-lightening and brightening agent due to glabridin, which inhibits melanin synthesis.

• Anti-inflammatory, soothing properties help in sensitive skin and anti-acne formulations.

• Used in creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, and oral care products.

4. Veterinary & Feed Industry

• Improves palatability of animal feed.

• Supports animal immune system and digestive health.

✅ Advantages

• Natural sweetener: up to 50× sweeter than sucrose.

• Broad-spectrum health benefits: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective.

• Skin brightening & soothing properties in cosmetics.

• Versatile applications across pharmaceuticals, foods, and personal care.

• Safe and plant-derived, aligning with the clean-label trend.

⚙️ Technical Specifications (Typical Parameters)

⚠️ Safety & Regulations

• Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a food additive by FDA.

• Overconsumption Warning: High doses of glycyrrhizin may cause hypertension, hypokalemia (low potassium), and water retention.

• Safe Levels: Recommended daily intake of glycyrrhizin should not exceed 100 mg/day in sensitive individuals.

• Cosmetics: Widely accepted in skincare with proven safety at typical usage levels.

❓ FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between licorice root powder and licorice extract?
Root powder is the raw, dried, ground root. Extract is a concentrated form, standardized to specific active ingredients like glycyrrhizin or glabridin.

Q2: Can licorice extract lighten skin?
Yes. The flavonoid glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production, which contributes to skin brightening.

Q3: Is licorice safe for daily use?
In moderate amounts (as food or supplements), yes. However, long-term high doses of glycyrrhizin may cause blood pressure issues. For sensitive individuals, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is recommended.

Q4: What’s the main use in pharmaceuticals?
As a soothing agent in cough syrups, and for gastric and liver health.

Q5: Does licorice interact with medications?
Yes. It may interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain heart medicines, so medical consultation is advised for patients on such drugs.