Glycyrrhiza uralensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Glycyrrhiza uralensis?
Glycyrrhiza uralensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its taxonomic descent, it falls under the order Fabales and is a member of the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific biological identification is defined by the genus Glycyrrhiza and the species uralensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Glycyrrhiza |
| Species | uralensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Glycyrrhiza uralensis has a perennial herbaceous habit characterized by erect stems that reach heights of up to 1 meter and a robust, woody taproot system. The leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of multiple pairs of oval to oblong leaflets with finely serrated margins. Small, papilionaceous flowers emerge in clusters from the axils, typically displaying shades of light purple or white. The plant produces legume-style pods that contain numerous small, somewhat angular seeds. Its overall structure is defined by a dense, bushy growth pattern supported by a deep, fleshy rootstock rich in bioactive compounds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically distributed across northern and northwestern China, Mongolia, and parts of the Russian Far East. It thrives in temperate climates and is frequently found in sandy or loamy soils within grasslands and forest margins. The species occupies a wide latitudinal range that extends from the dry continental regions to more humid northern territories. Local variations in habitat allow it to persist in diverse ecological niches across these specific geographic zones. This distribution pattern makes it a key component of the regional flora in these Eurasian landscapes.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, requires well-drained sandy loam soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and consistent moisture to support its deep taproot development.
Cultivation typically begins with sowing seeds in the spring, though the hard seed coat often necessitates pre-treatment through scarification or soaking to improve germination rates. It thrives in full sunlight and prefers temperate climates where it can undergo a period of dormancy during the winter months. Regular irrigation and adequate fertilization are essential to ensure the accumulation of glycyrrhizin within the roots.
Once the roots reach sufficient maturity, usually after three to four years of growth, they are harvested by carefully digging them out of the soil.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis is used medicinally primarily through its root and rhizome systems, specifically the parts known as Glycyrrhizae Radix. The medicinal components are harvested from the thick taproot and the underlying rhizome structure. These underground parts contain the active compounds required for therapeutic applications. Practitioners often refer to the dried root as Glycyrrhizae Radix in traditional formulas. This specific plant part provides the essential chemical constituents for various treatments.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", the plant material of Glycyrrhizae Radix is Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The research focused on the heat-resistant RNA found in a decoction of this plant. This RNA was found to be around 90 nucleotides long. Through RNA sequencing, approximately 30% of the NGS reads were mapped to the genome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The remaining 70% of the reads were mapped to various microorganisms.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Glycyrrhizae Radix
- Rhizoma
- Taproot
- Root
- Rhizome
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been utilized for centuries in both Mongolian medicine and the Japanese Kampo system to treat various internal ailments and inflammatory conditions. In Mongolian traditional practices, it is frequently employed to harmonize herbal formulas and address respiratory issues or digestive discomfort. Kampo practitioners also rely on this species to regulate the flow of Qi and mitigate pain throughout the body. Its historical application often focuses on its ability to detoxify the system and soothe mucous membranes. These long-standing medicinal traditions highlight the plant's significant role as a fundamental component in complex botanical prescriptions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. are occasionally used as a crude drug. These parts undergo various types of processing, including roasting or honey-roasting, which involves soaking with honey before roasting. Such methods are utilized within traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The study investigated the effects of these processed products on G-CSF secretion in MCE301 cells incubated for 24h. This research aims to scientifically explain the objective of processing via honey-roasting in TCM theory.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kampo
- Mongolian medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Glycyrrhiza uralensis?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-viral, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents work to suppress inflammatory cytokines and neutralize free radicals within cellular environments. The plant also demonstrates the ability to inhibit the replication of various viruses and disrupt the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, its compounds provide significant protection to liver cells against chemical-induced toxicity. These diverse biological effects make it a subject of intense interest in modern drug development.
According to a study published by "Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B", the main active flavonoids of Glycyrrhiza uralensis are liquiritigenin (LG), isoliquiritigenin (Iso-LG), liquiritin (LN), and isoliquiritiin (Iso-LN). Pharmacological studies have shown that these ingredients possess broad medicinal value, which includes anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. The plant also contains a triterpenoid component known as glycyrrhizin. These flavonoids are used extensively in Chinese medicine prescriptions, preparations, health care products, and food.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidative
- anti-viral
- anti-bacterial
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhiziic acid, and glycyrrhretinic acid. Glycyrrhizin acts as the primary saponin responsible for the distinct sweetness of the root. The flavonoids liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin are also present and contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the organic acids glycyrrhiziic acid and glycyrrhretinic acid play significant roles in its chemical profile. These diverse constituents work together to provide various therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceuitaal Society of Japan", HPLC profile analysis was performed to determine index compounds of MeOH extracts of aerial parts and EtOAc extracts of subterranean parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The research compared glycyrrhizin contents and growth rates of the underground parts of some types of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Investigation of alkaloidal constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis resulted in the obtaining of anabasine and a new tricyclic alkaloid. One excellent type of Glycyrrhiza uralensis was located in Kanzo-Yashiki, Enzan, Yamanashi prefecture, where it was cultivated in the Edo period.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Glycyrrhizin
- Liquiritigenin
- Glycyrrhizic acid
- Isoliquiritigenin
- Licochalcone A
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating peptic ulcer, various gastric diseases, inflammation, asthma, and liver diseases. Its bioactive compounds work to soothe the lining of the digestive tract to alleviate stomach irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help reduce swelling and discomfort in different parts of the body. When addressing respiratory issues, it can help ease the symptoms associated with asthma. Additionally, its medicinal qualities support hepatic function to help manage several liver diseases.
According to a study published by "Life sciences", the extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis is used as a basis for anti-ulcer medicines for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Specifically, the flavonoids licoricidin and licoisoflavone B exhibited inhibitory activity against the growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro, including against a clarithromycin (CLA) and amoxicillin (AMOX)-resistant strain. From the methanol extract of G. uralensis, 3 new isoflavonoids and 15 known flavonoids were isolated. Among these, vestitol, licoricone, 1-methoxyphaseollidin, and gancaonol C showed anti-H. pylori activity against 4 CLA (AMOX)-sensitive strains and resistant strains. Additionally, compounds such as glycyrin, formononetin, isolicoflavonol, glyasperin D, 6,8-diprenylorobol, gancaonin I, dihydrolicoisoflavone A, and gancaonol B may be useful chemopreventive agents for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer in H. pylori-infected individuals.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- peptic ulcer
- gastric diseases
- inflammation
- asthma
- liver diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a medicinal herb primarily utilized in the form of Glycyrrhizae Radix to treat inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and detoxification. It serves as a fundamental component in various traditional formulas, such as the Dahuang-Gancao decoction which is used to clear heat and detoxify. Other significant preparations include Gegegen Qinlian dispensing granule, which helps relieve heat and clears dampness in the digestive tract. The formula Jakyakgamcho-Tang also relies on this plant to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. Furthermore, zhigancao injection is a modern clinical application used to reduce inflammation and protect the liver.
According to a study published by "Chinese journal of natural medicines", Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a component of Dahuang-Gancao decoction used to relieve constipation. Glycyrrhizic acid serves as one of the main bio-active components in this decoction. In constipation mice, the Cmax, AUC0-t, and MRT0-t of glycyrrhizic acid were markedly increased compared to normal mice. Regarding tissue distribution in the colon, the concentration order was glycyrrhizic acid > rhein-8-O-β-D-glucoside > liquitin > sennoside A > rhein > aloe-emodin > emodin. The accumulation of glycyrrhizic acid in the colon may be related to the moderate property of licorice.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Dahuang-Gancao decoction
- Gegen Qinlian dispensing granule
- Jakyakgamcho-Tang
- zhigancao injection
- Glycyrrhizae Radix
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health complications including hepatotoxicity and significant liver injury due to its bioactive compounds. Consuming excessive amounts may lead to severe gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting. Many individuals also report experiencing diarrhea as a primary adverse reaction to its use. Monitoring intake is essential to avoid these systemic toxic effects.
According to a study published by "Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry", Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch is one of the most common species among the approximately 30 species that make up the licorice root. The licorice root contains chalcones which are precursors of flavonoids and are classified into Licochalcones A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Research has identified several biological effects of licochalcones extracted from Glycyrrhiza species, including anti-inflammarotory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiallergic, antidiaabetic, hepatotoxic and osteogenic properties. Additional studies are required to validate these biological effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hepatotoxicity
- liver injury
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
What herbs are paired with Glycyrrhiza uralensis?
This plant, Glycyrrhiza ura lensis, is commonly paired with Astragalus membranaceus to enhance its ability to tonify the spleen and replenish Qi.
It is also frequently combined with Ginseng to increase the overall potency of formulas aimed at strengthening the body's vital energy. When addressing inflammation or toxicity, practitioners often pair it with Scutellaria baicalensis to balance its warming properties with a cooling effect. These specific combinations are designed to modulate the medicinal actions of other herbs while harmonizing the entire formula.
Such strategic pairings allow for more targeted treatment of various systemic imbalances in traditional medicine.