Glycyrrhiza
Glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for centuries in traditional medicine. Its roots contain glycyrrhizin, offering potent anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. Widely used to treat digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and skin irritations, this botanical powerhouse remains a staple in modern herbal pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae, specifically categorized under the genus Glycyrrhiza.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Glycyrrhiza | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza, is recognized by various names across different languages and cultures. In Belarusian, it is called Салодка, and in Kyrgyz, it is referred to as Кызыл мыя. In Polish, the plant is known as Lukrecja, while in Hebrew, it is called שוש. Additionally, in Malay, it is commonly known as Pokok Akar Maniсs.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ky | Кызыл мыя | Wikidata |
| pl | Lukrecja | Wikidata |
| he | שוש | Wikidata |
| be | Салодка | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Akar Manis | Wikidata |
| hu | édesgyökér | Wikidata |
| de | Süßhölzer | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Süsshölzer | Wikidata |
| ja | カンゾウ属 | Wikidata |
| hsb | Słódniki | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several countries located in Middle Europe. Within this region, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Austria. Its presence also extends through the territories of Czechia-Slovakia. Furthermore, the species is documented within the borders of Germany. Finally, its geographical reach includes the mountainous regions of Switzerland and the plains of Hungary.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as licorice, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for its underground structures. The most therapeutically active component is the root, which contains high concentrations of glycyrrhizin. In many pharmacopeias, the medicinal substance is specifically referred to as radix Glycyrrhizae. While the botanical structure consists of the primary roots, some preparations may involve the thicker, horizontal rhizomes that extend through the soil. To ensure stability and ease of storage for medicinal use, the plant is typically processed into dried roots, which are then used to create various decoctions and extracts.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 20
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| radix | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| water soluble compositions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| underground parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root systems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glycyrrhiza | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| components | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Glycyrrhiza has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 56 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin.
- Total chemicals
- 35
- Scientific sources
- 56
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| glycyrrhizin | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| liquiritin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| glycyrrhetinic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| liquiritigenin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Glycyrrhizic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glycyrrhetic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glycyrrhizic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Glycyrrhiza has 23 reported activities identified across 38 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 23
- Scientific sources
- 38
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antiviral | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticariogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Glycyrrhiza has 25 reported medicinal uses identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19, Newcastle disease, Parkinson's disease, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Total uses
- 25
- Scientific sources
- 25
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Newcastle disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 infection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apoptosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |