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Licorice root

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a leguminous plant native to China, and its rhizomes are used as raw material for licorice tea, kansocha. Rhizomes of licorice are rich with glucuronic acid and effective against gastric ulcer and gastritis. Any part of licorice plant can be used, but its rhizomes which are used as material of kansocha and contain medicinal components are most preferable. The licorice root extract contains biologically active compounds, including water-soluble B complex vitamins, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. The licorice root extract has an estrogen-like hormonal effect, and stimulates interferon production. These properties are beneficial for enhancing bone formation by the osteoblasts. Licorice has an estrogenic effect. This herb will stimulate your adrenals and contains several flavonoids of flavanone and isoflavanone derivatives in addition to the potassium and calcium salts of the glycyrrhizic acid. It also contains phytosterols and coumarins. Also has a good effect on the upper respiratory tract. Licorice root has been used for soothing peptic ulcers, bladder ailments, and kidney ailments. It also is a remedy for arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been found to stimulate the production of both cortisone and aldosterone which help reduce inflammation. Of the known ingredients, glycyrrhizin is a glucuronic acid derivative of the terpene, glycyrrhetinic acid. This is known for its anti-inflammatory activity to reduce swelling and edema. Aother compound therein is carbenoxolone. This compound possesses activity against herpes viruses and has been shown to be effective in healing ulcers and erosions of mucous membrane. In addition, it has been found to be effective against gingivostomatitis and recurrent herpes labialis. It generally increases the mucosal blood flow and raises the level of cytoprotective prostaglandins. Licorice root contain appreciable levels of glycyrrhizin which is present in the root as the calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizic acid, a glycoside of glycyrrhetic acid. Glycyrrhizin, one of the principal active ingredients in licorice root, is present in the root at concentrations ranging from 6 to 14 percent.

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