Sweet Wood for Sweet Health

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae) is derived from the root of the liquorice plant, which grows in Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. It is locally known as goro mai dumi or bakin goro in Hausa, mgbọọ or ọdụ mgbọọ in Igbo, and gbedu or gbe’dun in Yoruba. Common names include sweet root, sweet wood, black sugar, common liquorice, and mulaith.

Constituents

Liquorice root contains nearly 300 compounds, including fatty acids, amino acids, alkaloids, volatile oils, and coumarins. Its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin. Other constituents include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and glycyrrhetinic acid—the aglycone of glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, is responsible for the sweet taste, while flavonoids such as liquiritin and isoliquiritin contribute to the yellow colour. Licorice extract also contains sugars, starch, bitters, resins, essential oils, tannins, inorganic salts, and trace levels of nitrogenous compounds.

Preparations

Liquorice is available as fresh or dried root. The extract may be presented as capsules, chewable tablets, powders, tinctures, topical gels, or teas. Liquorice root is often used as a sweetener in beverages, confectionery, and medicines.

Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses

Liquorice root has been reported to exhibit a wide range of health benefits, including liver protection, cardiovascular support, metabolic regulation, ulcer healing, neurological enhancement, and menopausal health support. These benefits are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antimutagenic properties.

In traditional medicine, it has been used to manage coughs, asthma, wounds, and diseases of the lungs, liver, and arteries. Studies show that liquorice root may help prevent and treat peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It does this by increasing mucus production in the stomach (soothing the lining), boosting blood supply to the stomach (promoting healing), and exerting antibacterial effects against Helicobacter pylori.

Liquorice root extract has been found to protect against liver damage in obese rats, reducing histopathological changes and improving liver enzyme levels. Other studies reveal that liquorice consumption leads to significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels, suppresses abdominal fat accumulation, and lowers blood glucose—suggesting its potential role in managing cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Used in Persian ethnomedicine for its neuroprotective properties, liquorice has shown promise in improving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in clinical trials without serious side effects. A study on ovariectomised rats indicated that liquorice root may serve as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, due to its high phytoestrogen content. Further research suggests its usefulness in treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and in maintaining oral health by helping to prevent cavities, oral thrush, tooth decay, and periodontitis.

Animal studies also suggest that liquorice root may help slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells in the skin, colon, and breast.

Adverse effects

Excessive consumption of liquorice through sweets, lozenges, or tea can cause serious side effects, including heart attacks. Individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are especially sensitive to its adverse effects.

Economic uses and potentials

The global liquorice extract powder market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2033. In the Nigerian market, it costs approximately ₦50,000 per 100g. Although its commercial value in Nigeria is relatively small, it is growing steadily, primarily due to its use as a confectionery ingredient and flavouring agent in pharmaceuticals and other products.

By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm

(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)

Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com

References

McGrane, K. (2024). What Are Licorice Root’s Benefits and Downsides? Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root. Accessed 17 May 2025.