Preprint / Version 1

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology

Authors

  • Shadma Wahab Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Md Ali Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Rajalakshimi Vasudevan Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Geetha Kandasamy Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Md Ahmad Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Wasim Ahmad Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Safaa, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Gotam Das Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Shahabe Abullais Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Sivakumar Annadurai Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Mohd Amir Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicines, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]

Keywords:

Glycyrrhiza glabra, phytochemistry, respiratory infection, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular

Abstract

There are more than 30 species of Glycyrrhiza genus extensively spread worldwide. It was the most prescribed herb in Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, East China, and the West from the Former Han era. There are various beneficial effects of licorice root extracts, such as treating throat infections, tuberculosis, respiratory, liver diseases, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunodeficiency. On the other hand, traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. Therefore, it is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds to treat chronic diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, anticancer, hepatoprotective, etc. This work comprehensively reviews ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence, and the toxicology of licorice, which will serve as a resource for future clinical and fundamental studies. An attempt has been made to establish the pharmacological effect of licorice in different diseases. In addition, the focus of this review article is on the molecular mechanism of licorice extracts and their four flavonoids (isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, lichalocone, and glabridin) pharmacologic activities. Licorice could be a natural alternative for current therapy to exterminate new emerging disorders with mild side effects. This review will provide systematic insights into this ancient drug for further development and clinical use. Keywords: Glycyrrhiza glabra, phytochemistry, respiratory infection, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular