Abstract

LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA): A POTENTIAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND EXPECTORANT HERB

Gitika Chaudhary*, Shailja Choudhary, Isha Kumari and Shifali Thakur

ABSTRACT

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. mostly called Licorice/Liquorice, sweet wood, Mulahatti, and Yashtimadhu. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a widely used classical medicinal plant which is used in numerous traditional formulae. In the traditional medicinal system, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (family: Leguminosae) have been in clinical use for quite a long time. The plant is used in various medicinal system such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese medicinal system to treat respiratory disorders (bronchitis, asthma, chest and lung disorders), joint inflammation, cardiac disorders, kidney disorders, low pulse rate, extreme salivation, liver infections, hyperglycaemia, sexual disorders, pancreatic issues, skin diseases, mouth ulcers and many more. The proof-based studies demonstrated that Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. Different impacts like antiulcer, antiviral, antihepatotoxic, anti-protozoal, anti-depressant, antitussive have additionally been studied for G. glabra plant. In this review article, a brief description on the medicinal usage of the plant in Ayurveda and other medicinal system is discussed along with its pharmacological properties.

Keywords: Mulethi, Ayurveda, Glycyrrhizin, Expectorant, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory.