Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
The shared monograph “liquiritiae radix” includes Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin. This profile is limited to the parts and preparations described there.
Inclusion in a collective monograph does not prove that each species has been studied separately in humans. The form and pharmaceutical quality described remain decisive.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
A common name and photograph do not guarantee identification. Check the botanical name and part indicated on a traceable product.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Dyspepsia and cough associated with the common cold
Traditional use of specified oral root preparations in the shared monograph for dyspepsia/digestive burning and expectoration during a cold. This does not establish species-specific clinical efficacy.
Use considered plausible in a traditional-use monograph. That status alone does not demonstrate clinical efficacy.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications & precautions
- Source-listed contraindicationAllergy to the active substance.Source
- PrecautionUse is not recommended with hypertension, low potassium, kidney, liver or cardiovascular disease. Avoid combining liquorice-containing products: fluid retention, potassium loss and rhythm disorders may occur.Source
Medicine interactions
- Possible interactionDo not combine with diuretics, cardiac glycosides including digoxin, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives or medicines that aggravate electrolyte imbalance.Source
- Possible interactionMay oppose the effect of antihypertensive medicines.Source
- Reported interactionA modest reduction in midazolam and omeprazole exposure was observed with a defined glycyrrhizin regimen. The relevance depends on the product; use caution with medicines metabolised by CYP3A4.Source
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Water retention, reduced potassium, heart rhythm disorders.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in women who could become pregnant and are not using contraception. Animal reproductive toxicity has been observed; glycyrrhizin has been detected in some breast milk samples and infant effects are unknown.
SourceChildren & adolescents
Medicinal use is not recommended below 18 years because adequate data are lacking; follow the preparation-specific leaflet.
SourceIf symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Forms & how they are used
DOCUMENTED FORMS
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Infusion or decoctionRoot · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceSoft extractRoot · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceUnderstanding the plant’s actions
EXPLORE THE EVIDENCE
How does the plant act?
Glycyrrhiza inflata belongs to the medicinal group assessed by the EMA, but also has constituents studied separately. Licochalcone A from its roots has been the subject of inflammation experiments. These results explain a research direction; they do not turn a root infusion into a clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory treatment.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Licochalcone A
- A chalcone isolated from G. inflata and studied in purified form. The amount in a usual preparation cannot be inferred from an experiment on this molecule.Read the reference
- Glycyrrhizin
- The root belongs to the licorice species containing this saponin; cardiovascular and electrolyte precautions also apply to this species.Read the reference
Experimental modulation of inflammation
Licochalcone A modifies inflammatory responses in cell and animal models. No herbal tea dose can be calculated from these experiments.
Laboratory or animal observation. A human benefit cannot be inferred from this finding alone.
Read the referenceDigestive and respiratory uses
The EMA framework remains traditional for the licorice root group.
Use considered plausible in a traditional-use monograph. That status alone does not demonstrate clinical efficacy.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Read the full composition: a cosmetic containing a licorice molecule, an oral extract and a root for infusion address different questions.
Studies, findings & limitations
THE RESEARCH
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Licochalcone A and inflammatory mediators
Laboratory or animal observation. A human benefit cannot be inferred from this finding alone.
- Type of research
- Experiments on macrophages and edema models in mice
- Preparation concerned
- Purified molecule isolated from G. inflata.
- Observed results
- Reduced inflammatory responses, with inhibition of the COX-2-associated prostaglandin pathway in the models tested.
- Limitations to consider
- Neither a trial in patients nor a test of the whole root; the mechanism does not demonstrate efficacy against an inflammatory disease.
What can we take from this?
Experimental effects do not allow G. inflata to be ranked as more effective or safer than other licorices.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — liquiritiae radixAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Cui et al. — Anti-inflammatory activity of licochalcone A from G. inflata (2008)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — Licorices, final assessment revision 1 (2026)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — document officiel relu : usages et sécurité, Réglisse renfléeAccessed on 09/10/2026
Image: Urgamal Magsar · CC BY 4.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
