Ethnopharmacological Study of Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. (Licorice) Based on Ayurveda: A Review

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG), commonly known as Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda, is a plant with a long history of use for treating various ailments such as cough, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, gastric ulcers, skin problems, inflammation, anaemia, and premature greying of hair. The review compiled information from classical Ayurvedic texts and modern scientific literature up to March 2022, from databases like PubMed, Springer, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, to assess the concordance between traditional uses and current scientific evidence. The pharmacological properties of GG that have been studied include its potential for ulcer healing, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, hair growth stimulation, and memory enhancement. Ayurveda also attributes to GG rejuvenating and aphrodisiac qualities, along with benefits for memory, complexion, sound quality, dental health, vision, lactation, and healing of cancer, ulcers, and wounds. However, the review highlights a lack of substantial evidence to fully support the medicinal potential of GG as claimed in Ayurvedic texts, indicating a need for further research to validate these traditional uses.