Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Studies of Glycyrrhiza Glabra: A Medicinal Plant Review

The 2021 review article examined the phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice. It identified key constituents such as glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids, which contribute to its wide range of medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. The review highlighted specific studies, including one with 45 gastric ulcer patients who showed improvement after licorice extract treatment, although 20% experienced side effects like edema. Licorice extract also demonstrated immunostimulatory effects at a concentration of 100µg/ml and has been found to promote hair growth, among other benefits. The document concluded that licorice has significant therapeutic potential, but further research is necessary to fully understand its capabilities in disease prevention and treatment. The review did not provide the number of participants for all studies mentioned, which is crucial for evaluating the strength of the findings.