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What Is Licorice Extract?
Licorice extract is a natural product extracted from the roots and rhizomes of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice is a perennial herb found in arid regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. The extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-soothing properties. As a result, it is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Active ingredients in Licorice root
Licorice root extract contains various bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, glabridin, and glycyrrhetinic acid. These compounds contribute to its pharmacological properties, allowing it to be used in formulations for skin care, hair care, digestive health, and respiratory health.
- Glycyrrhizin, with a CAS number of 1405-86-3, has a molecular formula of C42H62O16 and a molecular weight of 822.92 g/mol. It lends Licorice its characteristic sweetness and boasts anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
- Flavonoids such as liquiritin and isoliquiritin, with CAS numbers 551-15-5 and 5041-81-6, respectively, have molecular formulas of C21H22O9 and molecular weights of 418.40 g/mol. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Glabridin, identified by CAS number 59870-68-7, has a molecular formula of C20H20O4 and a molecular weight of 324.37 g/mol. Renowned for its skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory effects, glabridin is another significant component.
- Finally, glycyrrhetinic acid, with a CAS number of 471-53-4, has a molecular formula of C30H46O4 and a molecular weight of 470.68 g/mol. This compound, derived from glycyrrhizin, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Specification Sheet Reference
| Type | Plant Extract |
| Appearance | Yellow to brown powder |
| Certifications | Please contact our Sales Team to get |
| Active Ingredients | Glycyrrhizin, Glabridin, Isoliquiritigenin, Licochalcone, etc. |
| Test Methods | HPLC, TLC, FTIR, GC-MS |
| MOQ (minimum order quantity) | 1kg |
| Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
| OEM Service | Available, such as capsules, tablets, pills, etc. |
| ODM Service | Available |
| Private Label | Available |
| Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Licorice VS Liquorice
“Licorice” and “Liquorice” are two spellings of the same word. They refer to the plant licorice and its sweet root, used in various foods and as a flavoring agent. The difference in spelling is mainly because of regional language preferences. Licorice is the American English spelling. At the same time, Liquorice is the British English spelling. Both spellings are correct and understood in English-speaking countries.
In terms of usage, “licorice” or “liquorice” can refer to three things.
– The plant itself (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
– The sweet root of the plant is used in traditional medicine and as flavoring.
– Candies made with licorice root extract or flavored to taste similar.
Licorice VS Glutathione
Licorice, botanically known as Glycyrrhiza uralensis, is a plant used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. It contains various bioactive compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and more. These compounds contribute to its pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-tumor.
Glutathione is a tripeptide that occurs naturally within cells and is vital to the body’s detoxification process and immune system. It comprises three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Glutathione is often referred to as the “master antioxidant” because of its ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.
When taken as a supplement, the bioavailability of licorice varies depending on the form and preparation. However, the effectiveness of glutathione supplements has been controversial because of the large size of the peptide. It can make it difficult for the body to absorb it in supplement form.
Additionally, long-term use of licorice can lead to side effects, including high blood pressure and hypokalemia, due to the glycyrrhizic acid found in the herb. While generally considered safe, glutathione may interact with certain medications.
From a policy perspective, licorice extract is considered a supplement. It is regulated as a food in many countries. Conversely, Glutathione is an endogenous peptide that is not usually sold as a standalone supplement but as an ingredient in various health products.
General Licorice Extract Powder Production Process
- Licorice roots are harvested from mature Glycyrrhiza glabra plants.
- The roots are cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and other impurities.
- The cleaned roots are dried to reduce moisture content and preserve their active compounds.
- Dried licorice roots are ground into a fine powder and then extracted using water, alcohol, or a combination of both to obtain the desired bioactive compounds
- The extracted liquid is filtered to remove solid particles and impurities.
- The filtered extract is concentrated to increase the concentration of bioactive compounds and reduce the volume of liquid.
- The concentrated extract is spray-dried or freeze-dried to remove excess moisture and create a powdered form.
- The licorice extract powder is packaged into suitable containers for storage and distribution.
Licorice Extract: Benefits, Side Effects, And More
For Skin
Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice root has significant anti-inflammatory effects. It can relieve skin inflammation. It has a certain therapeutic effect on common skin diseases such as acne and dermatitis.
Licorice root extract can regulate the skin’s immune response and reduce the skin’s sensitivity to external stimuli. It has a good effect on allergic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Glycyrrhizic acid can inhibit melanin production, thereby achieving a whitening effect. It has a certain improvement effect on pigmented skin diseases such as spots, freckles, and chloasma.
The antioxidant components in licorice extract can remove free radicals in the skin and protect the skin from oxidative damage.
The isoflavone glabridin contained in licorice extract has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening effects, helps reduce free radical damage caused by ultraviolet rays, and can reduce pigmentation when used topically.
Other Benefits
Licorice extract has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It can accelerate the discharge of toxic substances in the body. It can achieve a therapeutic effect on diseases such as excessive liver fire and excessive stomach fire.
During treatment, the herb can help treat cough and sputum caused by lung heat.
It can help treat symptoms such as traumatic pain or gastrointestinal ulcer pain.
It can enhance the body’s digestive function and overall energy.
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens, which may help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Research shows that licorice root extract may help treat stomach ulcers. It may be more effective in eliminating Helicobacter pylori than standard treatment.
Licorice Extract Side Effects: Safe or Not?
Licorice root extract has been used for a variety of health purposes. However, high or long-term use can have side effects, such as increased blood pressure, decreased potassium levels, abnormally high cortisol levels leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and more. Also, large amounts consumed during pregnancy have been linked to premature birth and health problems in children. Safety during breastfeeding is unclear.
6 Licorice Root Uses
Licorice root contains various active ingredients, such as chalcone, flavanoid, isoflavone, and triterpenoid saponin compounds, such as glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid. These ingredients have the effects of clearing away heat and detoxification, as well as an expectorant and cough, relieving acute pain, and so on. Therefore, in the field of medicine, it can be used to treat various diseases. For example, glycyrrhizin is one of the main raw materials of the drug for treating liver disease, namely the compound glycyrrhizin capsule.
Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoid saponin extracted from licorice plants. It is also a natural sweetener (E number: E958) worldwide, including the European Union, the United States, etc. Glycyrrhizic acid is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose and has a special sweetness. Its sweet stimulation comes slowly, goes slowly, and the sweetness lasts longer.
In the food industry, glycyrrhizic acid can be used as a sweetener. However, due to its special flavor, it is usually mixed with other sugars or sweeteners to obtain a more delicious sweetness. In addition, it is also used as an antioxidant, antibacterial agent, foaming agent, and flavor enhancer. For example, it is added to foods such as beer, beverages, candies, and oil products to play a sweetening and antioxidant role.
Glabridin is a flavonoid compound extracted from a specific variety of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry. Glabridin can penetrate deep into the skin and maintain high activity, effectively inhibiting the activity of multiple enzymes in melanin production, especially tyrosinase. It is a key enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of melanin. In this way, glabridin can reduce melanin production, thereby whitening the skin.
In addition, glabridin also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. It helps prevent skin roughness and inflammation. Studies have shown that the whitening ability of glabridin is 232 times that of vitamin C, 16 times that of hydroquinone, and 1164 times that of arbutin. However, due to its harsh extraction conditions, glabridin costs are relatively high. Therefore, it is known as “whitening gold”. Its whitening mechanism mainly includes inhibiting reactive oxygen generation, tyrosinase activity, and inflammation.
Studies have found that adding licorice and its extracts to feed can enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in livestock and poultry, increase the content of immunoglobulins, enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity and immune function, and improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry.
It is used in cigarettes to enhance the quality of flavor and improve the taste and quality of tobacco products.
Licorice extract can make toothpaste, rinse, and other oral care products as a natural mild cleaning agent.
With the deepening of licorice research, the demand for licorice extract continues to grow. Its application in medicine, food, feed, cosmetics, and other fields is also becoming more and more extensive.
FDA-Approved: Yes Or No?
The FDA regulates licorice extract as a recognized safe (GRAS) ingredient. It means that licorice extract will not hurt the body under normal consumption under normal consumption.
However, it should be noted that the FDA has also issued warnings on certain licorice products, especially those containing glycyrrhizic acid, because they may cause a decrease in potassium levels, and some people may experience arrhythmias, as well as symptoms such as hypertension, edema, drowsiness, and heart failure. Although potassium levels will return to normal after stopping it, and there will be no permanent health risks, the FDA advises consumers to pay attention to potential risks when consuming products containing licorice ingredients.
Buy Licorice Extract From Supplement Ingredients Supplier: Nutri Avenue
Nutri Avenue offers high-quality licorice extract from premium raw materials, ensuring potency and purity. Nutri Avenue is a trusted supplement ingredients supplier that provides licorice extract ideal for various health and wellness applications, including digestive health, skincare, and respiratory support.
Our commitment to stringent quality control and third-party testing guarantees that you receive a product that meets industry standards. Choose Nutri Avenue for your licorice extract needs and experience the benefits of superior supplement ingredients.
FAQs
When skin cells produce too much melanin in certain areas, it can lead to a blotchy appearance on the skin, known as hyperpigmentation. Licorice root extract prevents excess melanin production by inhibiting the production of free radicals.
Compounds such as glycyrrhizin in licorice root can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase. It is an enzyme that causes skin darkening after exposure to sunlight. It can be used as an ingredient in sunscreens to help prevent hyperpigmentation due to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
Glabridin may help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is considered a safe and effective ingredient when applied topically.
Licorice extract is often combined with other antioxidants and skin-lightening products to enhance the effects of lightening hyperpigmentation, such as niacinamide, tretinoin, vitamin C, and other ingredients.
