Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn./ Liquorice Root/ Yashtimadhu/ Mulethi/ Madhuka – Medicinal Properties, Uses, Benefits & Dosage

ABSTRACT

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., commonly known as Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda, is a highly valued medicinal plant with a long history of therapeutic use and diverse pharmacological potential. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Yashtimadhu as a versatile drug and include it among the frequently utilised medicinal plants in Charaka’s 50 Mahakashayas, reflecting its broad clinical application. More than 1,250 traditional Ayurvedic formulations are reported to contain liquorice, highlighting its importance in classical medicine. The name Glycyrrhiza is derived from the Greek words glykys, meaning “sweet”, and rhiza, meaning “root,” corresponding with its characteristic sweet taste and the Ayurvedic synonym Madhuka, which also denotes sweetness. Beyond Ayurveda, liquorice has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Assyrian, and Siddha systems of medicine. Historical records describe its use for conditions such as ulcers, thirst, cough, and respiratory complaints. Traditionally, liquorice has been valued for its demulcent, expectorant, antitussive, laxative, and sweetening properties, establishing G. glabra as an important medicinal herb across several traditional healthcare systems.

CLASSICAL REFERENCES OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Bhavprakash Nighantu Haritkyadi varga
• Raj Nighantu Pippalyadi varga

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Angiospermae
• Class: Dicotyledoneae
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
• Genus: Glycyrrhiza
• Species: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

SYNONYM OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Yashtimadhu – “Sweet stick/root”; refers to the naturally sweet root of the plant.
• Yashtimadhuka – “Sweet medicinal stick”; emphasises its sweet taste and therapeutic use.
• Klitaka – A traditional Ayurvedic name for Yashtimadhu.
• Mulethi – Common Indian name for liquorice root.
• Madhuka – “Sweet one”; denotes its characteristic Madhura Rasa (sweet taste).
• Yashti – “Stick or stem”; refers to the root’s stick-like appearance.
• Madhuvalli – “Sweet creeper”refers to the plant’s sweet nature and growth habit.
• Madhusrava – “That which exudes sweetness”; associated with the sweet nature of the herb.

VERNACULAR NAMES OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• English: Liquorice, Liquorice, Liquorice root, Sweet wood, Sweet root.
• Hindi: Mulethi, Mulathi, Muleti, Jethimadhu, Jethimadh, Mithilakdi, Mulhatti.
• Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu, Yashtimadhuka, Yashti, Yashtika, Yashtyahva, Madhuka, Madhu, Madhuvallī, Madhusravā, Madhuyashti, Klītaka, Jalayashti.
• Urdu: Mulethi, Mulhatti, Mulathi, Asl-us-Sus, Asl-us-Soos.
• Tamil: Athimadhuram, Atimadhuram, Adhimadhuram, Irattimadhuram.
• Telugu: Yashtimadhukam, Yashtimadhukamu, Atimadhuram, Athimathuram.
• Kannada: Atimadhura, Jeshtamadu, Jestamaddu, Jyeshtamadhu.
• Malayalam: Irattimadhuram, Erattimadhuram, Atimadhuram.
• Marathi: Jeshtamadh, Jyeshtamadh, Jashtimadh.
• Gujarati: Jethimadh, Jethimadha, Jethimard.
• Bengali: Yashtimadhu, Jashtimadhu, Jashtimodhu, Jaishbomadhu.
• Assamese: Jesthimadhu, Yesthmadhu, Yeshtmadhu.
• Odia: Jatimadhu, Jastimadhu.
• Punjabi: Jethimadh, Mulathi, Mularthi.
• Kashmiri: Multhi.
• Arabic: Aslus-sus, Asl-us-Sus, Shagaret es-Sus, Erqsus.
• Persian: Asarun, Ausareha Mahaka.
• French: Réglisse, Réglisse glabre, Réglisse officinale.
• German: Süßholz.
• Chinese: Gan Cao (甘草).

HABITAT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

Liquorice species (Glycyrrhiza spp.) are predominantly found in temperate and subtropical regions of Europe and Asia. Glycyrrhiza glabra is widely distributed across Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and parts of France, as well as the Caucasus, Central Asia, and western China. Glycyrrhiza uralensis is mainly native to Central Asia and extends into China and Mongolia. These plants generally thrive in sunny, warm environments with moderate moisture and are commonly associated with riverbanks, valleys, plains, and sandy or loamy soils. Liquorice prefers well-drained, fertile soils, although it can tolerate relatively dry conditions once established. Commercial cultivation is widespread in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, India, and China, reflecting its adaptability to diverse temperate climates.

MORPHOLOGY OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is a perennial herbaceous shrub that can grow up to approximately 2.5 m in height. Its leaves are alternate, compound, and imparipinnate, usually consisting of 4–7 pairs of oblong, elliptic, or lanceolate leaflets. The flowers are slender and papilionaceous, arranged in axillary spikes, and range in colour from lavender to violet. The calyx is short and bell-shaped, with lanceolate lobes and glandular hairs. The fruit is a compressed, erect, glabrous legume, about 1.5 cm long, with a reticulately pitted surface and generally containing 3–5 brown, kidney-shaped seeds. The plant develops a prominent taproot that gives rise to subsidiary roots and extensive horizontal, woody stolons, which may extend up to 8 m; the dried roots and stolons together form the commercial liquorice drug, available in both peeled and unpeeled forms. When broken, the root exhibits a fibrous fracture with a yellowish interior, characteristic aroma, and distinctly sweet taste. G. glabra grows well in fertile sandy or clayey soils, particularly in areas near rivers and streams where adequate moisture is available, while cultivated plants flourish under suitable irrigation.

CLASSICAL CATEGORISATION OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• According to Charaka Samhita: Jeevaneeya: Herbs that promote longevity and vitality, Sandhaneeya: Herbs that support bone-fracture and wound healing, Varnya: Herbs that help improve skin complexion, Kanthya: Herbs beneficial for improving and maintaining voice quality, Kandughna: Herbs that help relieve itching or pruritus, Chardinigrahana: Herbs that help control vomiting, Shonitasthapana: Herbs that help control or arrest bleeding, Mutravirajaneeya: Herbs that help restore normal urine coloration, Snehopaga: Herbs used in Snehana (oleation), a preparatory procedure before Panchakarma, Vamanopaga: Herbs used as supportive drugs in Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Asthapanopaga: Herbs used in Asthapana Basti, a decoction-based therapeutic enema.
• According to Bhavprakash Nighantu: Haritkyadi varga
• According to Raj Nighantu: Pippalyadi varga
• According to Dhanvantari Nighantu: Guduchyadi varga

ANCIENT VERSE OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

यष्टीमधु तथा यष्टीमधुकं क्लीतकं तथा।
अन्यत्क्लीतनकं तत्तु भवेत्तोये मधूलिका ॥
यष्टी हिमा गुरुः स्वाद्वी चक्षुष्या बलवर्णकृत्।
सुस्निग्धा शुक्रला केश्या स्वर्या पित्तानिलास्त्रजित्।
व्रणशोथविषच्छर्दितृष्णाग्लानिक्षयापहा ॥
(Bhavprakash Nighantu Haritakyadi varga 145-146)

According to the above shloka, the names and medicinal properties of Yashtimadhu (Licorice/Mulethi). It states that Yashtimadhu, Yashtimadhuka, and Klitaka are synonyms for Mulethi, while a water-growing variety is known as Klitanaka or Madhulika. It has a cooling potency (Hima or Shita-veerya), is heavy to digest (Guru), sweet in taste (Swadvi), beneficial for the eyes (Chakshushya), improves strength (Bala) and skin complexion (Varna), and acts as a smooth, unctuous agent (Susnigdha). Additionally, it promotes semen/virility (Shukrala), enhances hair health (Keshya), improves voice clarity (Swarya), and pacifies Pitta, Vata, and blood disorders (Rakta-pitta). It is effective in treating ulcers/wounds (Vrana), swelling (Shotha), poisoning (Visha), vomiting (Chhardi), excessive thirst (Trishna), fatigue/faintness (Glani), and wasting diseases like tuberculosis (Kshaya).

यष्टीमधुर्मधुयष्टी मधुवल्ली मधूस्त्रवा ।
मधुकं मधुका यष्टी यष्ट्यांद्ध वसुसम्मितम् ।।
मधुरं यष्ठिमधुकं किञ्चितिक्तं च शीतलम् ।
चक्षुष्यं पित्तहृद्वच्यं शोषतृष्णाव्रणापहम् ।।
(Raj Nighantu Pippalyadi varga 144-145)

This Sanskrit passage lists the synonyms and medicinal properties of Yashtimadhu (Liquorice), stating that its eight common names are Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashti, Madhuvalli, Madhustrava, Madhuka, Madhuka, Yashti, and Yashtyaddha. Taste-wise, it is predominantly sweet (Madhuram) with a subtle bitter undertone (Kinchit-tikta) and possesses cooling properties (Sheetalam). Therapeutically, it is beneficial for eye health (Chakshushya), alleviates Pitta dosha imbalances (Pittahrut), acts as a voice tonic that enhances speech clarity (Vachyam), and effectively treats wasting/dehydration (Shosha), excessive thirst (Trishna), and wounds or ulcers (Vranapaham).

मधुयष्टी च यष्टी च यष्टीमधु मधुस्रवा ।
यष्टीकं मधुकं चैव यष्टयाहं मधुयष्टिका ॥
स्थलजा जलजाऽन्या तु मधुपर्णी मधूलिका।
मधुयष्टी स्वादुरसा शीता पित्तविनाशिनी ।
वृष्या शोषक्षहरा विषच्छर्दिविनाशनी ॥
(Dhanvantari Nighantu Guduchyadi varga 138-139)

The synonyms of Yashti (Yaṣṭi) include Yaṣṭimadhu, Madhūśravā, Yaṣṭikā, Madhuka, Yaṣṭyāhva, and Madhuyasṭikā. It is characterised by a sweet taste and cold potency and is primarily known for its Pitta-pacifying action. Yashti is traditionally described as spermopoietic (Śukrala) and therapeutically beneficial in conditions such as consumption (Kṣaya), phthisis, poisoning (Viṣa), and emesis (Chardi).

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Beneficial for eye health (Chakshushya).
• Improves strength and vitality (Bala).
• Enhances skin complexion (Varna).
• Possesses smooth and unctuous properties (Susnigdha).
• Promotes semen formation and reproductive strength (Shukrala).
• Supports healthy hair growth and strength (Keshya).
• Improves voice quality and clarity (Swarya/Vachya).
• Helps pacify Pitta and Vata Dosha.
• Supports the management of blood-related disorders (Rakta-pitta).
• Traditionally used for wounds and ulcers (Vrana).
• Helps relieve swelling and inflammation (Shotha).
• Traditionally used in poisoning (Visha).
• Helps manage vomiting (Chhardi).
• Relieves excessive thirst (Trishna).
• Helps reduce fatigue and weakness (Glani).
• Traditionally beneficial in wasting and emaciation (Kshaya/Shosha).

SYSTEMIC ACTIONS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

External Use

Applied to wounds, ulcers, skin irritation, and swelling; supports skin health and complexion.

Internal Uses

• Nervous System: Supports strength and vitality and helps relieve fatigue and weakness.
• Digestive System: Pacifies Pitta and helps relieve vomiting and excessive thirst.
• Circulatory System: Helps pacify Pitta and Rakta and is traditionally useful in Rakta-Pitta disorders.
• Respiratory System: Traditionally beneficial in emaciation (Kshaya and Shosha) and supports strength in wasting-related respiratory conditions.
• Excretory System: Helps maintain fluid balance and relieve excessive thirst.
• Reproductive System: Promotes semen formation and reproductive strength (Shukrala) and supports reproductive vitality.
• Skin: Improves complexion (Varna) and supports the management of wounds, ulcers (Vrana), and swelling (Shotha).
• Satmikarana: Promotes nourishment, strength, vitality, and overall well-being.
• Tapakrama: Helps pacify Pitta-associated heat and supports relief from burning sensations and excessive thirst.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizic Acid): A major triterpenoid saponin responsible for the characteristic sweet taste of Yashtimadhu.
• Glycyrrhetinic Acid: The principal aglycone metabolite of glycyrrhizin, associated with anti-inflammatory activity.
• Flavonoids: Include liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glabridin, and glabrene, contributing to antioxidant and other biological activities.
• Chalcones: Include licochalcone A, licochalcone B, and isoliquiritin, which contribute to the herb's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coumarins: Include umbelliferone and herniarin.
• Polysaccharides and Mucilage: Contribute to the soothing and mucosal-protective properties of the root.
• Amino Acids and Proteins: Include asparagine and other amino acids.
• Volatile Compounds: Contains trace constituents such as linalool, geraniol, and terpineol.
• Mineral Salts: Contains minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium.

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

For Respiratory Issues

The respiratory benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) are mainly associated with glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, along with its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid and flavonoids such as liquiritin apioside. Glycyrrhizin has soothing, demulcent, expectorant, and cough-relieving properties that help calm irritation of the respiratory tract. It may support mucus clearance and ease congestion by promoting tracheal secretions. Glycyrrhetinic acid contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity of liquorice and may help reduce airway irritation. Liquiritin apioside has also been studied for its potential cough-suppressing activity. Together, these constituents contribute to the traditional use of Yashtimadhu for cough, throat irritation, bronchial discomfort, and respiratory tract inflammation.

For Bleeding Disorders

The potential hemostatic and mucosal-protective effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) are mainly associated with glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and flavonoids such as glabridin and isoliquiritigenin. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid support gastric mucosal protection by helping preserve protective prostaglandin activity, mucus production, and local tissue repair. This may be particularly relevant to mucosal irritation and ulcer-associated bleeding. Glabridin and isoliquiritigenin contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help protect damaged gastrointestinal tissues. Together, these constituents support mucosal healing and may help reduce inflammation associated with ulcerative lesions and bleeding.

For Digestive System

The digestive benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) are mainly attributed to glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and flavonoids such as glabridin and liquiritin. Glycyrrhizin supports gastric mucosal protection by promoting protective mucus and prostaglandin activity, helping shield the stomach lining from acid and digestive enzymes. Glycyrrhetinic acid contributes to the anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective effects of liquorice. Flavonoids such as glabridin and liquiritin provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that may help soothe gastrointestinal irritation. Some liquorice flavonoids also show activity against Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers. Together, these constituents support the traditional use of Yashtimadhu for acidity, gastritis, indigestion, gastric irritation, and peptic ulcers.

Bioavailability-Enhancing Activity

The bioavailability-enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu/Licorice) is mainly associated with glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid). Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoid saponin that may enhance the absorption and availability of certain co-administered compounds through its surfactant and membrane-interacting properties. Its amphiphilic nature can improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble substances, while modulation of certain metabolic enzymes may influence their breakdown and duration of action. In traditional Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu is also described as having Yogavahi-like supportive properties, meaning it can enhance or complement the action of substances used alongside it. Thus, glycyrrhizin is considered the principal constituent associated with the bioenhancing and synergistic potential of Yashtimadhu.

PRACTICAL USES / HEALTH BENEFITS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Respiratory Disorders: Its soothing, unctuous, and mild expectorant properties make it useful in cough, hoarseness of voice, sore throat, bronchial inflammation, and respiratory irritation. The root may also be slowly chewed for throat comfort.
• Gastric Disorders: Traditionally used in hyperacidity, gastritis, and peptic ulcers, where its mucosal-protective properties help soothe gastric irritation and discomfort.
• Urinary Tract: Beneficial in urinary irritation and burning urination, particularly where soothing and cooling action is desired.
• Rasayana and Strength: Considered Rasayana, Balya, and Shukrala, supporting nourishment, physical strength, vitality, and reproductive health.
• Wounds and Skin: Its paste with suitable media such as ghee can be applied externally to wounds and inflammatory skin conditions. It is also traditionally used for skin irritation caused by irritant substances.
• Bleeding Disorders: Traditionally used in conditions such as Raktapitta and hematemesis (Raktavamana) as part of appropriate formulations.
• Cardiac and Neurological Conditions: Classical texts mention its use in Hridroga (cardiac disorders) and Apasmara (epileptic disorders) within specific therapeutic preparations.
• Anti-inflammatory Applications: Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties support its traditional use in swelling, inflammatory skin conditions, and tissue irritation.
• Liver Support: Liquorice constituents have been investigated for hepatoprotective activity and their potential role in protecting liver tissue from damage.
• Memory and Cognitive Support: Experimental studies have investigated Glycyrrhiza glabra for potential learning and memory-supporting effects, although the mechanisms require further clarification.
• Pharmaceutical Use: Because of its naturally sweet taste, Yashtimadhu is used to improve the palatability of decoctions and formulations and as a binding or supporting ingredient in certain preparations.
• Lozenges and Preparations: Liquorice extract is commonly incorporated into lozenges and soothing preparations intended for cough and throat discomfort.

PARTS USED OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Root

DOSAGE OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Root Powder- 1-4 gm

CLASSICAL PRODUCTS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Dhatri Loha
• Shatavari Ghrit
• Mahatriphala Ghrit
• Dashmularisht
• Ashwagadndharisht
• Sri Anu Thailam
• Jivantyadi Ghrit
• Fal Kalyan Ghrit
• Sarvjwarhar Loha
• Kalmeghasav

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS WITH GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN./ LIQUORICE ROOT/ YASHTIMADHU/ MULETHI/ MADHUKA

• Yashtimadhu Churna
• Yasthimadhu Ghan Vati
• Dhatri Loha
• Shatavari Ghrit
• Memory Support Capsule
• Amlapitta Ghan Vati
• Bronco Plan Syrup
• Respi Support Tea
• Mahatriphala Ghrit
• Dashmularisht
• Alektrona Serum
• Go Richh Hair Oil
• Ashwagadndharisht
• Cleopatra Day Cream
• Praanrakshak Churna
• Sri Anu Thailam
• Jivantyadi Ghrit
• Fal Kalyan Ghrit
• Sarvjwarhar Loha
• Neuro Plan Syrup
• Kankasav
• Palash Bhringadi Oil
• Gandharvahastadi Oil
• Jatyadi Oil
• Maha Narasimha Thailam
• Swadisht Virechan Churna
• Hair Growth Formula Capsules
• Plato Plan Syrup
• Jai Shree Dhanwantharam Oil
• Pushyanug Churna
• Nervo Vet Syrup
• Nervo Vet Tablet
• Pind Oil
• Gut Vet Tablet
• Kalmeghasav
• Nirgujati Oil
• Calm Easy Tea

CONCLUSION

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly known as Yashtimadhu or Liquorice, is one of the important herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for its soothing, nourishing, and rejuvenating properties. The root is the primary part used and has been traditionally incorporated into various Ayurvedic preparations. Mulethi is traditionally valued for supporting the health of the respiratory system, throat, digestive tract, and mucous membranes. Its naturally sweet taste and soothing nature make it a commonly used herb in formulations intended to provide comfort to the throat and support digestive well-being. The herb contains several naturally occurring constituents, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which have contributed to its extensive traditional and scientific interest. Mulethi is also used as an ingredient in many classical Ayurvedic formulations and herbal preparations.

FAQs

What is the usage of Glycyrrhiza glabra?

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Mulethi/Yashtimadhu) is traditionally used in Ayurveda to support respiratory, digestive, and throat health. It is also used in various Ayurvedic herbal formulations.

What is the usage of Glycyrrhiza glabra for hair?

It is traditionally used in hair care preparations to nourish the scalp and support healthy-looking hair. It may also help maintain scalp comfort and moisture.

What are the benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra?

Mulethi is traditionally valued for its soothing, nourishing, and supportive properties, particularly for the throat, respiratory system, and digestive tract.

What is the common name of Glycyrrhiza glabra?

The common name of Glycyrrhiza glabra is Licorice or Liquorice. In Ayurveda, it is commonly known as Mulethi or Yashtimadhu.

What is the family name of Glycyrrhiza glabra?

Glycyrrhiza glabra belongs to the Fabaceae family, also known as the Leguminosae family.