Liquorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) originates from southern Europe to central Asia, spanning between latitudes 30° and 45° in the northern hemisphere. The countries included in its natural distribution range are Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, southern Russia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.

To date, approximately 14 species of licorice have been identified. The most commonly used licorice varieties in commerce include:

• G. glabra Typica: Found in central and southern Europe.
• G. glabra Glandulifera: Occurs in central and southern Russia.
• G. glabra Violacea: Native to Iran and Iraq.

One of the most important compounds in licorice is glycyrrhizin, which is attributed to many of its medicinal properties. Glycyrrhizin is remarkably sweet, with a sweetness level 30 to 50 times that of regular sugar. The highest content of glycyrrhizin is found in native Chinese licorice varieties.

Botanical Characteristics of Licorice:

• Licorice is a herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family (Leguminosae).
• Its scientific name, “Glycyrrhiza,” has Greek roots, derived from the word “Greek” meaning “sweet root.”
• The stem of the plant can grow up to one meter tall, with compound leaves consisting of 4 to 7 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet.
• The light blue flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of long spikes.

Uses of Licorice:

• Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industries:

  • Treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers and indigestion.
  • Management of diseases such as SARS, bronchitis, sore throat, and asthma.
  • Liver disease treatment (including hepatitis C).
  • Addison’s disease management.
  • Relief of rheumatic swelling.
  • Expectorant and antitussive properties.
  • Use in creams for dark circles around the eyes and moisturizing/lightening creams.
  • Alleviation of menopausal symptoms.
  • Reduction of interstitial fat.

• Food and Beverage Industries:

  • Used in non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Flavoring agent in confectionery, chocolates, and sweets.
  • Enhancing the taste of cocoa-containing products (up to 25% substitution for cocoa).
  • Herbal teas and infusions.

• Tobacco Industry:

  • Licorice extract contributes to flavor and aroma in tobacco products.

• Miscellaneous Applications:

  • Firefighting foam production (as a foaming and flame-retardant agent).
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash (as an antibacterial and foaming agent).
  • Shampoo formulation.
  • Use in fiberboards and particleboards.
  • Dyeing silk and wool threads.
  • Licorice extract in various forms (liquid, powder, or solid) is commercially available.

Maximum Allowable Consumption Levels:

• The FDA has categorized licorice and its derivatives as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food use.
• The permissible levels of glycyrrhizin consumption are specified based on the product type (e.g., baked goods, non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery).
• The FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association) also provides guidelines for average consumption levels.