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Radix Glycyrrhizae
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and in traditional systems
of medicine
As a demulcent in the treatment of sore throats, and as an expectorant in
the treatment of coughs and bronchial catarrh. Also in the prophylaxis
and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and dyspepsia (1, 6, 8, 27–
29). As an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of allergic reactions
(27), rheumatism and arthritis (9), to prevent liver toxicity, and to treat
tuberculosis and adrenocorticoid insufficiency (9, 30).
Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental
or clinical data
As a laxative, emmenagogue, contraceptive, galactagogue, antiasthmatic
drug, and antiviral agent (15). In the treatment of dental caries, kidney
stones, heart disease (15), “consumption”, epilepsy, loss of appetite, appendicitis,
dizziness, tetanus, diphtheria, snake bite, and haemorrhoids
(11, 13).
Pharmacology
Experimental pharmacology
The demulcent action of the drug is due primarily to glycyrrhizin (27).
The antitussive and expectorant properties of the drug have also been
attributed to glycyrrhizin, which accelerates tracheal mucus secretion
(27).
The antiulcer activity of Radix Glycyrrhizae has been demonstrated
both experimentally and clinically. Intraperitoneal, intraduodenal, or
oral administration of aqueous or alcoholic extracts of Radix Glycyrrhizae
reduced gastric secretions in rats, and it inhibited the formation
of gastric ulcers induced by pyloric ligation, aspirin, and ibuprofen (27,
31–32). Glycyrrhizin and its aglycone (glycyrrhetic acid, enoxolone),
two of the active constituents of Radix Glycyrrhizae, both have antiphlogistic
activity and increase the rate of mucus secretion by the gastric
mucosa (9). Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (97% of glycyrrhizin is
removed) effectively treated stress-induced ulcers in animal models
(31–34). The mechanism of antiulcer activity involves acceleration of
mucin excretion through increasing the synthesis of glycoprotein at the
gastric mucosa, prolonging the life of the epithelial cells, and antipepsin
activity (32).
The spasmolytic activity of Radix Glycyrrhizae has been demonstrated
in vivo (guinea-pig, rabbit, and dog) (35–37), and appears to be due to
the flavonoids liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin (38).
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