ABSTRACT

Licorice consists of the underground parts, technically the rhizome and roots, of varieties of the European species Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (family Fabaceae), which possess a sweet yellow wood. Since significant quantities of licorice in the American market is imported from China, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and other Asian species are also involved in the commercial supply. The drug is often called licorice root or glycyrrhiza. The root has been used since very ancient times as a flavoring and for its expectorant and demulcent properties in the treatment of coughs and colds.1