Home Ingredients Glycyrrhizina (Licorice Flavonoids & Glycyrrhizic Acid — BGG World)
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Glycyrrhizina (Licorice Flavonoids & Glycyrrhizic Acid — BGG World)

Glycyrrhiza glabra
Evidence Level
Strong
3 Clinical Trials
8 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Glycyrrhizina is BGG World's comprehensive licorice (Glycyrrhiza species) portfolio — BGG has been extracting licorice roots since 1995 with 20+ years controlling the entire production chain. Product range includes: licorice extracts (deglycyrrhizinated/DGL or conventional), glycyrrhizic acid derivatives (Mono Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate/MAG, Enoxolone/18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate), and licorice flavonoids (Licochalcone A, Glabridin). Licorice has been used medicinally for 4,000+ years in China. Applications span gut/ulcer support (DGL), personal care/skin (Licochalcone A, Glabridin), and immune support.

Studied Dose DGL for peptic ulcer 380 mg three times daily; DGL for H. pylori 150 mg root extract/day; flavonoid-rich DGL 75 mg twice daily.
Active Compound Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis) extracts (DGL or conventional); glycyrrhizic acid derivatives (Mono Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate, Enoxolone/18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate); flavonoids (Licochalcone A, Glabridin).

Benefits

H. pylori eradication — 56% vs 4% placebo

A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study reported that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) eliminated H. pylori infection in 56% of participants vs 4% for placebo. H. pylori is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and a significant stomach cancer risk factor. The 56% eradication rate compares favorably to first-line antibiotic regimens with fewer side effects.

Supported by Trial 1

Peptic and duodenal ulcer support

Small clinical trials have demonstrated DGL is as effective as H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet class) for duodenal ulcer resolution, with fewer episodes of relapse vs the pharmaceutical alternative. Licorice's traditional use for epigastric pain and dyspepsia dates to ancient Egyptian times and Chinese medicine.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

GERD symptom relief (phase III trial)

A standardized DGL extract has been evaluated in adults with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. DGL is recognized as a natural and well-tolerated approach for relieving GERD symptoms via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucosal protective effects.

Supported by Trial 2

Mucosal anti-inflammatory and protective

DGL's bioactive flavonoids exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective action on the gastrointestinal mucosa. The mechanism supports both acute symptom relief and long-term tissue healing. Mucosal protection is particularly relevant for those with NSAID-induced gastric damage or chronic stomach acid exposure.

Supported by Trial 2

Glabridin skin whitening and dermatology

Glabridin (a licorice isoflavonoid in BGG's portfolio) has documented tyrosinase inhibition activity — supporting skin whitening and hyperpigmentation reduction applications. Used extensively in personal care formulations particularly in Asian beauty markets. Different mechanism class than synthetic skin-lightening agents.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Licochalcone A anti-inflammatory dermatology

Licochalcone A is another licorice flavonoid with documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on skin. Used in personal care for acne-prone skin, redness, and inflammatory skin conditions. The flavonoid bioactives in BGG's Glycyrrhizina portfolio extend applications beyond gut health to dermatology and personal care.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Reduced side effect profile via deglycyrrhizination

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) does not have the adrenocorticoid effect of native glycyrrhiza (sodium retention leading to hypertension) and is less hepatotoxic than the native plant. The deglycyrrhizination process — patented in 1962 — removes the problematic glycyrrhizin while preserving the therapeutic flavonoid content. Supports safer long-term use.

Supported by Trial 1

GABAergic and antioxidant neuroprotection

Licorice flavonoids may contribute to GABAergic neurotransmission modulation with mouse model evidence of protective effects in epilepsy. Liquiritigenin can protect against glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity in mouse hippocampal neurons by reducing ROS production. The neuroprotective effects extend licorice's applications beyond GI.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Mucosal protection via flavonoid anti-inflammatory

Licorice flavonoids exert anti-inflammatory effects on GI mucosa — reducing inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, COX-2, leukotrienes) that drive ulcer formation and GERD symptoms. The anti-inflammatory mechanism complements direct mucosa-protective effects on epithelial cell renewal.

2

H. pylori antimicrobial flavonoids

Licorice-derived flavonoids have documented direct antimicrobial effects on Helicobacter pylori — the bacterium causing the majority of peptic ulcers and a major stomach cancer risk factor. The 56% eradication rate vs 4% placebo in clinical trials supports clinically meaningful antimicrobial activity.

3

Tyrosinase inhibition (skin whitening)

Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase — the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. Mechanism supports skin-whitening and hyperpigmentation reduction applications. The licorice flavonoids work via the same target as topical hydroquinone but with a more favorable safety profile.

4

11β-HSD2 inhibition (native glycyrrhizin)

Native glycyrrhizin (not present in DGL) inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 — the enzyme that inactivates cortisol. Inhibition leads to mineralocorticoid-like effects (sodium retention, hypertension, hypokalemia) at high doses. Deglycyrrhizination removes this mechanism while preserving therapeutic flavonoid effects.

5

GABAergic modulation and neuroprotection

Licorice flavonoid-rich extracts of G. glabra modulate GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission. Liquiritigenin protects against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in mouse hippocampal neurons via reduced ROS production and pro-apoptotic factor reduction. Mechanism may underlie reports of licorice neuroprotective applications.

Clinical trials

1
DGL for H. pylori Eradication — Pivotal RCT

Robust randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for Helicobacter pylori eradication. 2-month intervention. Foundational evidence for licorice's antimicrobial applications in GI infection.

Adults with confirmed H. pylori infection. 2-month DGL vs placebo intervention.

DGL eliminated H. pylori infection in 56% of participants vs 4% for placebo — a 14× higher eradication rate. Effects attributable to bioactive flavonoids in licorice. The clinically meaningful eradication rate supports DGL applications for H. pylori-driven ulcer disease. Comparable to or better than some pharmaceutical alternatives with fewer side effects.

2
DGL for GERD — Phase III Trial

Phase III placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical study evaluating standardized DGL extract twice daily for 28 days in adults with gastroesophageal reflux. Capsule format. Foundational evidence for DGL in GERD applications.

200 adults aged 18-60 with symptoms compatible with gastroesophageal reflux for at least one month.

DGL extract demonstrated efficacy and safety vs placebo for GERD symptom relief through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and GI mucosa protective action. Phase III scale (200 adults) is appropriate for regulatory consideration. Supports DGL as a natural and well-tolerated approach for GERD symptom relief.

3
Licorice Flavonoid Oil — Glavonoid Class Evidence

Class evidence from clinical trials of licorice flavonoid oil (Glavonoid®) for metabolic effects. 16-week supplementation studies in people with knee osteoarthritis and metabolism trials with light exercise. Provides class evidence for licorice flavonoid metabolic applications.

Various — n=50 knee osteoarthritis study, n=11-17 metabolic studies.

Glabridin-rich licorice flavonoid oil increased trunk muscle mass in knee osteoarthritis subjects (+0.17±1.1 vs placebo -0.57±1.0 kg) after 16 weeks. Mechanism: AMPK-mediated GLUT4 translocation increasing muscle glucose transport. Higher fat oxidation during light exercise (30-40% VO2max) — dose-dependent. Class evidence for metabolic and muscle applications.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

DGL form generally well-tolerated; preserves therapeutic benefits while removing problematic glycyrrhizin.
Native (non-DGL) licorice at high doses: hypertension, sodium retention, hypokalemia, edema — via 11β-HSD2 inhibition.
Native licorice cardiac arrest case reported in literature (high intake) — adhere to EFSA limit of 100 mg glycyrrhizin/day equivalent.
Pregnancy: avoid. Licorice consumption during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth.
Long-term safety supported by 4,000+ years of traditional Chinese medicine use plus modern clinical research.
Mild GI effects rare with DGL form.
BGG controls entire production chain with 20+ years extracting licorice roots.

Important Drug interactions

Antihypertensive medications — native licorice causes hypertension via 11β-HSD2 inhibition; DGL form avoids this; use DGL for those on BP medications.
Diuretics (loop, thiazide) — native licorice causes hypokalemia; avoid combining; DGL form is safer.
Digoxin — native licorice hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk; avoid; DGL safer.
Corticosteroids — native licorice prolongs corticosteroid effects via 11β-HSD2 inhibition.
Grapefruit juice — similar 11β-HSD2 inhibition mechanism; possible additive effects.
Anticoagulants (warfarin) — licorice flavonoids may have mild antiplatelet effects.
Pregnancy: avoid. Preterm birth association reported.
Furosemide and other 11β-HSD2 inhibitors — additive effects.

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Frequently asked questions about Glycyrrhizina (Licorice Flavonoids & Glycyrrhizic Acid — BGG World)

What is glycyrrhizin used for?

Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) is the main active compound in licorice root, studied for liver support, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, and used as a natural sweetener. It is responsible for both licorice's benefits and its blood-pressure cautions.

What is glycyrrhizin good for?

It is studied for liver protection (it has been used intravenously for hepatitis in some countries), soothing inflammation, and antimicrobial support. It is also intensely sweet and used in small amounts as a flavoring.

How much glycyrrhizin is safe?

Because glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, intake should be limited; health bodies suggest keeping daily glycyrrhizin low. This is exactly the compound removed to make DGL licorice for safe digestive use.

Is glycyrrhizin safe?

In small, occasional amounts it is generally tolerated, but regular or high intake can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and fluid retention. People with hypertension, heart, or kidney conditions, or who are pregnant, should avoid it.

What is Glycyrrhizina?

Glycyrrhizina is BGG World's comprehensive licorice (Glycyrrhiza species) portfolio — BGG has been extracting licorice roots since 1995 with 20+ years controlling the entire production chain.

What is Glycyrrhizina used for?

Glycyrrhizina is researched primarily for Gut Health, Immune Support, and Hair, Skin & Nails. A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study reported that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) eliminated H. pylori infection in 56% of participants vs 4% for placebo. H.

What is the recommended dosage of Glycyrrhizina?

The clinically studied dose is DGL for peptic ulcer 380 mg three times daily; DGL for H. pylori 150 mg root extract/day; flavonoid-rich DGL 75 mg twice daily. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Glycyrrhizina safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Glycyrrhizina is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: DGL form generally well-tolerated; preserves therapeutic benefits while removing problematic glycyrrhizin. Native (non-DGL) licorice at high doses: hypertension, sodium retention, hypokalemia, edema — via 11β-HSD2 inhibition. It may also interact with some medications. Glycyrrhizina is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Glycyrrhizina interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antihypertensive medications — native licorice causes hypertension via 11β-HSD2 inhibition; DGL form avoids this; use DGL for those on BP medications. Diuretics (loop, thiazide) — native licorice causes hypokalemia; avoid combining; DGL form is safer. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Glycyrrhizina?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Glycyrrhizina as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Omar HR, Komarova I, El-Ghonemi M, Fathy A, Rashad R, Abdelmalak HD, Yerramadha MR, Ali Y, et al. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(4):125-38. doi: 10.1177/2042018812454322.PubMedUsed to support: Leads the safety angle: comprehensive review documenting that glycyrrhizin inhibits 11-beta-HSD2, causing pseudohyperaldosteronism - sodium/water retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, edema and arrhythmia risk with sustained or high intake. Honesty: this is a well-documented real harm; deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) avoids it.
  2. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Franzson L, Manhem K, Ragnarsson J, Sigurdsson G, Wallerstedt S Liquorice-induced rise in blood pressure: a linear dose-response relationship J Hum Hypertens. 2001;15(8):549-52. doi: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001215.PubMedUsed to support: Quantifies the hypertension harm: a controlled human study showing licorice (glycyrrhetinic acid) raises systolic blood pressure in a linear, dose-dependent way. Honesty: confirms even moderate sustained intake can elevate BP, reinforcing strict dose limits and caution in hypertensives.
  3. van Rossum TG, Vulto AG, Hop WC, Brouwer JT, Niesters HG, Schalm SW Intravenous glycyrrhizin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I/II trial J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1999;14(11):1093-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.02008.x.PubMedUsed to support: Backs glycyrrhizin's recognized therapeutic use: intravenous glycyrrhizin (the active principle of Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) lowered serum ALT/aminotransferases in chronic hepatitis C. Honesty: the benefit is on liver-enzyme markers using the IV form; it does not eradicate the virus, and oral/high-dose use carries the mineralocorticoid harms noted above.
  4. Stormer FC, Reistad R, Alexander J Glycyrrhizic acid in liquorice--evaluation of health hazard Food Chem Toxicol. 1993;31(4):303-12. doi: 10.1016/0278-6915(93)90080-i.PubMedUsed to support: Reinforces the safety/dose-limit angle: a health-hazard evaluation of glycyrrhizic acid establishing tolerable-intake estimates and documenting that habitual intake can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism (hypertension, hypokalemia). Honesty: frames glycyrrhizin as a compound with a real ceiling on safe intake, not a benign botanical.