About
Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is derived from the dried roots and stolons of the licorice plant, a perennial herb native to central and south-western Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is widely used in food as a natural flavouring and sweetening agent, as well as in confectionery, beverages, condiments, and tobacco products, due to the characteristic sweet taste imparted by its principal bioactive component, glycyrrhizin.
Safety summary
The primary safety concern with glycyrrhiza glabra extract is glycyrrhizin-induced pseudohyperaldosteronism, which when sustained can lead to elevated blood pressure and hypokalaemia; WHO/JECFA has identified this as the critical adverse effect. Regular or high habitual dietary intake has been shown to affect renin, aldosterone, and blood pressure even in healthy adults. Sensitive populations include those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and pregnant women, for whom use should be avoided or medically supervised.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | EMA HMPC Community Herbal Monograph recognises Glycyrrhiza glabra radix as a traditional herbal medicine. Used as an excipient in herbal teas and as an extract in medical products in several EU Member States including Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Norway. Use during pregnancy is not recommended based on monograph guidance.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Glycyrrhiza glabra (mulethi) is recognised as a traditional Ayurvedic botanical and is permitted as an ingredient in health supplements and nutraceuticals under the FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016. Hydroalcoholic extraction processes are explicitly permitted by FSSAI for botanical extracts.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is affirmed as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1408 for use as a flavouring agent and adjuvant in food at GMP levels. Ammoniated glycyrrhizin is separately listed under FDA food additive status as MISC/FS/GMP.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1NCCIH. Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety. nccih.nih.gov
- 2WHO. Glycyrrhizinic Acid — JECFA Food Additives and Contaminants Database. apps.who.int
- 3EMA. Assessment report on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and/or Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. and/or Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., radix. ema.europa.eu
- 4PubMed. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology, 2021. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Glycyrrhiza Genus: Enlightening Phytochemical Components for Pharmacological and Health-Promoting Abilities, 2021. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the safety of 'Glavonoid®', an extract derived from the roots or rootstock of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., as a Novel Food ingredient, 2011.
