MEDICINAL LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L.) AND ITS CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., commonly known as licorice, is one of the oldest medicinal plants widely used in traditional and modern medicine due to its diverse pharmacological properties. The plant has attracted significant scientific attention because of its rich chemical composition and broad spectrum of biological activities. The roots and rhizomes of licorice contain numerous bioactive compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides, phenolic acids, essential oils, and other secondary metabolites that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Glycyrrhizin, the principal triterpenoid saponin, is considered the major active constituent responsible for many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities.