Pharmacology of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Mulhatti): The grandfather of herbs

Glycyrrhiza glabra (am: Fabaceae), commonly known as liquorice, is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and has been described as ’the grandfather of herbs. Various metabolites such as glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizic acid from this plant are mainly responsible for the pharmacological effects. Glycyrrhizin, the active constituent, is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Liquorice extract also stimulate tracheal mucus secretions producing demulcent and expectorant effects. The glycyrrhizin acid has antiulcer effect by increase in the level of concentration of prostaglandins, enhance cell proliferation in stomach and mucous secretions. However, glycyrrhizin acquires an outstanding antiviral activity, as it prevents the binding of virus cell and it has been used to treat HIV-1 & chronic hepatitis C virus suffering patients.