Licorice: A Review of Nutritional, Medicinal, Economic, and Toxicity Aspects

Abstract Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), a herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Leguminosa, is one of the most popular and oldest herbal remedies in the universe. It is an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations, which are still used extensively because of their unique sweet flavor and high medicinal value. In light of the current dispute, this article provides an overview and summary of research on the nutritional, economic, medicinal, and applications of licorice, toxicity level, dosage, and drug interaction of licorice. The bioactive components of licorice have therapeutic benefits for liver illness, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ailments. Numerous licorice extracts and pure components have been shown in experimental and clinical research to possess a wide range of medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, and dental carrier effects. This review aims to establish the framework for future studies on the safe and effective use of licorice by allowing for a full investigation of its properties and stimulating the development of new therapeutic agents.