Jethimadh - Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has compound leaves, purple to bluish flowers, and sweet-flavored roots due to its glycyrrhizin content. The root is the main medicinal part used in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional herbal medicine systems.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Glycyrrhiza
Species: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Common Names

English: Licorice, Sweet Wood
Sanskrit: Yastimadhu
Hindi: Mulethi
Tamil: Athimadhuram
Telugu: Yashtimadhuka
Bengali: Jethimadh
Marathi: Jyeshthamadha

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Respiratory Health - Used as an expectorant to relieve cough, sore throat, and bronchial congestion.

Digestive Health - Acts as a soothing agent for the stomach lining and helps in gastric ulcer treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Benefits - Contains flavonoids and saponins, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Liver Protection - Traditionally used as a hepatoprotective to support liver health and detoxification.

Skin Health - Used for treating eczema, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation due to its antimicrobial properties.

Phytochemical Constituents

Mulethi contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. Some key phytochemicals include:

Triterpenoid Saponins: Glycyrrhizin, Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Flavonoids: Liquiritin, Glabridin, Quercetin

Coumarins: Herniarin, Umbelliferone

Sterols: Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol

Polysaccharides: Arabinogalactans, Glucans

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Chapter on Herbal Remedies.

Fiore, C., Eisenhut, M., Ragazzi, E., Zanchin, G., & Armanini, D. (2005). "A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 99(3), 317-324.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Asl, M.N., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). "Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its bioactive compounds." Phytotherapy Research, 22(6), 709-724.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.