Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb renowned in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine for its soothing, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is mainly used for treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin conditions. Its sweet taste and therapeutic actions make it one of the most widely used herbs in traditional medicine systems.

Yashtimadhu Scientific Names

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

Common Names

English: Licorice / Liquorice
Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu
Hindi: Mulethi
Tamil: Atimadhuram
Telugu: Yashtimadhuka
Malayalam: Irattimadhuram
Kannada: Jethimadh
Bengali: Josthimadhu
Marathi: Jeshthamadh

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Respiratory Health - Acts as an expectorant, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory agent in conditions like cough, asthma, and bronchitis.

Digestive Support - Used as a demulcent to soothe ulcers, gastritis, and hyperacidity, Promotes gut health and protects the mucosal lining.

Skin Disorders - Applied topically or consumed internally for eczema, itching, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Immunomodulatory and Rejuvenative (Rasayana) - Enhances vitality, immunity, and longevity; traditionally used as a rasayana in Ayurveda.

Endocrine and Hormonal Balance - Studied for its effects on adrenal support and estrogenic activity.

Phytochemical Constituents

Yashtimadhu contains numerous bioactive compounds that contribute to its diverse therapeutic effects:

Saponins: Glycyrrhizin (main active), Liquiritin
Flavonoids: Glabridin, Liquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin
Chalcones: Licochalcone A, B
Polysaccharides: Arabinogalactans
Other: Coumarins, Sterols, Starch, Sugars

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. II, Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Chandrasekaran, C.V., et al. (2011). "Dual inhibitory effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra on COX and LOX products in inflammation." Inflammopharmacology, 19(4), 235–241.

Pastorino, G., Cornara, L., Soares, S., Rodrigues, F., & Oliveira, M.B.P.P. (2018). "Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review." Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), 2323–2339.

Aly, A.M., Al-Alousi, L., & Salem, H.A. (2005). "Licorice: a possible anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer drug." AAPS PharmSciTech, 6(1), E74–E82.

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

Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhyam Khanda, Chapter on Amlapitta and Shwasa-Kasa Rogadhikar.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1954). Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan.