1. Clinical & Scientific Overview
Yashtimadhu / Mulethi / Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (TIP-MED-000593, Reference Code [BOT-14]) is classified under
Medicinal Plants, Botanicals & Phytopharmaceuticals as a Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry • Fabaceae (Dried Peeled or Unpeeled Stolon and Root).
Within the Indian regulatory and compendial framework, it is governed under Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Monograph and API Part I Vol I; contraindicated in hypertension, heart failure, hypokalaemia, CKD, and pregnancy..
Standardised Pharmacopoeial Crude Drug / Extract (IP / API Reference)
Official Plant Part: Dried Peeled or Unpeeled Stolon and Root | Marker Compounds: Triterpenoid saponin Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizic acid — IP marker >=3.0% w/w, hydrolysed in gut to 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid) and prenylated flavonoids (Glabridin, Isoliquiritigenin)
Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry & Botanical Standardisation
Accepted Botanical Binomial & Authority: Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Botanical Family: Fabaceae
Official Authenticated Plant Part: Dried Peeled or Unpeeled Stolon and Root
Major Phytochemical Constituents & IP/API Marker Compounds: Triterpenoid saponin Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizic acid — IP marker >=3.0% w/w, hydrolysed in gut to 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid) and prenylated flavonoids (Glabridin, Isoliquiritigenin)
Traditional / Classical Ayurvedic Context: Traditional Kanthya (throat demulcent), Kasahara (expectorant), and gastric mucosal soothing root.
Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment (Clearly Distinguished from Traditional Use): Demulcent throat lozenges soothe acute pharyngitis; deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) supports gastric mucin secretion without mineralocorticoid toxicity.
Quality Control, Adulteration & Contaminant Limits: Authenticate via HPTLC/HPLC marker assay; screen for heavy metals (Lead <=10 ppm, Arsenic <=3 ppm, Cadmium <=0.3 ppm, Mercury <=1 ppm), microbial load, and aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2 per IP/API.
Indian Regulatory Classification (ASU vs Phytopharmaceutical vs FSSAI): Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Monograph and API Part I Vol I; contraindicated in hypertension, heart failure, hypokalaemia, CKD, and pregnancy.
3. Mechanism of Action & Pharmacodynamics
Major Phytochemical Constituents & Pharmacological Actions: Triterpenoid saponin Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizic acid — IP marker >=3.0% w/w, hydrolysed in gut to 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid) and prenylated flavonoids (Glabridin, Isoliquiritigenin). Demulcent throat lozenges soothe acute pharyngitis; deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) supports gastric mucin secretion without mineralocorticoid toxicity.
4. Therapeutic Indications & Evidence-Supported Uses
- Traditional / Classical Context: Traditional Kanthya (throat demulcent), Kasahara (expectorant), and gastric mucosal soothing root.
- Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment: Demulcent throat lozenges soothe acute pharyngitis; deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) supports gastric mucin secretion without mineralocorticoid toxicity.
5. Educational Dosage Context, Formulations & Administration
Educational Dosing & Regimen Summary: Pharmacognostic & Clinical Evidence Summary: Demulcent throat lozenges soothe acute pharyngitis; deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) supports gastric mucin secretion without mineralocorticoid toxicity.
Administration & Meal Timing: Authenticated Plant Part Used: Dried Peeled or Unpeeled Stolon and Root. CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
6. Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism & Renal/Hepatic Adjustment
Complex multicomponent phytoconstituent disposition involving intestinal deglycosylation by gut microbiota, hepatic Phase II glucuronidation/sulfation, and potential modulation of CYP450 and P-gp efflux pumps.
Intestinal microbial hydrolysis and hepatic Phase I/II biotransformation of secondary metabolites.
Avoid unstandardised herbal extracts in Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease (risk of hyperkalaemia or nephrotoxic adulterants).
Avoid high-dose concentrated botanical extracts in pre-existing hepatic disease; discontinue immediately if jaundice or transaminase elevation occurs.
7. Contraindications, Precautions & High-Risk Warnings
- Hypersensitivity to Glycyrrhiza glabra L. or other members of the Fabaceae family
- CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
Key Clinical Precautions: CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
8. Adverse Effects Profile
- CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
- CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
9. Major Drug–Drug, Drug–Food & Drug–Herb Interactions
- CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
10. Clinical Monitoring, Patient Counselling & Storage
Clinical & Laboratory Monitoring: Verify botanical binomial authenticity (exclude adulterants/substitutes), HPTLC marker content, heavy metal limits (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), aflatoxins, and pesticide residues per IP/API standards.
Pharmacist Patient Counselling Points:
- Natural or herbal origin does NOT automatically mean risk-free; always disclose botanical supplements to your doctor and pharmacist.
- CLASSIC PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM MECHANISM: 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid potently inhibits renal 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), preventing cortisol inactivation to cortisone in the distal nephron -> cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors -> severe hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, sodium/water retention, and suppressed plasma renin/aldosterone; precipitates digoxin toxicity and Torsades de Pointes via hypokalaemia!
- Never discontinue prescribed allopathic chronic disease medicines (antihypertensives, antidiabetics, anticonvulsants, or antivirals) in favour of unverified herbal products.
Storage, Stability & Dispensing Safeguards: Store dried botanical material and extracts in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25°C protected from humidity and fungal/aflatoxin contamination.
11. Visual Pharmacology & Mechanism Diagram (svg-v339-01-adme-12-step-journey)
12. Authoritative References, Regulatory Sources & Editorial Disclaimer
Primary Compendial & Guideline Reference: Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP — Herbs and Herbal Products Addendum); Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API — Ministry of AYUSH); CDSCO Rule 122E Phytopharmaceutical Drug Guidelines.
Official Verification Portals: Ministry of AYUSH — Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) • Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Herbal Monographs • CDSCO — Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (ASU & Phytopharmaceuticals)
Last Medically & Pharmaceutically Reviewed: 2026-11-10 • Verification Status: VERIFIED_EDUCATIONAL_CONTENT
Educational & Clinical Disclaimer: This reference profile is published solely for pharmacy education, academic study, and professional clinical reference. It does not substitute for patient-specific clinical judgement, qualified specialist oncology/medical supervision, or official CDSCO/IP prescribing information. Never self-medicate with prescription, Schedule H/H1/X, NDPS, or oncology medicines.