A Review: Medicinal Importance of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae Family)

Glycyrrhiza glabra L.usually known as Mulaithi, Yashtimadu or licorice is a common herb, which has since long been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its mystic effects to cure numerous diseases such as hepatitis C,ulcers, pulmonary and skin diseases etc. The herb has been used in medicines for thousands of years. Its roots comprises of a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Significant constituents isolated from licorice include flavaonoids, iso flavonoids, saponins, tripentenes and the most imperative is Glycyrrhizin. Due to these elements it has important pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory as well.