Isolating and Purification Technologies for Glycyrrhizic Acid

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the primary active component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb licorice. It possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. In addition, due to its unique sweetness, it can also be used as a food additive. Traditional Chinese medicines are typically used directly as drugs. However, the chemical composition of Chinese medicinal materials such as licorice is complex, containing not only effective components but also ineffective and even toxic substances. To efficiently exert their medicinal value and minimize the side effects of harmful substances, the extraction and separation of the active components is an important means to achieve the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine utilization. This article focuses on the extraction of GA, summarizes the current technologies related to the extraction and separation of GA, reveals the underlying chemical principles, and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the corresponding technologies. On this basis, it proposes challenges faced in the separation of GA and provides corresponding solutions. The author believes that with the continuous introduction of precise chemical synthesis and other methods in separation, the extraction and separation of the active substance will become greener and more efficient. It will also provide a reference for the extraction of other effective components of traditional Chinese medicine.