A licorice extract specification may state “GA 7–9%”, while another product is sold as “CGA 25–28%”. The larger number does not automatically mean that the second material is universally better. These ranges describe different commercial ingredients, and a meaningful comparison requires the analytical method, reporting basis, physical form and intended use.

This guide explains the terminology for procurement, quality and formulation teams. It does not replace the current signed specification or batch Certificate of Analysis.

What is glycyrrhizic acid?

Glycyrrhizic acid is a naturally occurring triterpene saponin associated with the characteristic sweetness of licorice root. Its molecular formula is commonly written as C42H62O16. In raw root and extracts, related ionic and salt forms may be present, so commercial and analytical language is not always perfectly uniform.

The United States Pharmacopeia preview for Licorice defines the botanical drug and states a minimum glycyrrhizic-acid content calculated on the dried basis. The US eCFR also requires glycyrrhizin assay for licorice flavouring ingredients within its scope. These references demonstrate why the measured marker and calculation basis belong in a serious specification.

Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid and GA

“Glycyrrhizin” and “glycyrrhizic acid” are often used as near-synonyms in commercial literature. GA is a common abbreviation for glycyrrhizic acid. However, a laboratory result may be expressed as glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, a particular salt, or an acid equivalent.

Therefore, a percentage without a definition can be ambiguous. Before comparing offers, ask:

  • which analyte is being reported;
  • whether the result is expressed as glycyrrhizic acid equivalent;
  • which reference standard is used;
  • whether the result is reported as received or on a dry basis;
  • which analytical method and calculation formula apply.

Two laboratories can test similar material and report different numbers if sample preparation, reference standard or calculation basis differs.

What does a percentage such as GA 7–9% mean?

A range of 7–9% normally means that the agreed method should return a glycyrrhizic-acid result within that interval for a conforming batch. It is an assay specification for a marker compound, not a statement that the remaining 91–93% is “impurity”.

The balance may include other water-extractable licorice solids, moisture and components necessary for the commercial physical form. Any carrier or processing aid must be confirmed from the actual product specification rather than assumed from the phrase “spray dried”.

Botanic Herbs presents Spray Dried Licorice Extract Powder, GA 7–9%, Food Grade as a free-flowing extract powder standardized to an agreed range. Final composition, permitted use, packaging and batch results are governed by the signed specification and CoA.

What does CGA 25–28% mean?

CGA is commonly used commercially for “crude glycyrrhizic acid”. It describes a more concentrated licorice-derived material supplied around a defined assay range. “Crude” is important: CGA 25–28% should not be presented as purified glycyrrhizic acid, and the number should not be read as a universal purity grade.

Botanic Herbs lists Crude Glycyrrhizic Acid, CGA 25–28% as a separate product. Its intended processing route, composition, physical properties, regulatory suitability and documents must be evaluated independently from spray-dried food-grade extract.

A higher assay can reduce the mass needed to deliver a target amount of marker, but formulation suitability also depends on solubility, taste, colour, handling, supporting matrix and applicable regulation. Concentration alone does not select the correct ingredient.

GA 7–9% versus CGA 25–28%

The practical distinction can be summarized as follows:

  • GA 7–9% spray-dried extract — a dry extract format intended for controlled dosing and straightforward dry handling, subject to its current food-grade specification;
  • CGA 25–28% — a more concentrated crude glycyrrhizic-acid material for applications and further processing agreed with the buyer;
  • neither range defines all quality attributes;
  • neither product should be substituted for the other without formulation, regulatory and quality review.

A buyer should compare complete specifications, not only 7–9 versus 25–28.

As-is result and dry-basis result

Moisture changes how a percentage is expressed. An “as-is” or “as received” result refers to the material in its current state. A dry-basis result mathematically removes the measured moisture contribution.

For illustration only, an assay of 8.0% as received with 5.0% moisture corresponds to approximately 8.42% on a dry basis: 8.0 divided by 0.95. This conversion is valid only when the method and specification allow it and the moisture value belongs to the same representative sample.

Never assume the basis. The specification and CoA should explicitly state it. A result of 8.0% dry basis and 8.0% as received are not necessarily equivalent.

Why HPLC details matter

High-performance liquid chromatography, or HPLC, is widely used to separate and quantify glycyrrhizic acid in licorice materials. But “tested by HPLC” is not a complete method description.

A method comparison should address:

  • sample mass, extraction solvent, extraction time and dilution;
  • reference-standard identity and assigned potency;
  • chromatographic column and mobile phase;
  • detection conditions and peak identification;
  • calibration approach and integration rules;
  • result calculation, moisture correction and reporting units;
  • system-suitability and repeatability criteria.

A buyer does not always need the supplier’s entire internal procedure before the first inquiry, but the method reference and reporting basis must be clear enough to resolve out-of-specification disputes.

How to read the assay line on a CoA

A useful CoA line contains more than “GA: Pass”. It should show:

  • test name and analyte;
  • acceptance range, for example 7.0–9.0%;
  • actual numerical result;
  • unit and reporting basis;
  • analytical method or controlled method reference;
  • batch identity and specification version.

Also review moisture or loss on drying, because it may influence interpretation. Confirm that the CoA corresponds to the offered batch or a clearly identified representative sample, not to an unrelated historical lot.

Choosing the right product for a formulation

Choose the ingredient by working backwards from the finished product:

  • intended function — flavour, taste modification, botanical positioning or marker delivery;
  • product format — beverage, powder blend, tablet, capsule, confectionery or further industrial intermediate;
  • permitted ingredient and use level in the destination market;
  • target amount of glycyrrhizic acid per serving or batch;
  • solubility, colour, flavour and process compatibility;
  • microbiological and contaminant requirements;
  • label, warning and supporting-document obligations.

Requesting the “highest percentage” without this context can increase cost or create a formulation problem rather than solve one.

Safety and regulatory context

Glycyrrhizic acid is not only a commercial marker; exposure matters. WHO/JECFA did not establish an acceptable daily intake because available human data did not adequately characterize sensitive subgroups. The Committee noted that 100 mg per day would be unlikely to cause adverse effects in the majority of adults, while some highly susceptible individuals may respond below that level.

This value is not a universal formulation limit. Manufacturers must calculate exposure from the actual assay, proposed use level, serving size and consumption pattern, then apply the current rules and warnings for the destination market. Medical or health claims require their own lawful evidence pathway.

Buyer checklist for GA and CGA inquiries

Include the following information in a technical request:

  • target product: GA 7–9% extract or CGA 25–28%;
  • required assay and reporting basis;
  • intended application and destination country;
  • desired sample and commercial quantity;
  • required physical, microbiological and contaminant parameters;
  • packaging and storage expectations;
  • documents required: specification, sample CoA, safety data and available regulatory statements.

Use the Botanic Herbs request form to ask for the current specification, representative sample, CoA or quotation. The signed documents for the specific product and batch take precedence over this educational overview.

Sources and technical references

Regulatory and analytical requirements differ by market and application. This article is technical information, not medical or legal advice.