Licorice is often described simply as a sweet root, yet its value is broader than sweetness alone. The roots and underground stems of Glycyrrhiza species contain glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, sugars, polysaccharides and other plant constituents. Their proportions vary with species, origin, harvest, processing and extraction method. This natural variability is why industrial users work with an agreed specification instead of treating every licorice material as identical.

The word “benefit” also needs context. Licorice can offer a technological benefit in a food formula, a sensory benefit when masking an undesirable taste, or a traditional medicinal use described by an official monograph. These are different claims and should not be blended together. This article explains the distinction and the safety questions that belong in any responsible discussion of licorice.

What gives licorice its characteristic value?

Glycyrrhizin, also called glycyrrhizic acid, is one of the best-known marker compounds in licorice root. It contributes an intense, lingering sweetness and is commonly measured when the composition of an extract matters. Licorice also has a recognizable aromatic profile with earthy, woody and mildly herbal notes. The complete sensory result comes from the whole composition, not from one molecule alone.

For manufacturers, this creates several practical advantages:

  • a distinctive botanical flavour profile;
  • sweetness and flavour enhancement in suitable formulations;
  • the ability to round or mask bitter, mineral or herbal notes;
  • multiple physical forms, from cut root and powder to liquid, viscous, block and spray-dried extracts;
  • the option to standardize an extract against an agreed marker compound.

The US FDA food-substance inventory lists licorice as a flavour enhancer and flavouring agent or adjuvant. The precise permitted use and level still depend on the product, country and current regulation.

Traditional use is not the same as proven treatment

Licorice has a long history in different systems of traditional medicine. The European Medicines Agency’s herbal monograph describes traditional-use preparations for relief of certain digestive symptoms and as an expectorant in cough associated with a cold. “Traditional use” has a specific regulatory meaning: it is based on long-standing use under defined conditions and should not be presented as proof that every licorice product treats those conditions.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health gives an equally important perspective. It states that there is not enough high-quality evidence to clearly support licorice for any health condition. Some oral or topical applications have been investigated, but preliminary findings are not a licence to make broad therapeutic promises.

A trustworthy product description therefore identifies the material, preparation and intended use. Raw root, a water extract, a standardized powder and deglycyrrhizinated licorice are not interchangeable.

What about antioxidant and botanical actives?

Licorice contains flavonoids and other constituents that are frequently studied in laboratory research. Terms such as “antioxidant”, “soothing” or “supportive” may appear in scientific and marketing discussions, but a finished-product claim requires evidence for the actual ingredient, dose, formulation and target market. An in-vitro result cannot automatically be translated into a clinical benefit.

For B2B buyers, the useful question is not “Does all licorice have the same benefit?” but “Which preparation, marker profile and quality specification fit the intended product?” That question leads to reproducible procurement and more defensible communication.

Safety: why glycyrrhizin intake matters

The same compound that gives conventional licorice much of its characteristic sweetness also makes dosage and duration important. NCCIH warns that glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects, particularly when consumed in large amounts or over a long period. People with hypertension, heart or kidney conditions, high salt intake, or those using certain medicines may be more susceptible. Licorice consumption during pregnancy also requires particular caution.

This does not mean that every food containing licorice is unsafe. It means manufacturers must distinguish normal food flavouring from concentrated supplements, control composition and serving size, follow applicable rules, and provide responsible labelling. Consumers using licorice for health purposes should discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional, especially when taking medication.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, commonly abbreviated DGL, is processed to remove most glycyrrhizin. It is a different ingredient with a different specification; the label “DGL” should be used only when the composition is verified. Botanic Herbs does not present DGL as currently available unless it is separately confirmed.

How industrial buyers should evaluate licorice

The useful properties of licorice depend on consistent raw material and controlled processing. A buyer should confirm:

  • botanical species and plant part;
  • root cut or extract format;
  • glycyrrhizic-acid range and analytical method where relevant;
  • moisture, solids, particle size or viscosity as appropriate;
  • microbiological and contaminant limits for the destination market;
  • packaging, storage, shelf life and batch traceability;
  • whether the intended finished-product claim is legally permitted and adequately supported.

Botanic Herbs supplies licorice root formats and licorice extracts for industrial evaluation. Final suitability, dosage and claims remain the responsibility of the finished-product manufacturer and should be assessed against the signed specification and applicable law.

A balanced conclusion

Licorice is valuable because it combines a recognizable botanical identity, intense sweetness, flavour-modifying potential and a long history of use. Its “benefits” are most credible when described precisely: technological function in a formulation, traditional use under a recognized monograph, or a research finding with clear limitations. The same precision must be applied to safety.

Sources and further reading

This article is educational and does not constitute medical advice or authorization for a health claim.