GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA: A PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human cultivation. There is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. A review of chemical constituents present in various parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and their pharmacological actions is given in the present article. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn, is a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Although the review articles on this plant are already published, this review article is presented to comply all the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities, which were performed by widely different methods. Studies indicate that Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, antimalarial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyper glycemic properties. Various other effects like antiulcer, antiviral, antihepatotoxic, antifungal and herpes simplex have also been studies. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studies more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. A review of chemical constituents present in various parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and their pharmacological actions is given in the present article.