Phytochemical composition, health effects, and crop management of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.): Α medicinal plant

Abstract

Liquorice has been widely appreciated as an important medicinal plant. Its rhizomes and roots have been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to their renowned therapeutic properties. However, increasing market demands and irrational harvesting of wild liquorice plants has rendered the cultivation of the species of major importance. This review presents aspects related to chemical composition and health effects of the species, and the effect of various cultivation practices. Particular interest is given on glycyrrhizin and its extraction procedures, since it is the main bioactive compound of liquorice roots and its content determines the final product quality. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.