ABSTRACT
Glycyrrhiza glabra (am: Fabaceae), commonly known as liquorice, is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and has
been described as ‘the grandfather of herbs. Various metabolites such as glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizic acid from this
plant are mainly responsible for the pharmacological effects. Glycyrrhizin, the active constituent, is responsible for the root’s
sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Liquorice extract also stimulate tracheal
mucus secretions producing demulcent and expectorant effects. The glycyrrhizin acid has antiulcer effect by increase in the
level of concentration of prostaglandins, enhance cell proliferation in stomach and mucous secretions. However, glycyrrhizin
acquires an outstanding antiviral activity, as it prevents the binding of virus cell and it has been used to treat HIV-1 &
chronic hepatitis C virus suffering patients.