Agent Name
Licorice extract
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Glycyrrhiza extract; Glycyrrhizae [Latin]; Kanzo [Japanese]; Kanzou [Chinese]; Licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza spp.); Licorice extract powder (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.); Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.); Licorice root extract; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Plant Oils and Extracts
Description
Liquid or dried extract; [HSDB] Light yellow to brownish-yellow powder with a sweet spicy odor; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
From rhizome and root of Glycyrrhiza glabra; Used for flavoring confectionery and pharmaceutical products, as a humectant in tobacco, and in herbal remedies and modern drugs; [HSDB]
Comments
Emergency treatment: "Liquorice"; "Hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and water retention are primary problems associated with chronic liquorice ingestion." [HSDB] Glycyrrhizin is the major active compound (triterpene glycoside) in licorice root. It has been used as an herbal remedy for ulcers, inflammation, and viral infections. After ingestion and hydrolysis, the compound inhibits an enzyme that results in increased serum cortisol levels. [Haddad, p. 485] May cause eye irritation; Repeated or prolonged ingestion may cause hypokalemia and injury to liver and kidneys; [Science Lab MSDS] See "Glycyrrhizin."
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.