Why has licorice extract become a versatile star among natural plant ingredients?
Publish Time: 2025-11-10
In today's global wave of natural health and green consumption, plant extracts are penetrating multiple fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even animal feed at an unprecedented pace. Among numerous herbal essences, licorice extract stands out due to its outstanding bioactivity, wide applicability, and deep-rooted traditional applications, earning it the reputation of being a "universal key to the plant world."Firstly, the core advantage of licorice extract lies in its rich and synergistic system of active ingredients. The most representative of these is glycyrrhizic acid and its derivative glycyrrhetinic acid, which not only give licorice its signature sweetness (approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose) but also possess powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory capabilities. Studies have shown that glycyrrhizic acid can effectively inhibit the release of various inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6), relieving redness, itching, and sensitivity in skin care; and in respiratory health, it helps soothe throat discomfort and alleviate cough symptoms. Furthermore, flavonoids (such as glycyrrhizin chalcone A and isoliquiritigenin) exhibit significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and whitening effects. They can scavenge free radicals and inhibit tyrosinase activity, making them a safe and effective brightening ingredient in high-end skincare products, replacing hydroquinone.Secondly, the safety and gentleness of licorice extract lay the foundation for its widespread application. As a traditional medicinal herb listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the European Pharmacopoeia, licorice has a history of thousands of years of edible and medicinal use. Modern toxicological studies have confirmed that, at appropriate doses, its extract is non-irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, making it suitable for sensitive skin, infants, and even post-cosmetic procedures. Compared to chemically synthesized anti-inflammatory agents or bleaching agents, licorice extract is naturally derived, has a clear metabolic pathway, and low residue risk, meeting the urgent global consumer demand for "clean label" products.In the functional food and health supplement sector, licorice extract also performs exceptionally well. Its natural sweetness makes it a sugar substitute, helping to control calorie intake; its liver-protective effects have been confirmed by multiple studies, promoting liver cell repair and lowering transaminase levels; and its potential to inhibit Helicobacter pylori provides new insights for stomach health products. Notably, through modern extraction processes (such as supercritical CO₂ extraction and membrane separation technology), manufacturers can precisely control the glycyrrhizic acid content, preserving its efficacy while avoiding side effects such as sodium retention that may result from long-term high-dose intake, achieving "precision enhancement."In the cosmetics industry, licorice extract has become a frequent ingredient in the formulations of international high-end brands. It not only soothes skin stress caused by UV rays, pollution, or acid peels, but also synergizes with ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide to enhance overall skin brightening. Its good water solubility and stability allow it to easily integrate into various formulations such as lotions, serums, and masks without affecting product color or odor, greatly improving formulation flexibility.Even more commendable is its sustainable value. Licorice, a perennial legume, possesses nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and its cultivation helps improve soil. After root harvesting, the above-ground parts can be returned to the field or used as animal feed, achieving resource recycling. With the promotion of standardized cultivation and green extraction processes, licorice extract production is developing in a positive direction that is environmentally friendly, increases farmers' income, and ensures controllable quality.Ultimately, licorice extract has become a versatile star among plant extracts not only because of its multi-functional natural compounds, but also because it perfectly aligns with contemporary society's comprehensive expectations for safety, effectiveness, naturalness, and sustainability. It is both a modern echo of ancient Eastern wisdom and a model of green technology empowering traditional resources. When a bottle of essence, a throat lozenge, or a packet of herbal tea contains the gentle power of licorice, what we gain is not only immediate efficacy but also a trust in and return to the healing power of nature.
