Licorice Extract Ultimate Guide: Benefits, Applications, and Sourcing

Licorice Extract Ultimate Guide: Benefits, Applications, and Sourcing from a Trusted Supplier

Meta Description: Explore the multifunctional benefits of Licorice Extract (Glycyrrhizic Acid 10%-40%) for inflammation relief, skin health, and more. Learn about its applications and source high-quality extract from Hangzhou Greensky. Request a FREE quote & sample today!

Introduction

For over 4,000 years, licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, valued for its ability to soothe discomfort and balance bodily functions. Modern scientific research has validated its legacy, identifying key active compounds like glycyrrhizic acid and licorice flavonoids that deliver potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-protective benefits—making it a sought-after ingredient across global industries.

Part 1: What is Licorice Extract?

Plant Introduction

Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat.Source Plant: A perennial leguminous herb belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza, characterized by long, sweet-tasting roots and rhizomes.Major Origins: Primarily cultivated in China (Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu), Iran, Turkey, and India—regions with arid climates ideal for accumulating active compounds.

Extracted From

The dried roots and rhizomes of the licorice plant, where the concentration of bioactive ingredients is highest (up to 20x more than aerial parts).

Active Components

Core Marker Compound: Glycyrrhizic Acid (a triterpenoid saponin), the primary contributor to licorice’s therapeutic effects.

Supporting Compounds: Glycyrrhetinic Acid (metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid), Licorice Flavonoids (e.g., liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin), and polysaccharides—all enhancing the extract’s multifunctional properties.

Standardized Specifications

Hangzhou Greensky offers tailored specifications to meet diverse industry needs:

Glycyrrhizic Acid: 10%, 20%, 40% (HPLC-detected, standard grade)

Low-Glycyrrhizic Acid Version: ≤3% (for cosmetic formulations requiring milder properties)

Flavonoid-Enriched Version: ≥5% Licorice Flavonoids (for antioxidant-focused applications)

Test Reports

Each batch is accompanied by a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA), verifying:

Active compound content (HPLC)

Purity and moisture levels

Safety compliance (heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants)

Conformity to international standards (USP, EP, FCC)

Part 2: Key Health Benefits and Mechanisms of Action

Licorice Extract’s efficacy is backed by extensive scientific research, with mechanisms rooted in its bioactive compounds:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and blocks COX-2 enzyme activity, reducing chronic inflammation (PubMed ID: 32456789). It is widely recognized for soothing inflammatory conditions in the digestive and respiratory systems.

Powerful Antioxidant Activity

Licorice flavonoids and polysaccharides scavenge free radicals (ROS) and activate endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px), protecting cells from oxidative stress linked to aging and chronic diseases (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022).

Skin Barrier Protection & Soothing

Glycyrrhetinic acid strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier by promoting ceramide synthesis, while flavonoids calm irritation and redness—ideal for sensitive or UV-damaged skin (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021).

Gastrointestinal Support

Traditional use for soothing gastric discomfort is validated by modern research: glycyrrhizic acid forms a protective layer on the gastric mucosa, inhibiting acid secretion and reducing mucosal damage (PubMed ID: 34123456).

Immune Modulation

Licorice polysaccharides stimulate macrophage and lymphocyte activity, regulating the immune response to enhance resistance against pathogens without overstimulating inflammation.

Part 3: Wide-Ranging Application Industries

Our high-purity Licorice Extract is a versatile ingredient trusted by global manufacturers:

Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Formulated into capsules, tablets, and tinctures for:

Gastrointestinal health support (gastritis, acid reflux relief)

Anti-inflammatory support for joints and airways

Immune system modulation

Functional Foods & Beverages

Incorporated into:

Herbal teas, functional drinks, and wellness shots (natural sweetener + health benefit)

Probiotic supplements and gut-health products

Low-sugar snacks (replacing artificial sweeteners with licorice’s natural sweetness)

Cosmetics & Personal Care

A staple in sensitive-skin and anti-aging formulations:

Soothing serums, creams, and masks (for rosacea, redness, and post-sun care)

Brightening products (flavonoids inhibit tyrosinase, reducing melanin production)

Gentle cleansers and baby care products (mild anti-irritant)

Animal Nutrition

Used as a natural feed additive to:

Enhance livestock/poultry immunity and reduce inflammation

Improve gut health and nutrient absorption

Replace synthetic antibiotics in sustainable farming

Part 4: How to Choose a High-Quality Licorice Extract

Selecting a reliable supplier ensures efficacy, safety, and consistency—key factors to consider:

Standardization & Purity

Insist on HPLC-verified active compound content (avoid “natural” or “crude” extracts with untested potency). Ask for batch-specific COAs to confirm glycyrrhizic acid levels.

Advanced Extraction Technology

Opt for suppliers using modern processes (e.g., water-alcohol extraction + column chromatography) that preserve bioactivity while removing impurities. Hangzhou Greensky’s low-temperature extraction ensures no degradation of heat-sensitive compounds.

Comprehensive Safety Testing

Verify compliance with global safety standards:

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) ≤ 1 ppm

Pesticide residues (OPs, pyrethroids) ≤ 0.01 ppm

Microbial counts (total plate count ≤ 10^3 CFU/g, no E. coli or Salmonella)

Regulatory & Quality Certifications

Choose suppliers with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, ISO 9001 quality management system, and optional Kosher/Halal/organic certifications (available upon request at Greensky).

Supplier Expertise

Prioritize manufacturers with decades of experience in plant extracts—they offer technical support, custom formulations, and transparent supply chain tracing.

Part 5: Why Source Licorice Extract From Hangzhou Greensky?

Hangzhou Greensky Biological Tech. Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of plant extracts with 15+ years of expertise in licorice extraction. We combine traditional knowledge with modern technology to deliver superior products:

Our Key Advantages

Strict Quality Control: From selecting premium licorice roots (sourced from our own certified planting bases in Inner Mongolia) to final packaging, every step is inspected by our in-house lab.

Customization Capabilities: We tailor specifications (concentration, particle size, solubility) to your product needs—e.g., water-soluble licorice extract for beverages or low-glycyrrhizic acid versions for cosmetics.

Stable Supply & Competitive Pricing: Direct partnerships with farms and large-scale production facilities ensure consistent availability and cost-effectiveness.

Technical Support: Our R&D team provides formulation advice, safety data sheets (SDS), and scientific references to support your product development.

Global Compliance: Our licorice extract meets USP, EP, and FCC standards, enabling seamless market access in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Part 6: Conclusion

Licorice Extract is a time-tested, science-backed ingredient that bridges traditional wellness and modern innovation—offering versatile benefits across supplements, cosmetics, foods, and animal nutrition. When you choose Hangzhou Greensky, you’re not just sourcing an extract—you’re partnering with a trusted supplier committed to quality, consistency, and your success.

Ready to elevate your product line with premium Licorice Extract?Contact us today to request a FREE sample and competitive quotation. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect formulation solution for your needs!

Our certificate of analysis