Licorice root

Scientific name
Glycyrrhiza glabra

History of plant/fun facts

The Greek physician Hippocrates used licorice as a remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly for treating sore throats and digestive issues. It was also popular in Roman times, where it was consumed for its soothing properties. Licorice plants can live for up to 20 years in the wild, continuing to produce roots that are used in herbal remedies and traditional medicine.

Clinical uses

Licorice root can lighten dark spots and improve skin tone through glabridin, a compound found in the root which inhibits an enzyme responsible for melanin production. By reducing melanin production, it helps fade dark spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of licorice root contribute to reducing fine lines and wrinkles by neutralizing free radicals and protecting collagen.

Products with this ingredient 

• Salve All

Resources

Yokota T, Nishio H, Kubota Y, Mizoguchi M. The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation. Pigment Cell Res. 1998 Dec;11(6):355-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.1998.tb00494.x. PMID: 9870547.

Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clin Med Res. 2017 Dec;15(3-4):75-87. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2017.1363. Epub 2017 Dec 11. PMID: 29229630; PMCID: PMC5849435.