7 Key Facts About Glycyrrhizic Acid: Uses, Benefits, Foods, and Side Effects

When most people think about licorice, they picture a chewy candy with a strong, sweet taste. But behind that flavor is a powerful natural compound called glycyrrhizic acid, a bioactive triterpenoid saponin extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra y Glycyrrhiza uralensis). For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and even modern pharmaceuticals. Today, scientists continue to explore its therapeutic effects, from skin health to liver protection.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about glycyrrhizic acid: what foods contain it, how it’s used, the potential side effects, and where you can buy it in bulk from trusted cosmetic raw material suppliers and dietary supplement manufacturers.

1. What Is Glycyrrhizic Acid?

Glycyrrhizic acid (sometimes called glycyrrhizin) is the main sweet-tasting compound found in licorice root. It has a distinct molecular structure made up of glycyrrhetinic acid (its aglycone) bound to two molecules of glucuronic acid.

Solubility in water: Glycyrrhizic acid is moderately soluble, which makes it useful for pharmaceutical formulations and herbal teas.
Chemical derivatives: These include glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, y glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt, which are widely studied for medicinal and cosmetic applications.

In short: if you’ve ever tasted real black licorice, you’ve consumed glycyrrhizic acid.

2. What Foods Contain Glycyrrhizic Acid?

The primary food source is licorice root and products made from it. Some examples include:

Black licorice candy – Traditional black licorice contains varying amounts of glycyrrhizic acid. A brand like Good & Plenty can contain anywhere from 0.029%–0.2% glycyrrhizic acid by weight, depending on formulation.
Licorice root tea – Herbal teas made from dried licorice root are rich in glycyrrhizin.
Asian herbal tonics – Widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Kampo formulas.
Some flavored drinks and candies – Natural licorice extract is sometimes added as a sweetener or flavor enhancer.

👉 Does red licorice contain glycyrrhizic acid?
No. Red licorice candies are usually flavored with strawberry or cherry and do not contain real licorice root extract.

3. What Is Glycyrrhizic Acid Used For?

Because of its unique bioactivity, glycyrrhizic acid is used across multiple industries:

✅ Medicinal Uses

Liver protection: Clinical trials show glycyrrhizin helps in managing chronic hepatitis and liver inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and viral replication.
Respiratory support: Traditionally used in cough syrups and formulations for soothing sore throats.
Antiviral activity: Peer-reviewed studies suggest glycyrrhizic acid inhibits replication of viruses like influenza, hepatitis, and even coronaviruses.

✅ Cosmetic Applications

For skin: Reduces redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation. Skincare formulations use glycyrrhizic acid 2K (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) for its anti-inflammatory and brightening effects.
Antienvejecimiento: Protects skin cells from oxidative damage.

✅ Food & Beverage Industry

Flavor enhancer: Its natural sweetness is 30–50 times sweeter than sugar.
Functional ingredient: Often included in herbal teas and natural supplements.

✅ Dietary Supplements

Available as capsules, powders, and glycyrrhizic acid supplements standardized from licorice extract.

4. Which Candy Contains Glycyrrhizic Acid?

The big one is black licorice candy. Brands like Good & Plenty or classic European licorice chews often use licorice extract that naturally contains glycyrrhizic acid.

How much is in Good & Plenty? The amount can vary but is generally small per serving. However, eating large quantities daily may lead to side effects (see below).
Other products: Some herbal candies and throat lozenges also include licorice root extract for its soothing properties.

5. What Are the Side Effects of Glycyrrhizin?

While glycyrrhizic acid has many benefits, overconsumption can cause health risks.

Posibles efectos secundarios:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Glycyrrhizic acid affects cortisol metabolism, leading to sodium retention and potassium loss.
Edema (fluid retention) – May cause swelling in the legs or ankles.
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) – Can result in muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbances.
Interacciones farmacológicas – May interfere with diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood pressure medications.

⚠️ The U.S. FDA has warned that eating too much black licorice candy can trigger irregular heart rhythms and other complications, especially in people over 40.

6. Glycyrrhizic Acid vs. Glycyrrhetinic Acid

It’s easy to confuse the two. Here’s the difference:

Ácido glicirrícico – The natural compound in licorice root, sweet-tasting, water-soluble.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid – The aglycone (non-sugar) form produced when glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed in the body. It’s more bioactive and often studied for skin and liver protection.

Both are valuable, but their chemical structures and solubility differ.

7. Where Can I Buy Glycyrrhizic Acid in Bulk?

If you’re sourcing for cosmetics, dietary supplements, or food formulations, quality and certification matter. Look for suppliers offering:

✅ Cosmetic raw material supplier bulk solutions
✅ GMP certified plant extract for cosmetics
✅ Food-grade botanical extract supplier opciones
✅ Dietary supplement raw material manufacturer services
✅ OEM API supplier China for customized bulk orders

📌 One recommended source is:

Tecnología de inversión Shaanxi Zhonghong Co., Ltd.

Sitio web: aiherba.com
Correos electrónicos: ventas@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com

Ellos proveen glycyrrhizic acid extracts, glycyrrhizic acid 2K for skin care, and licorice-based supplements in wholesale or OEM formats.

FAQs About Glycyrrhizic Acid

Q1: Is glycyrrhizic acid the same as glycyrrhizin?
Yes. They are often used interchangeably, though technically glycyrrhizic acid is the chemical name.

Q2: Is glycyrrhizic acid safe for daily use?
In small amounts (like tea or occasional licorice candy), it’s generally safe. Long-term or high-dose use should be monitored.

Q3: Can I use glycyrrhizic acid for skin care?
Yes. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate (glycyrrhizic acid 2K) is a popular cosmetic ingredient that soothes irritation and brightens skin tone.

Q4: Does red licorice have glycyrrhizic acid?
No. Red licorice is usually artificially flavored and does not contain licorice root extract.

Q5: Can glycyrrhizic acid interact with medications?
Yes. It may enhance the effects of diuretics or interfere with blood pressure drugs. Consult a doctor before taking supplements.

References (Peer-Reviewed Studies)

Fiore, C. et al. (2008). A history of the therapeutic use of licorice in Europe and Asia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 116(2), 295–313.
Wang, Z.Y., & Nixon, D.W. (2001). Licorice and cancer. Nutrition and Cancer, 39(1), 1–11.
Kao, T.C. et al. (2014). Glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid: A review of their pharmacological and toxicological activities. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). FDA warns about black licorice and heart problems.

Final Thoughts

Glycyrrhizic acid is more than just a candy flavoring—it’s a bioactive compound with powerful medicinal, cosmetic, and nutritional uses. From soothing irritated skin to supporting liver health, it’s been trusted for centuries and continues to attract scientific attention.

Whether you’re a cosmetic formulator, a dietary supplement brand, o una food manufacturer, sourcing high-quality glycyrrhizic acid from GMP-certified suppliers ensures safety, consistency, and efficacy.