Glycyrrhizic Acid
, , , , ,

Glycyrrhizic Acid

Glycyrrhizic Acid (Licorice Root Extract) — High-Purity Plant Extract for Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and Nutraceuticals

1. English Name

Glycyrrhizic Acid (also goes by “glycyrrhizin” in casual terms—it’s the main active compound in licorice root, giving that familiar sweet, earthy flavor you taste in licorice candy!)

2. Specification

  • Purity: ≥ 98% (HPLC tested—pharmaceutical and food-grade, no impurities; this high purity ensures consistent results in formulas)
  • Key Trait: Natural triterpenoid saponin (extracted from licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Solubility: Moderately water-soluble (better when converted to salts like dipotassium glycyrrhizinate for easier mixing); slightly soluble in ethanol, not oil-soluble
  • Sweetness: About 50–100 times sweeter than sugar (but with a mild licorice aftertaste—great for low-sugar products)
  • Note: No anthocyanins here—this is a licorice-derived compound, not a fruit extract!

3. Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder with a faint, earthy, slightly sweet aroma (think dried licorice root—subtle, not overpowering). Absolutely no chocolate scent—it’s all natural licorice vibes.

4. CAS NO.

1405-86-3 (this is the specific CAS for glycyrrhizic acid—consistent across the industry)

5. Lead Time

3–7 Working Days (we stock both pure glycyrrhizic acid and its salts like dipotassium glycyrrhizinate—fast for pharmaceutical labs, cosmetic brands, and food manufacturers)

6. Package

  • Small sizes: 100g/500g amber glass jars (light-proof to protect stability)
  • Bulk sizes: 25kg food-grade drums (lined with plastic—27 drums per tray; includes desiccants to keep moisture out)

7. Main Market

Global—big in:
  • North America: Pharmaceutical companies (liver support meds), natural skincare lines (soothing serums), and low-sugar food brands (natural sweeteners)
  • Europe: Cosmetics (sensitive skin products), herbal supplements, and confectionery (licorice candies)
  • Asia: Traditional medicine (TCM formulas), functional drinks, and anti-aging skincare (K-beauty loves it for calming properties)

8. Applications & Key Benefits

Glycyrrhizic acid is a multi-tasker—here’s where it shines:
Pharmaceuticals
  • Liver Support: Used in meds for liver health (studies show it helps protect liver cells and reduce inflammation—common in hepatitis support formulas)
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Added to topical creams for skin conditions like eczema (reduces redness and irritation without harsh steroids)
  • Antiviral: Included in some cold/flu remedies (may help fight viruses like herpes simplex—research is ongoing but promising)
Skincare & Cosmetics
  • Sensitive Skin Serums: 0.5–2% in calming serums (soothes redness from rosacea or sunburn—gentler than most anti-inflammatories)
  • Moisturizers: Mixed into lotions for dry, irritated skin (locks in hydration while reducing itchiness)
  • Acne Treatments: Added to spot treatments (fights inflammation from breakouts without drying out skin)
Food & Beverages
  • Low-Sugar Products: Used as a natural sweetener in candies, drinks, and baked goods (cuts sugar content without losing sweetness—great for diabetic-friendly snacks)
  • Herbal Teas: Added to licorice teas for extra flavor and benefits (supports digestion when sipped warm)

Why It’s a Go-To Ingredient

  • Natural & Versatile: Works in meds, skincare, and food—no need for multiple synthetic ingredients.
  • Gentle Power: Strong anti-inflammatory effects but mild enough for sensitive skin and daily use.
  • Sweet Bonus: Acts as a sweetener and a functional ingredient—saves brands from adding extra sugars or additives.

Quick Tips

  • Formulating: Use its salt form (dipotassium glycyrrhizinate) for better water solubility in drinks or serums.
  • Dosage: Keep in skincare under 2% to avoid licorice flavor transfer; in food, use sparingly—its sweetness is potent!
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place—moisture can make it clump, but breaking clumps won’t affect its potency.
Glycyrrhizic acid is like licorice root’s hidden superpower—sweet, soothing, and surprisingly hardworking across industries. No wonder it’s a staple for brands leaning into natural, effective ingredients!
Categories: , , , , ,
📧 Get Wholesale Price 💬 WhatsApp Chat

Glycyrrhizic Acid (Licorice Root Extract) — High-Purity Plant Extract for Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and NutraceuticalsSupplier: AIHerba® 
📧 Contact: sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.aiherba.com

(1) Product Overview

Glycyrrhizic Acid is a bioactive triterpenoid saponin derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice Root). Known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and skin-soothing properties, it has been widely used in pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic skincare, and functional health supplements. AIHerba® supplies high-purity glycyrrhizic acid powder with stable quality and traceable sourcing—ideal for industrial R&D, bulk manufacturing, and OEM customization.

(2) Product Source and Extraction

  • Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

  • Plant Part Used: Root and rhizome

  • Extraction Solvent: Water-ethanol extraction

  • Appearance: Light yellow to white fine powder

  • Active Ingredient: Glycyrrhizic acid ≥ 98% (HPLC)

  • CAS No.: 1405-86-3

  • Molecular Formula: C₄₂H₆₂O₁₆

  • Molecular Weight: 822.93

(3) Production Process

AIHerba® employs GMP-certified manufacturing with advanced purification technologies:

  1. Raw material selection and quality inspection

  2. Water-ethanol extraction

  3. Filtration and concentration under low temperature

  4. Chromatographic purification

  5. Spray drying and powder standardization

  6. Final testing (HPLC, ICP-MS, GC-MS, Microbiology)

  7. Packaging and storage under controlled conditions

(4) Specifications & COA Summary

Category Test Item Specification Test Method
Identification Glycyrrhizic acid ≥ 98.0% HPLC
Appearance Light yellow-white powder Conforms Visual
Loss on Drying ≤ 5.0% USP 731
Ash Content ≤ 2.0% USP 281

Pesticide Residues

Item Limit (mg/kg) Method
Organochlorine pesticides ≤ 0.1 GC-MS
Organophosphorus pesticides ≤ 0.1 GC-MS
Carbamates ≤ 0.1 LC-MS/MS

Heavy Metals

Item Limit (ppm) Method
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2.0 ICP-MS
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1.0 ICP-MS
Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1.0 ICP-MS
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.1 ICP-MS

Microbiological Tests

Item Specification Method
Total Plate Count ≤ 1,000 CFU/g USP <2021>
Yeast & Mold ≤ 100 CFU/g USP <2021>
E. coli Negative USP <2022>
Salmonella Negative USP <2022>
Staphylococcus aureus Negative USP <2022>

(5) Health Benefits & Functional Properties

Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory & Antiviral: Modulates immune responses and inhibits viral replication (PubMed ID: 28423851).

  • Liver Protection: Promotes hepatocyte regeneration and reduces hepatic enzyme levels (NIH Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

  • Anti-ulcer Effect: Protects gastric mucosa and reduces inflammation.

  • Immune Support: Enhances antibody response and stress adaptation.

Cosmetic Applications:

  • Reduces redness and irritation in sensitive skin formulas.

  • Brightens complexion and improves skin tone uniformity.

  • Acts as a natural anti-aging and whitening agent.

(6) Traditional Uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice root has been used for centuries as a harmonizing herb to tonify Qi, soothe inflammation, detoxify the body, and support lung and digestive health.

(7) Recommended Dosage & Application

Industry Dosage / Usage Formulation Example
Dietary Supplements 50–200 mg/day Capsules, tablets
Functional Foods 0.05–0.2% Beverages, gummies
Cosmetics 0.05–0.5% Creams, serums, lotions
Pharmaceuticals As per formulation Anti-inflammatory & liver support formulations

(8) Formulation & Compatibility Guide

  • Compatible with Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid for skincare.

  • Can be combined with Curcumin or Resveratrol in functional supplements for synergistic antioxidant effects.

  • Recommended pH: 4.5–7.5 for cosmetic emulsions.

(9) Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life

  • Packaging: 1 kg/aluminum foil bag; 25 kg/drum

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; protect from light and moisture.

  • Shelf Life: 24 months from production date under sealed condition.

(10) Logistics & Sample Policy

  • MOQ: 1 kg (sample order available)

  • Lead Time: 3–7 working days after payment confirmation

  • Shipping: By DHL, FedEx, air freight, or sea freight

  • Sample Policy: 10–50 g free sample available for quality evaluation; shipping at buyer’s cost.

(11) Applicable Industries & Use Cases

  • Pharmaceuticals: Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Cosmetics: Skin brightening, anti-aging, and soothing skincare lines

  • Nutraceuticals: Immune-supporting and anti-viral formulations

  • Food & Beverage: Functional beverages and herbal health drinks

(12) Certifications & Quality Assurance

  • GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP Certified

  • Third-party tested by SGS and Eurofins

  • Compliant with USP, EP, and ChP standards

  • Full traceability with batch COA and MSDS

(13) Factory & Experience Highlights

With 28+ years of extraction experience, AIHerba® (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.) integrates:

  • Supercritical CO₂ extraction & water-ethanol processes

  • In-house R&D and QC laboratories

  • OEM & ODM customization for global supplement and cosmetic brands

  • Exported to 60+ countries with long-term B2B partners in the USA, EU, Japan, and South Korea.

(14) Common Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is glycyrrhizic acid safe for long-term use?
A: Yes, in controlled doses. However, excessive use may affect potassium levels. Always follow formulation guidance.

Q2: Can glycyrrhizic acid be used in whitening cosmetics?
A: Absolutely. It’s widely recognized as a natural brightening and anti-irritation agent.

Q3: Is AIHerba’s glycyrrhizic acid suitable for pharmaceutical-grade formulations?
A: Yes, our product meets USP/EP standards and comes with a full COA and third-party verification.

Q4: Do you support custom extract ratios or blends?
A: Yes, OEM & ODM customization is available for different purity, solvent, or carrier requirements.

(15) References

  1. PubMed: Anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities of glycyrrhizic acid

  2. NIH: Licorice root phytochemistry and pharmacology

  3. FDA GRAS Database: Licorice root extract safety profile

(16) Why Choose AIHerba®

✅ GMP & ISO certified plant extract factory
✅ 28+ years of R&D and production experience
✅ Full COA, MSDS, and third-party testing reports
✅ Global OEM/ODM service and traceable supply chain
✅ Bulk and wholesale availability with flexible MOQ

AIHerba® – Your Trusted Glycyrrhizic Acid Manufacturer & Bulk Supplier from China
Empowering innovation in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods with verified botanical ingredients and professional OEM solutions.

📧 Contact us today:
sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com

(17). References

    1. European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) Monograph for Liquiritiae radix and Glycyrrhizic Acid.

    2. United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF).

    3. Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).

    4. JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) Monographs and Specifications – Glycyrrhizin.

    5. EMA (European Medicines Agency) Assessment Reports on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and/or Glycyrrhizic Acid.

    6. Planta Medica: “Pharmacology of Glycyrrhiza spp. and Glycyrrhizin” (Recent Reviews).

    7. Scientific Journals: Phytochemistry, Journal of Natural Products, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, International Immunopharmacology (Specific research articles on mechanisms, bioavailability, clinical studies).

    8. ICH (International Council for Harmonisation) Quality Guidelines (Q2, Q3, Q6A, Q1A).

    9. USP General Chapters: <61> Microbiological Examination, <62> Microbiological Procedures, <232> Elemental Impurities.

    10. Zhonghong Internal Research & Validation Data (Patents, Technical Dossiers).

      Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Related products

Scroll to Top

Get a Quote & Sample

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Get a Quote & Sample

Call Chat Email