Liquorice Root, Root of Ural Licorice
Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma
Gan Cao

About

Properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sweet; calm

Part(s) used

Root and rhizome

Potential toxicity/side effects

Functions/effects it is traditionally believed to have

To reinforce the function of the spleen and replenish qi, to remove heat and counteract toxicity, to dispel phlegm and relieve cough, to alleviate spasmodic pain, and to moderate drug actions.

Conditions/symptoms it is traditionally used to treat

1. its decoction can inhibit intestinal smooth muscles of rabbins in vitro, but glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid have no this effect.2. possessing an adrenocorticomimetic effect.3. its extract and glycyrrhizin exerts a detoxifying effect.4. antitussive and antiasthmatic. 5. glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory effect similar to hydrocortisone.