A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF YASHTIMADHU (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L.) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS RASA PANCHAKA, RASAYANA PROPERTIES, PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY

Abstract

Background: Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), commonly known as liquorice or Mulethi, is an important medicinal drug described in Ayurvedic literature. Its predominant Madhura Rasa, Guru and Snigdha Guna, Shita Virya and Madhura Vipaka provide a rational basis for its Vata-Pitta Shamaka, Balya, Varnya, Chakshushya and restorative actions. It is extensively used in gastrointestinal, respiratory and inflammatory disorders and is also valued as a Rasayana. Modern investigations have demonstrated the presence of glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glabridin and several other flavonoids and saponins. These constituents possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and gastroprotective activities. Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts, the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, pharmacognostic literature and published scientific studies related to Glycyrrhiza glabra were reviewed. Information regarding identification, chemical constituents and pharmacological actions was critically compiled and interpreted. Results & Discussion: The review showed close agreement between the traditional soothing, Pitta Shamaka, Vrana Ropana and Rasayana uses of Yashtimadhu and experimentally demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mucosal protective and anti-ulcer actions. Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids appear to contribute substantially to these activities. Conclusion: Yashtimadhu is a multidimensional Ayurvedic drug having significant nutritive, restorative and gastroprotective potential. Classical pharmacodynamics and contemporary pharmacological evidence provide a rational basis for its therapeutic application, although prolonged or excessive glycyrrhizin exposure requires appropriate clinical supervision.