European licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra is a traditional medicinal plant that has been used for
thousands of years. The English name licorice is derived from ‘liquiritia’, a
corruption of its ancient name Glycyrrhiza, which now serves as
the scientific name of the plant’s genus whose name is derived from the Greek:
‘glukos’ meaning sweet and ‘riza’ meaning root. The Greek philosopher
Theophrastus chronicled licorice root as having a sweet fl avor, and noted it
as useful for “asthma, dry cough and all diseases of the lungs”.
Though native to Sicily, cultivation of licorice spread
throughout Europe and its popularity has endured the ages. In 1305, Edward the
First of England placed a tax on licorice imports to finance the repair of the
London Bridge. It has also been said that Napoleon Bonaparte was such a fan of
licorice that he chewed enough of the root to turn his teeth black. Although
the plant grows small blue flowers and green leaves, it is the brown root of
the plant that is most commonly used. The roots are either sold dry, or
processed into sticks that are approximately 1 inch in diameter and 6 or 7
inches long. They can be chewed to impart the sweet flavor. Licorice root
itself has a very sweet, musty flavor, rather than the ‘anise’ flavor we have
come to associate with licorice.
Licorice root bark typically contains glycyrrhizin which is a
potassium or calcium salt of glycyrrhizinic acid. Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizinic
acid) is an extremely sweet glycoside that foams in water. It is said to be 50
to 200 times sweeter than sugar, hence the sweet taste associated with licorice
root. Glycyrrhizinic acid is a glycoside of a pentacyclic triterpene
carboxylic acid, and it functions as a whitener, which may gently lighten the
skin. As a cosmeceutical, licorice also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent,
which can help sooth irritated inflamed epithelium. Frequently added to
cleansers, toners, clarifiers and serums, licorice extract is soluble in
alcohol and it may be a useful active ingredient for alcohol-based systems.
FSS Licorice Extract Powder is
a fine white powder with the natural and mild pleasing aroma of licorice. It
may improve the appearance of irritated skin, which is often dry, red and
inflamed. The soothing effects of FSS Licorice Extract Powder may alleviate the
hyperpigmentation associated with epidermal inflammation. FSS Licorice Extract Powder may
also be useful for creating a more even complexion when skin is blotchy and
uneven by gently lightening the skin for a more even appearance.
