Abstract

A REVIEW ON YASHTIMADHU (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) – AN EXCELLENT MEDICINAL PLANT FOR THE FUTURE

Sri Jyothsna P. M.*, Santosh Kumar Verma, M. Sreevani, Bandana Singh

Abstract

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) a potent medicinal herb which was described in ayurveda, cures varieties of ailments from simple cough to more complex diseases like hepatitis, cancer etc. It is reported to contain important phytoconstituents such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, asparagin, liquirtin, glabrin A&B, flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It has multifaceted pharmacological actions like anti-tussive, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anti-oxidant, anti spasmodic, expectorant, anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-arthritic, anti-diuretic and anti hyperglycemic agent. The present article is an effort to compile its major pharmacologic activities and highlight the role of flavonoids and isoflavonoids in alleviating the pain. This may be useful in discovering potential therapeutic effects and developing new formulations.

Keywords: Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra, glycyrrhizin, anti-tussive, anti-oxidant, anti-biotic etc