Anti-inflammatory · Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract · CAS 97676-23-8

Licorice Root

N/A

Glycyrrhizin and licochalcones from licorice root — anti-inflammatory and anti-caries effect. Licochalcone A inhibits S.mutans, reduces plaque adhesion, while glycyrrhizin suppresses NF-κB similarly to baicalin.

QDRO position

We use it

Dual effect: anti-caries + anti-inflammatory without bitterness at correct dosing

Effective concentration

0.3–1%

Typical on market: 0.3–0.5%

What it is

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family whose roots have been used in medicine for over 4,000 years. Its history in dentistry begins in ancient China: the Chinese herbal "Shennong Bencao Jing" (c. 100 AD) recommends licorice root to strengthen teeth and gums. In Europe it was called the "sweet tree" — from Greek γλυκύρριζα (glykyrrhiza).

The root contains over 300 identified bioactive compounds. Key ones for dentistry: glycyrrhizin (a triterpenoid saponin, 2–9% of root weight), licochalcone A and B (natural chalcone flavonoids) and licoricidine.

How it works

Licochalcone A against S.mutans. Licochalcone A is a unique non-linear chalcone with a dual mechanism against S.mutans: it inhibits the enzyme glucosyltransferase (GTF), responsible for synthesising insoluble plaque glucans, and disrupts bacterial membrane integrity. Hu et al. (2011) showed complete inhibition of S.mutans biofilm at a licochalcone A concentration of 16 μg/mL.

Glycyrrhizin and NF-κB. Glycyrrhizin blocks nuclear factor NF-κB — the central regulator of the inflammatory cascade. The mechanism is analogous to baicalin, but glycyrrhizin also inhibits hyaluronidase — the enzyme that degrades the intercellular matrix of periodontal tissues during inflammation.

Natural sweetness without sugar. Glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sucrose — the only significant zero-calorie natural sweetener of plant origin with a proven anti-caries effect. Unlike sugars, it is not fermented by S.mutans.

Antifungal component. Licoricidine is active against Candida albicans — an additional point in the mouthwash formula against candidiasis.

Efficacy

Messier et al. (2012) in a systematic review summarise data from 17 studies: licorice extract reduces S.mutans in saliva with regular use and demonstrates clinically significant anti-inflammatory effects in gingivitis. Jain et al. (2012) showed MIC 0.5 mg/mL against S.mutans and S.sobrinus — the principal cariogenic streptococci.

Preparations with licochalcone A are particularly promising in children's toothpastes: low bitterness, high activity against S.mutans, safety on accidental ingestion.

Safety

Licorice root extract is safe at cosmetic concentrations. Important: do not confuse with glycyrrhizic acid at high oral doses (>100 mg/day), which can cause pseudoaldosteronism with systemic administration. In toothpastes and mouthwashes the glycyrrhizin concentration does not reach threshold values for systemic effects.

FDA GRAS status (as food additive), included in EU permitted ingredient lists.

Role in the QDRO formula

Licorice is a rare ingredient with a confirmed dual profile: anti-caries and anti-inflammatory. In v.daily it works as a flavour enhancer (natural sweetness offsets the bitterness of neem and myrrh) and anti-caries agent. In v.pro — it synergises with baicalin on the NF-κB pathway, creating a more complete anti-inflammatory response without doubling ingredient classes.