Licorice Root Extract Powder

Inconsistent standardization is the defining quality problem in the licorice extract supply chain. It stems from a combination of variable raw material origin, inadequate in-process analytical controls, and the widespread industry practice of issuing product-level COAs rather than batch-specific test data. For an ingredient with as many regulated applications - dietary supplements, cosmetic actives, pharmaceutical excipients - as licorice root extract, that inconsistency carries real commercial and compliance consequences.

Licorice Root Extract Powder, derived from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis - the two species recognized by the European Pharmacopoeia and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia respectively - is one of the most pharmacologically multifaceted botanical extracts in commercial production. Its principal triterpene saponin, glycyrrhizin, is approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose and carries a well-documented mechanistic profile spanning anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activity. Its isoflavane constituent, glabridin, has emerged as a leading cosmetic active for skin-brightening applications based on its tyrosinase inhibition mechanism.

At Jiuyuan Biotech, we produce Licorice Root Extract Powder from roots sourced from Xinjiang and Shaanxi Province - the two primary cultivation regions recognized for producing Glycyrrhiza material with the highest glycyrrhizin concentrations. Every batch is standardized by in-house HPLC and released with batch-specific COA documentation that reflects actual measured values. Whether your application requires a high-glycyrrhizin grade for a digestive supplement, a deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) grade for a product where glycyrrhizin intake needs to be minimized, or a high-glabridin grade for a skin-brightening cosmetic active, we hold inventory across all major specification tiers.

Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

Part Used: Root

Country of Origin: China

Plant Type: Perennial herb

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat.

A full COA is available for all batches, ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-grade standards. High-purity extraction processes, including water extraction, alcohol extraction, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, guarantee consistent quality. Impurities are removed through advanced purification methods such as precipitation, chromatography, and filtration.

The quality gap between a reliably standardized licorice extract and a commodity product that merely claims standardization is almost always traceable to two process stages: the depth of purification and the rigor of in-process analytical control. Here is how Jiuyuan Biotech approaches both.
Step 1 - Raw Material Sourcing & Botanical Authentication
Glycyrrhiza roots are sourced from contracted cultivation and wild-harvest bases in Xinjiang and Shaanxi Province - regions where soil alkalinity and arid climate conditions produce roots with characteristically high glycyrrhizin concentrations. Incoming root material is authenticated by macroscopic examination, TLC fingerprinting, and HPLC marker profiling against pharmacopoeial reference standards before entering the production queue. Lots failing identity or potency thresholds are rejected at intake.
Step 2 - Pre-Processing & Comminution
Authenticated roots are cleaned, dried to target moisture content, and mechanically comminuted under controlled conditions. For glabridin-targeted extraction, the comminution protocol is specifically optimized to maximize cell wall disruption in the root cortex, where isoflavane concentrations are highest.
Step 3 - Solvent Extraction
Comminuted root material undergoes multi-stage extraction using pharmaceutical-grade ethanol or water-ethanol mixtures at controlled temperature. Extraction parameters are independently optimized for glycyrrhizin-targeted and glabridin-targeted production streams, as the two compound classes have different polarity profiles and require different solvent systems for optimal yield.
Step 4 - Liquid-Liquid Partitioning & Deglycyrrhizination (DGL Grades)
For DGL grades, the crude extract undergoes a selective removal process in which glycyrrhizin is precipitated or adsorbed out of the extract matrix while the flavonoid and other non-saponin fractions are retained. The resulting extract contains ≤3% glycyrrhizin - the threshold below which the aldosterone-potentiating effects associated with high glycyrrhizin intake are considered negligible at typical supplement doses.
Step 5 - Macroporous Resin Purification (High-Purity Grades)
For glycyrrhizin ≥20%, ≥40%, and glabridin ≥20%, ≥40% grades, macroporous resin adsorption chromatography is employed to selectively enrich the target marker fraction while removing co-extracted sugars, tannins, and non-target phenolics. This step is where the purity gap between a 10% and a 40% grade is created - and where most commodity suppliers' processes terminate prematurely.
Step 6 - Concentration, Spray Drying & Milling
Purified extract is concentrated under reduced pressure and spray-dried with food-grade maltodextrin or silicon dioxide as a carrier where required for powder flow characteristics. Material is milled and sieved to the specified mesh size (80 or 100 mesh).
Step 7 - In-Process QC & Final Release Testing
Every batch undergoes HPLC assay for the target active marker(s), heavy metal screening by AAS, residual solvent analysis by GC-headspace, and a full microbiological panel before the batch-specific COA is issued.

Glycyrrhiza root contains one of the most extensively studied phytochemical profiles in the botanical supplement industry. Its bioactivity spans three structurally distinct compound classes, each with a documented mechanistic basis.

Triterpene Saponin Fraction

● Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizinic Acid)

The principal bioactive and the primary quality marker for licorice root extract. Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoid saponin glycoside that, upon hydrolysis in the gut, yields glycyrrhetic acid (glycyrrhetinic acid) - the aglycone responsible for most of the compound's systemic biological activity.

Documented mechanisms include: inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which underlies both its anti-inflammatory potency and its well-known mineralocorticoid-potentiating effect at high doses; suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways; and direct antiviral activity against several enveloped viruses through interference with viral membrane fusion.

● Glycyrrhetinic Acid

The hydrolysis product of glycyrrhizin. Present in some extract grades as a co-constituent, it exhibits more potent anti-inflammatory activity than the parent glycoside due to its greater membrane permeability and direct enzyme inhibition capacity.

Isoflavane Fraction

● Glabridin

The principal isoflavane in Glycyrrhiza glabra root, and the active marker most relevant to cosmetic and skin-brightening applications. Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase - the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis - through a competitive inhibition mechanism, making it a mechanistically grounded ingredient for hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation formulations.

Research also documents glabridin's anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of superoxide anion production and cyclooxygenase activity, and its estrogenic activity at low concentrations in cell-based models - a property relevant to its positioning in women's health formulations.

Flavonoid Fraction

● Liquiritin & Liquiritigenin

Flavonoid glycosides present in both G. glabra and G. uralensis. Liquiritin and its aglycone liquiritigenin have been investigated for antidepressant-like activity in animal models, anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB inhibition, and antioxidant capacity. Research published in PMC specifically identifies liquiritin as one of the key anti-inflammatory compounds in licorice extract alongside glycyrrhizic acid.

● Isoliquiritigenin

A chalcone constituent with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. Its presence in full-spectrum licorice extracts contributes to the entourage-type activity profile that single-marker isolates cannot replicate.

Licorice root extract's multi-class phytochemistry and cross-industry regulatory acceptance give it a breadth of application that few single botanicals can match - from digestive supplement capsules to premium skincare serums.

All documentation issued in English. Translated versions for EU, Japanese, or Korean regulatory submissions available upon request.

The licorice extract market has a well-documented consistency problem. The root cause - no pun intended - is that most commodity suppliers use UV-Vis for glycyrrhizin quantification, which systematically overstates purity due to spectral interference from co-extracted flavonoids and other UV-absorbing constituents. A product that reads "20% glycyrrhizin" by UV-Vis may deliver 13–15% on HPLC retesting. That gap is not a rounding error - it is a formulation dose accuracy failure.

The HPLC vs. UV-Vis assay distinction alone is worth verifying before you place any commercial order for licorice extract.

1. Industry-Leading Production Capacity & Expertise

● 13+ years of experience in plant extract R&D and nutraceutical ingredient manufacturing

● 6 modern production workshops covering 70,000 m² and 10 automated extraction & purification lines

● Flexible purity (85% standard, 90–98% custom-grade), particle size (80–350 mesh), and custom packaging

2. Advanced Fermentation & Bio-Synthesis Capabilities

● Implements microbial fermentation and engineered bio-synthesis to produce Nervonic Acid

● Reduces seasonal raw material dependency, improving batch-to-batch consistency and bioactivity

● Supports sustainable and eco-friendly production

3. High-Quality & Batch Consistency

● Proprietary purification processes with HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, and moisture analysis

● Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided for every batch

4. Scientific R&D & Formulation Support

● 500 m² R&D center staffed with 12 scientists for formulation guidance, custom blends, and technical consultation

5. Certified & Compliant Production

● Facilities certified cGMP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HALAL, KOSHER

● Meets international quality standards for global markets

ByAir

100kg-1000kg, 5-7Days

Airport to airport service professional

clearance broker needed

BySea

Over300kg, Around 30 Days

Port to port service professional

clearance broker needed

Express

Under 100kg, 3-5Days

Door-to-door service easy to pick up the goods

How to Specify and Evaluate Licorice Root Extract Powder

Licorice extract has more specification variables than most botanical ingredients - species, plant part, active marker, assay method, DGL vs. standard grade, and intended market all affect what you should be asking for. Here is a practical framework.

1. Determine Whether You Need Standard or DGL Grade Standard licorice extract retains glycyrrhizin at the specified concentration. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has had glycyrrhizin selectively removed to ≤3%. For products intended for long-term daily use, or for markets where regulatory guidance on glycyrrhizin intake limits applies (notably the EU, where EFSA has issued guidance on glycyrrhizinic acid intake), DGL grade is the defensible formulation choice.

2. Insist on HPLC for Glycyrrhizin Quantification As noted above, UV-Vis assay systematically overstates glycyrrhizin content due to spectral interference. HPLC against a certified glycyrrhizin reference standard is the only method that produces a result your QA team can rely on. Ask specifically which assay method is used and request the chromatogram from the batch COA.

3. Clarify the Botanical Species G. glabra and G. uralensis are both commercially used and pharmacopoeially recognized, but they have different active marker profiles - G. glabra is the preferred source for glabridin, while G. uralensis is the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard for Gan Cao. If your target market requires EP compliance, G. glabra is the specified species. Document the species on your incoming material specification.

4. For Cosmetic Applications, Specify Glabridin Grade Separately Glabridin and glycyrrhizin are extracted from different fractions of the root and require different purification processes. A high-glycyrrhizin extract will not necessarily contain significant glabridin, and vice versa. If your application is skin-brightening or tyrosinase inhibition, specify glabridin content explicitly and confirm it is measured by HPLC.

5. Verify Pesticide Residue Compliance Glycyrrhiza cultivation in China involves pesticide application practices that vary by region. If your finished product targets the EU market, EU MRL compliance is mandatory. Request the pesticide residue test report - not a general compliance statement - and confirm the testing was conducted by an accredited laboratory.

6. Request Stability Data for Glabridin Grades Glabridin is susceptible to oxidative degradation, particularly under elevated temperature and humidity conditions. If your product has an 18–24 month shelf life requirement and contains a glabridin-standardized extract, request accelerated stability data (40°C/75% RH, ICH protocol) before finalizing your formulation.

7. Sample Before You Scale We provide analytical samples (typically 20–50 g) with a full batch-specific COA for your internal QC evaluation. For glabridin grades, we recommend requesting a sample from a recently produced batch given the compound's oxidative sensitivity.

Q1: What is the difference between glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid? These three terms are frequently conflated in supplier documentation, which creates specification ambiguity. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid refer to the same compound (CAS 1405-86-3) - a triterpenoid saponin glycoside. Glycyrrhetinic acid (also called glycyrrhetic acid, CAS 471-53-4) is the aglycone produced when glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed by intestinal bacteria after oral ingestion. It is more lipophilic and membrane-permeable than the parent glycoside and is responsible for most of the systemic biological activity. When reviewing a COA, confirm which compound is being measured - some suppliers report glycyrrhetinic acid content rather than glycyrrhizin, which produces a numerically different assay result for the same extract.
Q2: Is there a regulatory limit on glycyrrhizin intake in dietary supplements? Yes, and this is one of the most important regulatory considerations for licorice extract formulations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued guidance indicating that glycyrrhizinic acid intake above 100 mg/day may cause adverse effects (elevated blood pressure, hypokalemia) in susceptible individuals. This does not constitute a blanket prohibition, but it does require that finished product labels in EU markets include appropriate usage guidance and, in some cases, a warning statement. In the US, no specific daily intake limit has been established by FDA, but structure/function claims must be substantiated. Formulators should consult regulatory counsel for their specific product and market.
Q3: What is DGL licorice extract and when should it be used? DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice - an extract from which glycyrrhizin has been selectively removed to a residual level of ≤3%. The rationale is that glycyrrhizin's mineralocorticoid-potentiating effect (via 11β-HSD2 inhibition) is the primary safety concern with long-term licorice supplementation, while the gastric mucosal protective and anti-inflammatory effects of the remaining flavonoid and polysaccharide fractions are retained. DGL grade is the standard recommendation for digestive health applications intended for daily, long-term use.
Q4: Can licorice root extract powder be used in cosmetic formulations in the EU? Yes. Licorice root extract and glabridin are used in EU cosmetic products and are listed in the CosIng database. Glabridin-standardized licorice extract is widely used as a skin-brightening active in serums, creams, and spot treatments. Formulators should verify the specific INCI name, recommended usage concentration, and any applicable restrictions under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 for their specific extract grade and application format.
Q5: How does licorice root extract compare to kojic acid or arbutin for skin-brightening applications? All three operate through tyrosinase inhibition, but through different binding mechanisms and with different safety and stability profiles. Glabridin (from licorice) is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase with a favorable skin tolerability profile and no known photosensitizing effects - an advantage over kojic acid, which can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals and has faced regulatory scrutiny in certain markets. Arbutin hydrolyzes to hydroquinone in some conditions, which creates its own regulatory complexity. Glabridin-standardized licorice extract is increasingly positioned as the clean-label, botanically derived alternative in premium skin-brightening formulations.
Q6: What purity grade do most supplement manufacturers order? For digestive health and GI applications, the DGL grade and glycyrrhizin ≥10% standard grade account for the majority of orders. For anti-inflammatory and liver support formulations, glycyrrhizin ≥20% is the most common specification. For cosmetic applications, glabridin ≥10% is the entry-level grade, with glabridin ≥20% and ≥40% ordered by premium skincare formulators. Contact our sales team to discuss which grade best aligns with your formulation requirements and target market.
Q7: How should licorice root extract powder be stored to maintain active marker stability? Store in a sealed, opaque container at 15–25°C, away from direct light and moisture. Glabridin is the most stability-sensitive constituent due to its susceptibility to oxidative degradation - for glabridin-standardized grades, nitrogen-flushed packaging and storage below 20°C is strongly recommended. Glycyrrhizin-standardized grades are more stable under standard storage conditions. We ship all bulk material in double-layer polyethylene bags inside fiber drums with desiccant packs; nitrogen flushing is available on request for all grades.
Q8: Can you supply licorice root extract powder with organic certification? Organic-certified licorice root extract is available for select SKUs sourced from our certified cultivation bases. Organic certification requires dedicated raw material sourcing and segregated processing lines, which affects lead time and minimum order volume. Contact our sales team to confirm current certified inventory and applicable MOQ for organic grades. EU Organic (NOP) certification documentation is available for certified SKUs.

Jiuyuan Biotech manufactures and supplies Licorice Root Extract Powder - standardized to glycyrrhizin, glabridin, liquiritin, or DGL specification - from our cGMP and ISO 22000 certified facility in Shaanxi, China, using Glycyrrhiza roots from pharmacopoeial-origin cultivation bases in Xinjiang and Shaanxi Province. Every batch ships with a full HPLC-verified COA, pesticide residue report, and heavy metal data. Samples available from 1 kg. Commercial orders fulfilled from 5 kg with 7–14 business day lead time.

Request a Quote or Sample: Contact Us : info@jiuyuanbio.com

Direct Line: +86 029 88215052

Facility: Hu County, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

✅ ISO 9001 · FSSC 22000 · cGMP · FDA Registered · USP/EP Compliant · Halal · Kosher

Jiuyuan Biotech - your analytically verified, multi-grade source for bulk Licorice Root Extract Powder.