Clay tablets of Mesopotamia indicate its use as a medicine and elixir of life. King Tut who died in 1344 BC was buried with a generous supply of licorice root.
Licorice was probably introduced to Native Americans by the early English settlers and was subsequently used by medicine men to treat diabetes.
The root of Glycyrrhiza labra is known as licorice. It is cited as belonging to plants that reduce blood sugar levels. It possesses hypoglycemic properties and its consumption helps in lowering glucose or sugar in blood.
Glycyrrhizin a triterpene saponin, is the major constituent of licorice root, which is one of the most important substances utilized as a Kampo medicine for almost 2000 years, in addition to its well-known use as a flavoring agent.
The glycyrrhizin sweet taste is considered to be 50 to 200 times higher than sucrose and this important characteristic makes it a powerful natural sweetener, flavoring agent and is commonly used as an emulsifier and gel-forming agent in foodstuff.
Glycyrrhizin reduced the enhanced levels of blood glucose, insulin and lipids in metabolic syndrome group.
Licorice: Brief history and health benefits
