Compound Monograph
Liquiritin
Liquiritin is a flavanone glycoside and one of the characteristic flavonoids of licorice root.
Classification
Liquiritin is a flavonoid (flavanone glycoside), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Liquiritin is a naturally occurring flavonoid (flavanone glycoside), found in Licorice. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Liquiritin is a flavanone glycoside (the glucoside of liquiritigenin) and one of the signature flavonoids of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza). It is used as a marker compound for licorice quality and has been examined in laboratory studies for antioxidant and other activities. It is distinct from glycyrrhizin, the sweet triterpenoid saponin that is responsible for most of licorice’s well-known physiological effects; well-established human data specific to liquiritin are limited.
Toxicity & Safety
As a flavonoid constituent of a widely used food and medicinal plant, liquiritin is regarded as low in toxicity at dietary levels. The blood-pressure and potassium effects associated with heavy licorice consumption are attributed to glycyrrhizin rather than to liquiritin.