How does Yashtimadhu work to soothe a sore throat?

Yashtimadhu works primarily through its demulcent properties and active compounds like glycyrrhizin. It coats the throat with a protective mucus film, reducing irritation. Mechanistically, it inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, increasing local cortisol availability to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it acts as an expectorant, thinning mucus to clear respiratory passages. This dual action makes it effective for coughs and sore throats in Ayurvedic practice (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Does Yashtimadhu interact with high blood pressure medications?

Yes, Yashtimadhu has significant interactions with antihypertensive drugs. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to sodium retention, potassium loss (hypokalemia), and increased blood pressure. This directly opposes the action of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other blood pressure medications. Patients with hypertension or on heart medications should avoid whole licorice root and opt for deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) to prevent complications (Evidence Level: C).

What is the standard dosage for Yashtimadhu root?

The standard adult dosage for Yashtimadhu is 1 to 5 grams of dried root daily, typically taken as a tea or decoction. For standardized extracts, dosages range from 200 to 400 mg. For gastric concerns like ulcers, deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) is preferred at similar doses to minimize side effects. Use should generally be limited to 4-6 weeks to avoid pseudoaldosteronism unless monitored by a professional (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is Yashtimadhu safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Yashtimadhu is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Consumption of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice has been linked to preterm birth and potential developmental issues. It can cause maternal hypertension, edema, and hormonal fluctuations. While trace amounts in food flavoring are usually acceptable, medicinal doses should be strictly avoided. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using any licorice supplements (Evidence Level: C/D).

Can Yashtimadhu be used for gastritis and ulcers?

Yes, Yashtimadhu is widely used for gastritis and peptic ulcers. It stimulates mucus secretion to protect the stomach lining and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest its flavonoids may inhibit H. pylori bacteria. To treat gastric issues without raising blood pressure, practitioners often recommend deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) extracts, which retain the soothing benefits while removing the hypertensive glycyrrhizin component (Evidence Level: C).

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra var. india)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an Ayurvedic herb used for neuroprotection, oral health, and the management of various inflammatory conditions [PMID:30391123, 33775804].

Background

Yashtimadhu, also known as liquorice or mulhatti, is prepared from the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. [PMID:33775804, 30391123]. In the Indian Ayurvedic system, it is classified as a Medhya Rasayana (nootropic) used to enhance brain function and memory [PMID:33775804, 33110989].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used for promoting mental health [PMID:26730140], managing Parinam Shula (peptic ulcer) [PMID:41113164], and as a Medhya Rasayana for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement [PMID:33775804, 42309243].

Active compounds

Active metabolites include glycyrrhizin, glabridin, liquiritin, licoricidin, licorisoflavan A, licochalcone A, terpenoid saponins, quercetin glucosides, coumarin derivatives, beta-carotene, and asiatic acid [PMID:30391123, 33275529].

Mechanism of action

Neuroprotective effects are mediated by restoring the mTORC1-AMPK1 axis in autophagic regulation [PMID:35307886] and preventing MEK-ERK-1/2 hyper-activation [PMID:33775804, 33110989]. In peptic ulcers, it may act through hub genes such as IL6, TP53, AKT1, STAT3, and TNF involved in inflammation and tissue repair [PMID:41113164]. It also demonstrates antioxidant activity [PMID:40523451, 34908799].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BRadiation-induced oral mucositis

Ayurvedic preparations of Yashtimadhu are used to reduce radiotherapy-induced side effects in the oral cavity of cancer patients [PMID:37104998, 32719251, 41234347].

Evidence BAmlapitta (Hyper acidity)

Clinical study compared the efficacy of Yashtimadhu Moola Choorna against Jethimala [PMID:27011716].

Evidence BIntelligence Quotient (IQ) in children

A randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated Yashtimadhu granules for the enhancement of Medha (IQ) in school-going children [PMID:26730140].

Evidence BAcute fissure-in-ano (Parikartika)

Local application of Yashtimadhu Ghrita was compared to lignocaine-nifedipine ointment; patients using the ointment achieved relief faster than those using Yashtimadhu Ghrita [PMID:29861592].

Evidence DParkinson's Disease (Cellular Model)

Yashtimadhu extract conferred protection against rotenone-induced cytotoxicity and rescued apoptotic proteins in IMR-32 cells [PMID:35307886, 33775804, 34820486].

Safety & adverse effects

De-glycyrrhized formulations are reported to minimize the adverse effects of glycyrrhizin during long-term consumption [PMID:37104998].

Evidence summary

Evidence ranges from in vitro cellular models (neuroprotection) and animal models (Drosophila stress tolerance) to pilot clinical trials (mucositis, IQ, and acidity). Most clinical evidence is based on small-scale Ayurvedic studies.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 30264761 (2018) — Dohra- a mixture of potent carcinogens. · The Indian journal of medical research
2.PMID: 37104998 (2023) — Lipid-based ayurvedic formulations of a single herb-Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Pharmaceutical standardization, shelf-life estimation and comparative characterization. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
3.PMID: 35307886 (2022) — Metabolomics analysis highlights Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)-mediated neuroprotection in a rotenone-induced cellular model of Parkinson's disease by restoring the mTORC1-AMPK1 axis in autophagic regulation. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
4.PMID: 33775804 (2021) — Prevention of MEK-ERK-1/2 hyper-activation underlines the neuroprotective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu) against rotenone-induced cellular and molecular aberrations. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 30391123

Yashtimadhu

Sources & Citations