அதிமதுரம் - Glycyrrhizae glabara

•      The herb contains, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids, asparagine,  iso-flavonoids,and chalcones.
•      Licorice contains the glycoside, glycyrrhizin which has a   similar structure and activity as the  adrenal steroids. Licorice has an anti-inflammatory activity similar to cortisone and has been found  useful for arthritis and allergies. Licorice also acts like the hormone, ACTH, causing sodium retention, potassium depletion, and       water retention.       
•      Excess consumption of licorice can lead to the classic symptoms of hypertension, with edema, increased blood pressure, potassium loss, and muscular weakness.
•      The Deglycyrrhizinated form is most often used to avoid the hypertensive side effects of the glycyrrhetinic acid in whole Licorice. Licorice and DGL have a mild laxative effect and canprotect the intestinal lining by     increasing the production of mucus, thus alleviating heartburn and ulcers.
•       Licorice and DGL also have a demulcent action and  have been used for coughs and other bronchial complaints.