Mulethi

• Mulethi (Licorice) is widely found in Mediterranean regions, Southern Europe, Asia Minor, Egypt, Turkistan, Iran, and India. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• In India, it is commonly cultivated in Baramulla, Srinagar, Jammu, Dehradun, Delhi, and parts of South India. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• The plant is a tall, perennial shrub. It has compound, alternate leaves with 4–7 pairs of leaflets that are oblong to lance-shaped. (Ahmed et al., 2021)

• Liquorice has been used in medicine for over 4,000 years. The earliest written record of its medicinal use is found in the Code of Hammurabi (2100 BC). (Ahmed et al., 2021)

• Ancient scholars such as Theophrastus and Dioscorides also described liquorice in their writings. (Ahmed et al., 2021)

• Even today, liquorice continues to play an important role in medicine and pharmacy. (Ahmed et al., 2021)

• Mulethi is widely used in the cosmetic field, especially in products meant for skin brightening and soothing. (Cerulli et al., 2022)

• Extracts of Glycyrrhiza (Mulethi) species are used in cosmetic products because they help to lighten the skin, reduce irritation, and decrease inflammation. (Cerulli et al., 2022)

• Mulethi is rich in vitamins (B-complex and vitamin E) and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium, making it good for overall health. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• Mulethi helps brighten the complexion, reduce dark spots, pigmentation, acne, wrinkles, fine lines,

•  and redness due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• Mulethi helps reduce dandruff, soothe an itchy scalp, and strengthen hair roots. It supports healthy hair growth and helps control hair fall by improving scalp health. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• Mulethi supports liver health and helps manage jaundice, diarrhea, fever, urinary problems, and general weakness. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

• Mulethi reduces acidity, indigestion, and inflammation. It soothes cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and asthma by calming irritation and removing mucus. 

INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extracts

Alternative Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Powder (if used in raw, powdered form)

CAS No. 84775-66-6

CosIng Information: 

What it does: Acts as an antioxidant that softens, soothes, smooths, conditions, and helps brighten the skin, leaving a pleasant fragrance. (Specialchem.com.,2026)

All Functions: skin conditioning

Description: 

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Powder refers to the powdered roots of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a member of the Leguminosae family. (Incidecoder.com., 2026)

Other Names: 

Jothi‐madh (Hindi), 

Yashtimadhu, Madhuka (Sanskrit), 

Jeshthamadh (Marathi),

Jethimadhu (Gujarati),

Jashtimadhu, Jaishbomodhu (Bengali),

Atimadhuram, Yashtimadhukam (Telugu),

Atimadhuram (Tamil). (Kumar and Kumar, 2019)

Botanical Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Division: Angiospermae

• Class: Dicotyledoneae

• Order: Rosales

• Family: Leguminosae

• Genus: Glycyrrhiza

• Species: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Ahmed et. al., 2021)

Useful Parts:

• The drug consists of the dried underground stems and roots, which may be either peeled or unpeeled. In commercial trade, this material is commonly known as liquorice. (Ahmed et. al., 2021)

Cultivation and Habitat:

Mulethi is widely found in Mediterranean regions, Southern Europe, Asia Minor, Egypt, Turkistan, Iran, and India. In India, it is commonly cultivated in Baramulla, Srinagar, Jammu, Dehradun, Delhi, and parts of South India. Several well-marked species of Mulethi include Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. glandulifera, and G. echinata. It grows best in sandy soil near streams. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019) 

Liquorice (Mulethi) is one of the most used herbs in ancient medicine. It has been used both as a medicinal plant and as a flavouring agent since early times. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and some parts of Asia. Liquorice belongs to the genus Glycyrrhiza, which includes about 14 species. The name Glycyrrhiza comes from two Greek words: glykos, meaning sweet, and rhiza, meaning root. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a member of the legume family.

Liquorice has been used in medicine for over 4,000 years. The earliest written record of its medicinal use is found in the Code of Hammurabi (2100 BC). It was also mentioned in the Assyrian herbal (around 400 BC) for treating ulcers and relieving thirst. Ancient scholars such as Theophrastus and Dioscorides also described liquorice in their writings. (Ahmed et al., 2021)

Even today, liquorice continues to play an important role in medicine and pharmacy. The plant is a tall, perennial shrub. It has compound, alternate leaves with 4–7 pairs of leaflets that are oblong to lance-shaped. (Ahmed et al., 2021)

Researchers mainly study Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Glycyrrhiza inflata to understand their use in cosmetics. These plants contain active substances that are helpful for the skin. Extracts of Glycyrrhiza species are used in cosmetic products because they help to lighten the skin, reduce irritation, and decrease inflammation. For these reasons, Mulethi is widely used in the cosmetic field, especially in products meant for skin brightening and soothing. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

Many chemical components have been identified in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. About 40–50% of the dry weight of the root is made up of a water-soluble, biologically active mixture. This mixture contains triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, pectins, simple sugars, amino acids, mineral salts, asparagine, bitter substances, essential oils, fats, gums, mucilage, proteins, resins, starch, sterols, volatile oils, tannins, glycosides, and small amounts of estrogen-like compounds.

The sweet taste of liquorice root is mainly due to glycyrrhizin, which is a triterpenoid compound. Glycyrrhizin is present as a mixture of potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts of glycyrrhizic acid, and its content may range from about 2% to 25%. Glycyrrhizic acid consists of two parts: a water-loving part made of glucuronic acid and a fat-loving part called glycyrrhetic acid.

The yellow colour of liquorice is due to its flavonoid content, especially compounds such as liquiritin and isoliquiritin. Other flavonoids, including glabridin and hispaglabridins, show strong antioxidant activity. Compounds like glabridin and glabrene also show estrogen-like effects. (Sharma, Katiyar and Agrawal, 2016) 

Mulethi Powder:

Enriched with antioxidants, flavonoids & liquiritin, Mulethi (Licorice) Powder is excellent for lightening skin pigmentation, acne marks & dark spots. It keeps skin hydrated, glowing & depigmented.

Glowing Powder Pack:

The perfect blend of Multani Mitti & Mulethi powder in a powder pack, along with Kesar & Orange Oil serum, makes a luxurious face pack for glowing & blemish-free skin. 

Brightening Powder Pack:

The soothing blend of Mulethi & Kaolin, Alpha arbutin, in a powder pack with Carrot seed oil and lactic acid serum creates a face pack that smooths skin texture & enhances natural radiance.  

Mulethi Powder Benefits:

Mulethi is a traditional herb. It is rich in vitamins (B-complex and vitamin E) and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium, making it good for overall health.

For skin, Mulethi helps brighten the complexion, reduce dark spots, pigmentation, acne, and redness due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also helps calm sensitive and irritated skin.

For hair, Mulethi helps reduce dandruff, soothe an itchy scalp, and strengthen hair roots. It supports healthy hair growth and helps control hair fall by improving scalp health.

Mulethi reduces acidity, indigestion, and inflammation. It soothes cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and asthma by calming irritation and removing mucus. Mulethi also supports liver health and helps in jaundice, diarrhea, fever, and urinary problems. It is also used for diarrhea, fever, urinary problems, and weakness. (Kumar and Kumar, 2019) 

• Anti-Aging & Antiwrinkle:

As we age, the skin becomes thinner and loses key proteins like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and loss of firmness. Aging is caused by internal factors such as genetics and hormones, and external factors like sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and poor diet. These external factors increase the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage collagen by activating enzymes that break down the skin’s structure.

To avoid side effects of cosmetic procedures, many people now prefer natural herbs for skin care. Plant-based compounds nourish the skin, protect it from sun damage, reduce oxidative stress, maintain skin structure, and improve hydration. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps slow skin aging by neutralizing ROS and inhibiting collagen-degrading enzymes. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and elastase-inhibiting properties help protect collagen and elastin, reduce wrinkles, improve skin firmness, and support a youthful appearance. (Cerulli et al., 2022)

• Anti-Hyperpigmentation 

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps improve skin pigmentation by controlling melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color, and excess melanin causes dark spots and uneven skin tone. The key enzyme responsible for melanin formation is tyrosinase.

Mulethi contains natural compounds like glabridin, glabrene, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A that inhibit tyrosinase activity. By slowing down this enzyme, mulethi reduces excess melanin production, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Because of its strong and stable tyrosinase-inhibiting action, mulethi is widely used as a natural skin-brightening and pigmentation-correcting ingredient in skincare products. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Skin Lightening

Skin darkening problems, such as freckles, acne marks, age spots, melasma, and sun-induced pigmentation, happen due to excess melanin production. Skin-lightening products work by reducing melanin and improving overall skin tone.

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps lighten the skin by naturally inhibiting melanin formation. Its extracts and active compounds reduce excess pigmentation, even out skin tone, and brighten the skin. When used in skin care products, alone or combined with other herbal ingredients, mulethi shows safe and effective skin-lightening, antioxidant, anti-aging, and sun-protective effects. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Photoprotective

UV radiation damages the skin, causing sunburn, inflammation, collagen breakdown, and photoaging. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza species) helps protect the skin from UV damage by reducing oxidative stress and calming inflammation. Its active compounds, such as licochalcone A and natural antioxidants, neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce UV-induced redness and irritation by controlling inflammatory pathways.

Mulethi also supports the skin’s natural defense system and helps maintain moisture and repair damaged skin, making it an effective natural ingredient for photoprotection and post-sun or post-procedure skincare. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Anti-Photoaging

Photoaging is skin damage caused by long-term sun exposure, leading to wrinkles, collagen loss, inflammation, and dullness. UV rays increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activate enzymes (MMPs- Matrix Metalloproteinase) that break down collagen and speed up skin aging.

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza species) protects against photoaging by reducing ROS, calming inflammation, and inhibiting collagen-degrading enzymes like MMP-1 and MMP-9. Its active compounds help protect skin cells from UV damage, support collagen, and slow visible signs of sun-induced aging. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Antioxidant

Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is widely used in cosmetics because of its strong antioxidant activity. This effect mainly comes from its natural compounds, such as flavonoids, isoflavones, chalcones, saponins, and polysaccharides.

Mulethi helps neutralize free radicals, protect skin cells, slow skin aging, and support photoprotection. Its extracts also help preserve cosmetic formulations by preventing oxidation. Due to these properties, Mulethi is an effective natural ingredient for skin protection, anti-aging, and overall skin health. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Anti-Acne

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps treat acne through multiple actions. It has strong antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) with a low risk of resistance. Mulethi also reduces inflammation, controls excess oil production, and helps soothe and moisturize the skin.

Additionally, Mulethi supports healthy sebaceous gland function and may balance hormones linked to acne. Because of these combined effects, Mulethi is widely used alone or in herbal formulations for clear, calm, and acne-prone skin. (Cerulli et al., 2022)  

Mulethi (licorice, Glycyrrhiza species) supports healthy hair and scalp in multiple ways. It helps promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and improving scalp conditions, with effects comparable to common hair-growth treatments. Mulethi also reduces hair fall, soothes the scalp, and maintains a balanced moisture level.

For dandruff, Mulethi works by calming inflammation and fighting dandruff-causing microbes and fungi. Its active compounds help reduce flakes, itching, and scalp irritation, making Mulethi a valuable natural ingredient for hair growth, dandruff control, and overall scalp health. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles:

Helps slow down skin aging by protecting collagen and elastin. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, keeping the skin firm and youthful.

• Fades Dark Spots & Pigmentation:

Controls excess melanin production, which helps fade dark spots, acne marks, freckles, and uneven skin tone.

• Brightens Skin Tone

Naturally lightens and brightens the skin, giving a clear and even complexion.

• Protects from Sun Damage

Mulethi helps protect the skin from sun damage, reduces redness and inflammation, and supports skin repair after sun exposure.

• Prevents Sun-Related Aging

It protects the skin from long-term sun damage that causes wrinkles, dullness, and collagen loss.

• Strong Antioxidant

Mulethi is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, protect skin cells, and slow visible signs of aging.

• Anti-Acne & Soothing

Mulethi powder helps fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, control excess oil, and calm irritated skin. (Cerulli et al., 2022) 

• Mulethi offers a wide range of health benefits, from improving digestion to enhancing skin health.

• Its natural properties support inflammation control, immunity, and protection against infections.

• Available as powder, tablets, or capsules, Mulethi can be consumed with water, juice, or other beverages.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have existing medical conditions.

• Moderate use is essential, as excessive intake may lead to side effects such as blood pressure or electrolyte imbalance.

Mulethi is usually safe when used in moderation, but excessive intake may cause some unwanted effects:

• Increased Blood Pressure: High amounts of glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure by altering potassium balance.

• Electrolyte Disturbance: Reduced potassium levels may lead to muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heart rhythms.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Its mild estrogen-like activity may interfere with hormonal balance, especially in women.

• Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals may notice bloating, gas, or mild stomach upset.

People with existing medical conditions or those taking medications should seek medical advice before using Mulethi.

Licorice is widely known for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation while supporting the skin’s natural pH balance. It can be added to hair removal powders to help minimize post-hair-removal darkening, especially in deeper skin tones. 

When used topically as a face pack, licorice powder helps even out skin tone, soothe irritation, reduce dark spots, and promote a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Licorice powder (Mulethi) supports healthy hair and scalp when used as a hair mask, oil infusion, or rinse. It helps nourish the scalp, promote hair growth, condition hair, and maintain overall scalp health.

• Ahmed, S.F., Sajid, M., Ahmad, W., Zeenat, F. and Shakir, M., 2021. A comprehensive review on an important Unani drug mulethi (Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 10(3), pp.488-493. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wasim-Ahmad-10/publication/352641560_A_comprehensive_review_on_an_important_Unani_drug_mulethi_Root_of_Glycyrrhiza_glabra_Linn/links/60d18dd5299bf1cd71e98475/A-comprehensive-review-on-an-important-Unani-drug-mulethi-Root-of-Glycyrrhiza-glabra-Linn.pdf 
• Cerulli, A., Masullo, M., Montoro, P. and Piacente, S., 2022. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and their constituents as active cosmeceutical ingredients. Cosmetics, 9(1), p.7. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/1/7 
• Gupta, S., PrabhaBishnoi, J., Singla, V. and Singla, A., 10 Bioactive Components of Medicinal. Advancement in Functional Food Ingredients, p.203. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Subhash-Prasad-2/publication/367281228_lycopene_Advancement_in_Functional_Food_Ingredientsbook_chapter/links/63ca06ae6fe15d6a5731fe09/lycopene-Advancement-in-Functional-Food-Ingredientsbook-chapter.pdf#page=219 
• Incidecoder.com., 2026. Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder, Ingredients explained incidecoder. Available at: https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/glycyrrhiza-glabra-root-powder 
• Kumar, N. and Kumar, H., 2019. Advancement in Functional Food. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Subhash-Prasad-2/publication/367281228_lycopene_Advancement_in_Functional_Food_Ingredientsbook_chapter/links/63ca06ae6fe15d6a5731fe09/lycopene-Advancement-in-Functional-Food-Ingredientsbook-chapter.pdf#page=219 
• Sharma, V., Katiyar, A. and Agrawal, R.C., 2016. Glycyrrhiza glabra: chemistry and pharmacological activity. In Sweeteners (pp. 1-14). Springer, Cham. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7124151/pdf/978-3-319-27027-2_Chapter_21.pdf 
• Specialchem.com., 2026. Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Specialchem. Available at: https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/glycyrrhiza-glabra-root-extract 
• Srivastav, A.K. and Singh, V.K., 2022. Pharmacology of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Mulhatti): The grandfather of herbs. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arun-Srivastava-4/publication/377013431_Pharmacology_of_Glycyrrhiza_glabra_Mulhatti_The_grandfather_of_herbs/links/6591a2923c472d2e8ea34d60/Pharmacology-of-Glycyrrhiza-glabra-Mulhatti-The-grandfather-of-herbs.pdf