Ethnopharmacological Insights on Rubb-us-Soos (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

In Unani system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) or Licorice have been used clinically for centuries for their anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, expectorant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, analgesic, and anxiolytic activities. The roots are highly valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties and have been employed by the Greeks, Arabs, and Indians since ancient times in the treatment of cough and asthma. A decoction of roots, when further heated and converted into a jellified form known as Rubb-us-soos (extract of GG), has been used by Unani Physicians for ages for gastrointestinal ailments. Avicenna also recommended the use of licorice roots for treating cutaneous ulcers, kidney and urinary bladder diseases, gastritis, fever, lung disorders like bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, as well as heart diseases.

It is commonly added to bitter laxative formulations such as those containing Senna, Aloe vera, and Cascara, to improve flavor due to the sweet taste of glycyrrhizin. It is also used to enhance flavor in toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath purifiers. Besides, it is also employed in chewing gum, confectionery, soft drinks, liqueurs, ice creams, puddings, bakery products, soy sauce and soybean-protein meat substitutes. In the last couple of decades, a strong awareness of the safety, efficacy, easy availability and cost-effectiveness of GG has been developed among the public, thus increasing its importance and popularity. The current paper aims to highlight and appraise the botanical background, phytochemical composition, and ethnopharmacological properties of Rubb-us-soos.