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Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract): Glabridin and Glycyrrhizin from the Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most intensively documented root drugs for cosmetic and food formulation. The CONIUNCTA® Licorice Root Extract (INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract) is obtained from the root and offered in three carrier variants: Glycerin, Propylene Glycol and Pentylene Glycol. For formulators, this raw material combines a characteristic marker profile of Glabridin, Glycyrrhizin, Liquiritin as well as isoflavones and flavonoids with a flexible carrier selection that adapts to different systems. This article outlines the documented compounds, the activity profile and the fields of application for practical use. Glabridin, Glycyrrhizin and Liquiritin: the Marker Profile of the Root The lead marker profile of the extract is clearly defined in the CDS. Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) is calculated at 0.4 to 1.6 mg/mL in the product; for the dried plant, a literature content of 2 to 6 % is stated (Ph. Eur. 10th, at least 4 %). Liquiritin is documented at 0.5 to 2 % in the hydrophilic fraction. Glabridin is listed as a cosmetic marker without a specified concentration. In addition, the data sheet names isoflavones and flavonoids as characteristic constituents. These compounds form the technical basis for the positioning of the extract. Isoflavones are described in the CDS as phytoestrogenic, flavonoids as antioxidant and UV-protective, and glycyrrhizin as anti-inflammatory and soothing (mechanistic background, not product claims). As molecular targets, the data sheet names 11β-HSD and the NF-κB signaling pathway. These details serve scientific classification and must be distinguished from the cosmetic claims of the finished product. Cosmetic Claim Areas for Substantiation For cosmetic use, several claim areas are documented in the CDS in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 655/2013: astringent, balancing, conditioning, pore-refining and skin-plumping. These areas give formulators direction for developing care products, such as facial care, clarifying systems or approaches with a skin-refining claim. Important for regulatory practice: substantiation of these claims is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the finished product. CONIUNCTA® provides the marker profile and technical documentation as a starting basis; the specific claim must be substantiated in the context of the overall formulation. The marketing orientation