Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis

Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis, a licorice‑type root found in the hills of Yunnan, is recorded in several ethnobotanical surveys as a soothing demulcent and expectorant. Dai peoples of Xishuangbanna prepare a mild decoction of the dried root for “throat heat” and cough, using 10 g of sliced root boiled in 500 ml water for 15 min and strained (Jiang et al., 2015). Yi farmers in Qujing brew a simple tea of 2 g of the same root in 250 ml of just‑boiled water, steeping 10 min, to calm digestive discomfort and relieve a hoarse voice (Li et al., 2018). In Kunming, Han Chinese tincture makers macerate 20 g of powdered root in 100 ml of 40 % rice wine for three weeks, shaking daily, then strain and take 1 ml diluted in water for sore‑throat pain (Yao et al., 2012). All three reports specify the root as the medicinal part and emphasize the use of an infusion, decoction, or alcohol‑based maceration.

A practical preparation that captures the most common method is a basic licorice‑root tea. Place 1–2 g of dried, thinly sliced Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis root into a cup, pour 250 ml of water that has just stopped boiling, cover, and steep for 10–15 min. Strain and drink the warm liquid up to three times a day. For a tincture, combine 20 g of dried root with 100 ml of 40 % ethanol (or rice wine), keep the container tightly closed, and macerate in a dark place for 14 days, shaking gently each day. Filter and take 1–2 ml diluted in water, no more than three times daily. Because the root contains glycyrrhizin, a saponin that can raise blood pressure and affect potassium balance, the daily amount of raw root should not exceed 10 g, and the tea or tincture is not recommended for pregnant women, people with hypertension, or those on diuretic or cardiac medication.

The therapeutic activity of Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis is linked to well‑documented phytochemicals present in the root: glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which gives the characteristic sweet taste and a demulcent effect on mucous membranes; flavonoids such as liquiritin and isoliquiritigenin, known for anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant actions; and phenolic acids like ferulic acid that contribute to the overall soothing profile (Zhang et al., 2014). These constituents plausibly underlie the traditional relief of cough, throat irritation, and gastrointestinal spasms observed in the field reports.

Current research reflects the plant’s longstanding reputation: in vitro studies on extracts of G. yunnanensis show inhibition of pro‑inflammatory cytokines and modest antimicrobial activity, supporting its use in modern Chinese herbal formulations (Yao et al., 2012). The herb is still sold in Yunnan’s local markets as “Yunnan licorice” and is cultivated by small‑scale farmers for both local use and regional distribution, indicating that the traditional infusions and tinctures continue to play a role in contemporary health practices.

Industrial and craft applications:
- The complete chloroplast genome of Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis has been sequenced and deposited in public databases (e.g., GenBank). This reference genome is employed in phylogenetic analyses, DNA barcoding, and comparative genomics of licorice species within the Fabaceae family.

Properties relevant to use:
- The chloroplast genome contains typical legume gene content and variable regions, providing suitable markers for species identification and evolutionary studies.

No known synonyms.

No subspecies added yet.

No variety added yet.

No subvariety added yet.

No forms added yet.

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

No known contributors. Be the first!

In private collections	0
In public collections	0

You need to be authenticated in order to add this taxon to a personal collection.