Last updated: January 7, 2026
Executive Summary
Glycyrrhiza uralensis, commonly known as licorice root, has garnered increasing significance within the pharmaceutical excipient sector based on its multifaceted applications. Positioned at the intersection of traditional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals, its pharmaceutical-grade whole form (Glycyrrhiza uralensis whole) is gaining traction due to rising global health demands, a shift toward natural ingredients, and expanding regulatory acceptance.
This report offers an in-depth analysis of the current market landscape, growth drivers, challenges, and forecasted financial trajectories for Glycyrrhiza uralensis whole as a pharmaceutical excipient. It integrates recent market data, industry policies, competitive positioning, and technological trends, furnishing decision-makers with actionable insights.
1. Market Overview
1.1. Definition and Role of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Whole in Pharmaceuticals
Glycyrrhiza uralensis whole refers to the intact roots and rhizomes used as excipients or active components in pharmaceutical formulations. Its functions include:
- Sweetening agent with medicinal benefits
- Excipient as a binder, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant
- Carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
1.2. Market Size & Recent Trends
- Global Market Value (2022): Estimated at USD 150 million, with projections reaching USD 300 million by 2030 (CAGR of approximately 8%).
- Regional Demand: Asia-Pacific dominates ~60% of the market, driven by traditional medicine integration, followed by North America and Europe.
- Supply Chain: China, India, and Central Asian countries are primary producers, complying with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
1.3. Classification and Form Factors
| Form Factor |
Description |
Market Share (2022) |
Notes |
| Whole roots and rhizomes |
Unprocessed plant material |
55% |
Used in teas, extracts, and bulk formulations |
| Extract powders |
Standardized extracts (glycyrrhizin) |
30% |
For APIs, emulsions, and syrups |
| Ultra-pure grades |
Pharmacopoeia compliant, high-purity |
15% |
Specialized applications, high-cost |
2. Market Drivers
2.1. Rising Demand for Natural and Botanical Ingredients
- Increasing consumer preference for herbal and plant-based medicines, driven by perceived safety and efficacy.
- Regulatory shifts favor ingredient transparency and 'clean label' formulations.
2.2. Expanding Therapeutic Applications
- Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties bolster its role as an excipient and active.
- Application in gastrointestinal formulations, cough syrups, and skin care products.
2.3. Regulatory and Policy Environment
| Region |
Key Policies |
Impact |
| United States |
FDA guidelines for botanical drugs (2019 draft) |
Enhanced regulation, encouraging standardized excipient use |
| European Union |
EMA botanical medicine directives |
Promotes quality assurance and market access |
| China |
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification |
Ensures quality and sustainable sourcing |
2.4. Advances in Extraction and Processing Technologies
- Use of supercritical fluid extraction and membrane filtration increases yield and purity.
- Adoption of standardized extraction protocols enhances batch consistency.
2.5. Growing Integration in Novel Drug Delivery Systems
- Encapsulation techniques utilizing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extracts are on the rise.
- Improved bioavailability promotes its use as an excipient and complementary medicine.
3. Market Challenges
3.1. Supply Chain Constraints
- Seasonal cultivation impacts availability.
- Geopolitical factors and climate change threaten supply stability.
3.2. Quality Standardization Challenges
- Variability due to environmental factors affecting phytochemical content.
- Need for rigorous authentication and standardization to meet pharmacopeial standards.
3.3. Regulatory Hurdles
- Varied regional standards complicate global expansion.
- Limited clinical data for some applications delay approval pathways.
3.4. Competition from Synthetic and Alternative Botanicals
- Synthetic sweeteners and other herbal ingredients may replace Glycyrrhiza uralensis in certain applications.
- Price competition due to raw material variability.
4. Financial Trajectory and Market Forecast
4.1. Revenue Projections (2022–2030)
| Year |
Estimated Global Market Value (USD Million) |
CAGR |
Comments |
| 2022 |
150 |
- |
Baseline |
| 2025 |
210 |
~8% |
Market expansion due to increased application sectors |
| 2030 |
300 |
~8% |
Maturity of global growth trends |
4.2. Key Investment Areas
- Cultivation and Harvesting: Focused on sustainable and organic practices.
- Extraction & Standardization: Investment in advanced processing tech.
- Certification & Quality Assurance: Meeting pharmacopeial and regulatory standards.
- R&D: Innovations in delivery systems and derivatives.
4.3. Competitive Landscape
| Key Companies |
Core Strengths |
Market Share (Estimate) |
| Shaanxi North Exchange |
Raw material sourcing, traditional expertise |
25% |
| Merck KGaA |
Standardized extracts, R&D investment |
15% |
| Xi'an Tianbao Biologicals |
Extraction technology, GMP-certified facilities |
10% |
| Others |
Regional suppliers and emerging players |
50% |
4.4. Revenue Streams
- Raw material sales (roots/rhizomes/extracts)
- Processed excipient formulations
- Contract manufacturing and custom extraction services
- Licensing of standardized extracts/custom formulations
5. Comparative Analysis
5.1. Glycyrrhiza uralensis vs. Glycyrrhiza glabra
| Parameter |
Glycyrrhiza uralensis |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
Notes |
| Geographical distribution |
Asia (China, Central Asia) |
Mediterranean, Middle East |
Freshness, availability |
| Phytochemical content |
Higher glycyrrhizin content (~10-20%) |
Slightly lower (~10%) |
Influences potency |
| Regulatory acceptance |
Favorable in Asian markets, global expansion |
Similar, with regional variances |
Both used in pharmaceuticals |
5.2. Natural vs. Synthetic Alternatives
| Aspect |
Natural Glycyrrhiza uralensis |
Synthetic Alternatives |
Implication |
| Cost |
Generally higher but stable supply |
Lower; cost-effective |
Price-sensitive applications |
| Efficacy |
Rich phytochemistry, multifaceted |
Focused, isolated compounds |
Broader therapeutic profile emphasized |
| Regulatory hurdles |
Registration complexity |
Easier but face ban/warning |
Need for phytochemical standardization |
6. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
6.1. Global Standards
| Region |
Regulatory Body |
Standards & Guidance |
Date/Version |
| USA |
FDA |
Botanical Drug Development Guidance (2019) |
2019 |
| EU |
EMA |
Botanical Medicinal Products Guidelines |
EMA/CHMP/CVMP/QWP/245537/2011 |
| China |
NMPA |
Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China |
Latest edition 2020 |
6.2. Good Agricultural & Collection Practices (GACP)
- Emphasis on sustainable cultivation
- Traceability from farm to pharmacopeial grade
6.3. Future Regulatory Trends
- Increasing emphasis on standardization and batch-to-batch consistency.
- Support for innovative delivery mechanisms incorporating Glycyrrhiza uralensis.
7. Emerging Technologies and Innovation
| Technology |
Impact |
Examples |
| Supercritical Fluid Extraction |
Higher yields and purity, environmentally friendly |
Used by leading Chinese suppliers |
| Encapsulation Techniques |
Enhanced bioavailability, stability |
Liposomes, nanoemulsions |
| Standardized Extracts & Derivatives |
Reduced variability, predictable pharmacological effects |
Glycyrrhizin isolates, triterpenoids |
| Blockchain Traceability |
Greater supply chain transparency |
Implemented by some regional suppliers |
8. Conclusion: Strategic Outlook
The Glycyrrhiza uralensis whole excipient market is poised for steady growth driven by increased acceptance of herbal pharmaceuticals, innovation in extraction processes, and expanding regulatory recognition. The forecast anticipates an 8% CAGR from 2022 to 2030, potentially reaching USD 300 million globally.
Key success factors include:
- Establishing sustainable, high-quality sourcing
- Achieving compliance with evolving global standards
- Investing in R&D for innovative delivery systems
- Securing regulatory approvals through robust clinical validation
A balanced approach emphasizing quality, sustainability, and innovation will position stakeholders to capitalize on this growing sector.
Key Takeaways
- The market size is projected to double by 2030, driven primarily by health trends favoring natural ingredients.
- Asia-Pacific remains dominant but global expansion necessitates compliance with regional standards.
- Supply chain sustainability and standardization remain ongoing challenges requiring technological investment.
- Regulatory policies increasingly favor botanical excipients, offering opportunities for market entry and product differentiation.
- Investment in processing technology and clinical research is essential for value addition and competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. What are the main applications of Glycyrrhiza uralensis whole in pharmaceuticals?
It functions as an excipient, sweetener, and active component for anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and expectorant formulations.
2. How does the quality variability of Glycyrrhiza uralensis impact the pharmaceutical industry?
Variability affects efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance. Rigid standardization, certified processing, and Good Agricultural Practices are vital solutions.
3. What regulatory challenges does Glycyrrhiza uralensis face globally?
Differing regional standards, limited clinical data, and lack of unified global guidelines pose hurdles for market expansion.
4. How is technology influencing the growth of Glycyrrhiza uralensis as an excipient?
Advances like supercritical extraction and encapsulation enhance purity, bioavailability, and application scope, boosting market prospects.
5. What are future opportunities for investors in this market?
Expanding demand for natural products, technological innovations, and regulatory leniency in certain regions present growth avenues.
References
[1] MarketResearch.com, "Global Licorice Extract Market," 2022.
[2] FDA Guidance for Industry, "Botanical Drug Development," 2019.
[3] European Medicines Agency, "Guidelines on Botanicals," 2011.
[4] Global Industry Analysts, "Herbal & Botanical Market Analysis," 2022.
[5] Shaanxi North Exchange, "Company Profile," 2023.
