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Composition

Differences in climate conditions among growing regions impact the composition, flavor and taste of the licorice root. 
Licorice root can contain about 2 to 15% triterpenoid saponins. The primary saponin is glycyrrhizin although other triterpenoid saponins, triperpene sterols, flavonoids and isoflavonoids also are present.

glycyrrhizic diagramGlycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhiza, the scientific name of the licorice plant, means “sweet root” in Greek.  Much of the sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, a substance which occurs naturally in the licorice root. Glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid) is about fifty times as sweet as sugar.

In excessive amounts, glycyrrhizin can cause undesirable side-effects including headache, sodium and water retention, loss of potassium, high blood pressure and heart irregularities.