Market overview, sourcing considerations, and buyer insights
What is Licorice Root?
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza species) is a multifunctional botanical ingredient used in traditional medicine, supplements, food, and pharmaceutical applications. It is known for its soothing and harmonizing properties.
Common forms
- Dried root
- Powder
- Extracts (standardized and non-standardized)
Main applications
- Digestive and respiratory formulations
- Functional foods and beverages
- Pharmaceutical preparations
Market Overview
Licorice root is widely used across multiple industries, resulting in consistent global demand.
Global demand
- Broad application across food, supplements, and pharma
- Strong demand from Asia, Europe, and North America
Key sourcing regions
- China
- Central Asia regions
Price trend (indicative)
- Influenced by regulatory controls and harvest quotas
- Prices may fluctuate based on supply restrictions
Quality & Specification Considerations
Key evaluation factors include:
- Species identification
- Glycyrrhizin content
- Residual solvent and contaminant levels
- Batch-to-batch consistency
Common quality challenges
- Variability in active compound concentration
- Over-extraction affecting functional balance
- Inconsistent documentation
Sourcing Risks to Be Aware Of
- Regulatory risk
Restrictions on glycyrrhizin levels in some markets - Supply volatility
Harvest controls impacting availability - Quality inconsistency
Differences in processing standards
How Buyers Evaluate Suppliers
Professional buyers typically assess:
- Compliance with regulatory limits
- Quality testing protocols
- Supply stability and export experience
Recommended tools
- Supplier Self-Inspection Checklist
- China Supplier Risk Assessment Guide
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