Glycyrrhiza glabra(Licorice ) in Animal Nutrition: A Phytogenic Approach to Gut Health and Immunity

1. Introduction

Glycyrrhiza glabra commonly known as licorice, is a perennial herb renowned for its sweet flavor and extensive use in traditional medicine. Historically, it has been utilized to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions. In animal health, licorice’s bioactive compounds offer potential benefits such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a valuable phytogenic additive in animal nutrition (1).

2. Organoleptic Properties

• Color: Light yellow to brown
  
• Odor: Sweet, characteristic of licorice
  
• Taste: Sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste
  
• Solubility: Partially soluble in water; extracts dissolve more efficiently
  
• Particle Size: Fine to coarse powder, depending on processing
  

3. Key Bioactive Compounds

• Glycyrrhizin: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties (2)
  
• Flavonoids (e.g., liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin): Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects (3)
  
• Saponins: Enhance gut health and immunity (4)
  
• Coumarins: Contribute to anti-inflammatory effects (5)
  
• Polysaccharides: Support gut microbiota balance (6)
  

4. Purpose and Usage by Species

Poultry

• Benefits:
  
  • Enhances gut health and feed conversion efficiency (7)
    
  • Supports immune function and stress resistance (8)
    
  • Exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria (9)
    

• Research Trials:
  
  • Influence of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract on Growth, Gene Expression of Gut Integrity, and Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Broiler Chickens (10)
    
  • Use of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Herb as a Feed Additive in Poultry: Current Knowledge and Prospects (11)

Swine

• Benefits:
  
  • Improves gut integrity and reduces diarrhea incidence (12)
    
  • Enhances immune response and stress adaptation (13)
    
  • Modulates gut microbiota for better nutrient absorption (14)
    

• Research Trials:
  
  • Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Weaned Piglets (15)
    
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects of Glycyrrhizin in Piglet Diets (16)
    

Ruminants

• Benefits:
  
  • Supports liver function and detoxification (17)
    
  • Improves rumen fermentation and digestion (18)
    
  • Enhances immune response in dairy and beef cattle (19)
    

• Research Trials:
  
  • Role of Licorice in Modulating Rumen Microbial Fermentation (20)
    
  • Impact of Licorice Supplementation on Milk Yield and Quality (21)
    

Aquatic Animals

• Benefits:
  
  • Acts as a natural immunostimulant for disease prevention (22)
    
  • Enhances gut health and nutrient utilization (23)
    
  • Improves resistance to environmental stressors (24)
    

• Research Trials:
  
  • Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract on Immune Response in Fish (25)
    
  • Licorice as a Natural Growth Promoter in Aquaculture (26)
    

Companion Animals (Dogs & Cats)

• Benefits:
  
  • Supports liver health and detoxification (27)
    
  • Aids in managing inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, allergies) (28)
    
  • Enhances digestive function and gut microbiome balance (29)
    

• Research Trials:
  
  • Glycyrrhizin’s Hepatoprotective Effects in Canine Diets (30)
    
  • Use of Licorice Extract for Managing Inflammation in Pets (31)
    

5. Standardized Botanical Powders Offering

• Crude Powder: Unprocessed dried root powder
  
• Standardized Extract: High-potency licorice extract with consistent bioactive levels
  
• Granular Form: Processed for easy mixing in feed formulations
  

6. Synergistic Phytogenic Combinations

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Enhances anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (32)
  
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Supports digestion and immune function (33)
  
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Boosts immune system resilience (34)
  
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Improves gut health and nutrient absorption (35)
  

7. Nature’s Activ Differentiation

• Traceability & Sourcing: Ethically sourced from premium licorice-growing regions
  
• Optimal Harvesting Age: Harvested at peak bioactive concentration for maximum efficacy
  
• Standardization: Strict quality control ensures consistent glycyrrhizin levels
  
• Advanced Processing: State-of-the-art extraction techniques preserve potency
  

8. Conclusion

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) is a versatile phytogenic ingredient with significant benefits across various animal species, including poultry, swine, ruminants, aquatic animals, and companion animals. Its rich bioactive profile supports immune function, gut health, and overall well-being while enhancing feed efficiency and disease resistance. The synergistic potential of licorice with other phytogenic compounds further strengthens its applicability in natural animal nutrition solutions.

At Naturesactiv, we prioritize quality, traceability, and scientific validation to offer premium licorice-derived formulations tailored to industry needs. For customized solutions or bulk procurement inquiries, feel free to contact our team.

References

1. Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Health Benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra. PMC
2. Influence of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract on Growth, Gene Expression of Gut Integrity, and Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Broiler Chickens. PubMed
3. Use of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Herb as a Feed Additive in Poultry: Current Knowledge and Prospects. PMC
4. Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies. ResearchGate
5. Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Weaned Piglets. Tandfonline
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Glycyrrhizin in Piglet Diets. PMC
7. Role of Licorice in Modulating Rumen Microbial Fermentation. PubMed
8. Impact of Licorice Supplementation on Milk Yield and Quality. PMC
9. Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract on Immune Response in Fish. PMC
10. Glycyrrhizin’s Hepatoprotective Effects in Canine Diets. AromaWeb
11. Use of Licorice Extract for Managing Inflammation in Pets. AromaWeb

FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as veterinary or medical advice. Consult a veterinarian before using any supplements in animal nutrition.