Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract
- Cultivation: Glycyrrhiza Glabra, commonly known as Licorice, is cultivated in well-drained sandy loam soil with full sun exposure. It requires a warm climate and typically takes about 2-3 years for roots to mature and become suitable for extraction.
- Harvesting: The roots are harvested when they are thick, fleshy, and rich in glycyrrhizin. Harvest usually happens in the winter after the plant has gone dormant, ensuring maximum bioactive compound content.
- Cleaning & Preparation: After harvesting, the roots are washed thoroughly to remove soil and debris, then chopped into smaller pieces. Sometimes the roots are dried or crushed to increase the surface area and facilitate better extraction.
- Drying: The prepared licorice root material is loaded into an extractor. A solvent (commonly water or a hydro-alcoholic mixture) is circulated through the roots to extract active compounds like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and saponins.
- Filtration: Post extraction, the solution is filtered to remove coarse root particles, fibers, and other solid residues. Multiple filtration stages may be used depending on the clarity required.
- Concentration: If a dry extract is needed, the concentrated extract is passed through a spray dryer or vacuum tray dryer to obtain a fine powder with standardized active content.
- Drying (if required): The filtrate is subjected to evaporation under reduced pressure using evaporators. This step removes the solvent and concentrates the extract into a semi-solid or powder form, depending on the final application.
- Standardization: The extract is tested and standardized to ensure consistent levels of glycyrrhizin and other bioactives. Typical specifications include 10% to 20% glycyrrhizin by HPLC.
- Packaging & Storage: The extract is packed in moisture-proof, light-resistant containers to preserve its potency. Proper labeling and batch information are added for traceability.
- By-Product Utilization: The spent roots can be composted or used in low-grade products, ensuring minimal waste.
- Quality Control: Throughout the process, stringent QC checks are conducted for microbial content, active compounds, and physical parameters.
- Regulatory Compliance: All processes adhere to GMP, FSSAI, and relevant pharmacopeia standards, with documentation for traceability, safety, and quality assurance.
