Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a frequently-used traditional Chinese medicine. This study researched the name

original plant

geographical origin

properties

quality evaluation

processing method

medicinal properties and functions of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma by systematic carding of ancient literature. The results showed that Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has more alias

and was most famous as ‘Guolao’. The name Ling and Daku revealed that the varieties of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were confusing before Han dynasty

and achieved unity after Han dynasty. The morphological description of original plant and the legend research showed that Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma recorded in the ancient herbal literature was Glysyrrhiza uralensis

but not included the other two species G. inflat and G. glabra which was included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Geographical origin research showed that the core producing district had changed from Shanxi to the northwest district in China (Ningxia

Inner Mongolia

Gansu and Xinjiang). Characteristics and quality evaluation research results showed that those with purple red slick scarfskin

tight scarfskin

texture on fracture surface

solid quality

and rich powder were the best ones. The processing methods had experienced diversed periods

and only the method of ‘frying with honey’ was inherited after application practice. There was slight difference in drug properties

while the functions were consistent in ancient and modern ages illustrated by drug properties and functions research. This study revealed that G. uralensis was commonly used for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma recorded in ancient literature; the core producing district had changed; the method of ‘frying with honey’ was the only inherited processing method

and the function was not changed significantly. These results provide a materia medical basis for further study

resource development

protection and utilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.