Introduction: This systematic review investigates the role of Glycyrrhiza glabra in cognitive function and memory enhancement. It focuses on gathering and synthesizing existing evidence published from September 2020 onwards to comprehensively evaluate the potential cognitive benefits associated with the consumption of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Methodology: A systematic literature search conducted in electronic databases included variations of “Glycyrrhiza glabra”, “liquorice”, “cognitive function”, “memory” and related terms. Total 31 manuscripts were included in the study published from the year 2004 to 2020 onwards. The inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed articles from reputable scientific journals, encompassing diverse age groups of human subjects. The investigation considered research employing various forms of Glycyrrhiza glabra, including extracts, supplements, or dietary consumption, to evaluate cognitive impacts. To maintain linguistic consistency, studies not published in English were excluded, along with animal studies, reviews, and conference abstracts, ensuring a focused and rigorous analysis of pertinent literature. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full-text articles of potentially relevant studies were then assessed for eligibility.

Results: The analyses revealed that major mental impairment is caused due to various oxidative damages, neurodegenerative damages leading to the damage of the hippocampus region, HMGP1, neural damage, increase in the inflammatory cytokines production, and many others. Studies have shown that G. glabra and the components extracted from it have a great therapeutic potential for the treatment and stop these cognitive impairments as they can breach the blood-brain barrier, lower the above-mentioned damages and enhance the activity of the nervous system in a desired way.

Conclusion: In the presented study, G. glabra was found to be effective for the treatment of cognitive impairments. However, this study reinforces the importance of classic Ayurvedic plants like G. glabra for the treatment of these neuro-cognitive disorders.

Full: https://informaticsjournals.co.in/index.php/jnr/article/view/44205/31871