Glycyphyllin

/ɡlɪˈsɪfɪlɪn/ noun

Definition

A bitter compound derived from licorice plants, related to glycyrrhizin and used in traditional medicine.

Etymology

From 'glycy-' (relating to licorice, from Greek 'glykys') + '-phyllin' (Greek for leaf). The term refers to compounds found in licorice plant leaves and roots.

Kelly Says

Glycyphyllin is one of several active compounds in licorice that make it taste sweet while also having medicinal properties—this unusual combination of sweet taste with bitter pharmacological effects is what made licorice valuable in ancient medicine.

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