Improved method for extracting licorice and such licorice extract

摘要

The present disclosure provides a method of extracting Glabridin (Gla) from Glycyrrhiza roots, the method comprises (a) providing licorice particulates, and (b) maintaining the licorice particulates within an extractant comprising a volatile C2-C6 alkyl ether for a time sufficient to allow extraction of Gla from said licorice particulates into its surrounding medium and to thereby form an extract comprising a liquid medium with dissolved Gla. Also provided by the present disclosure is a Glabridin-rich extract compositions comprising the extract and uses thereof. The Glabridin rich extract is of Glycyrrhiza roots and comprises Glabridin (Gla) in an amount that provides a Gla to Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) weight/weight ratio in the extract, if GA is present in the Gla- rich extract, of at least 2:1.