HA6971 Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder (GPs)

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder (GPs) Description

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder appears as a light yellow to off‐white amorphous powder with a neutral odour and a slight sweetness. Its hygroscopic nature requires storage in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. The substance dissolves readily in water to form viscous colloidal solutions, but it remains insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or chloroform. Chemically, GPs consist of heterogeneous, branched macromolecules that are primarily composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, and rhamnose monomers linked via β-glycosidic bonds with trace amounts of uronic acids. Molecular weights range between 10 and 500 kDa and exhibit polydispersity. The polysaccharide chains adopt helical conformations maintained by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Thermal analysis shows a gradual decomposition starting at 180–200°C without distinct melting or charring at higher temperatures. Aqueous solutions demonstrate pseudoplastic flow behaviour with viscosity that decreases as temperature increases and with concentration‐dependent thickening. Infrared spectroscopic characterisation identifies an absorption band for hydroxyl groups near 3400 cm⁻¹ and carbohydrate fingerprints between 1000 and 1200 cm⁻¹. Stability tests indicate that the compound is vulnerable to acid hydrolysis at pH values below 3 and to enzymatic degradation, particularly by cellulases. Oxidation in alkaline conditions causes chain scission and a reduction in molecular weight. The powder maintains its integrity when stored below 25°C in darkness but undergoes Maillard reactions and browning when exposed to high temperatures in the presence of proteins. Its amorphous structure contributes to compressibility in solid formulations, and its particle size distribution generally spans 5–80 µm.

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder (GPs) Applications

• Animal Feed and Veterinary Industry: GPs are incorporated into poultry feed formulations to increase growth performance, improve feed efficiency and augment hepatic antioxidant capacity in broilers. This is achieved by activating the Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway and upregulating enzymes such as SOD and CAT.
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry: GPs function as immunomodulators and antitumour agents. They stimulate macrophage phagocytosis, increase IgM/IgG production, inhibit sarcoma growth and obstruct Helicobacter pylori adhesion to the gastric mucosa, thereby assisting in infection prevention.
• Food and Functional Ingredient Industry: GPs are utilised as natural antioxidants in functional foods and beverages. Their free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radicals has been quantified, thereby supporting metabolic health and reducing oxidative stress.
• Materials Science and Packaging Industry: GPs are applied in the synthesis of antibacterial nanocomposite films by reducing and stabilising silver nanoparticles. This process produces materials with measurable antimicrobial properties for biomedical coatings and food packaging.
• Cosmetics and Skincare Industry: GPs are integrated into topical formulations to provide antioxidant protection against UV-induced skin damage. Their anti-inflammatory and free radical-neutralising actions contribute to improved skin barrier function and a delay in the ageing process.

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder (GPs) Packaging

Our products are packaged in customised cartons of various sizes according to the dimensions of the material. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, whereas larger items are placed in custom wooden crates. We adhere to strict packaging customisation protocols and employ appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customised.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis – The composition is verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity specifications.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing – Tensile strength, yield strength and elongation tests are carried out to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection – The thickness, width and length are measured to confirm adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection – Defects such as scratches, cracks or inclusions are identified through visual and ultrasonic examination.

(5)    Hardness Testing – Material hardness is determined to confirm uniformity and mechanical consistency.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder (GPs) FAQs

Q1. Are GPs safe?

GPs are generally recognised as safe (GRAS) at standard dosages, which typically range from 100 to 500 mg per day. No significant toxicity has been reported; however, excessive intake may result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no documented drug interactions, although professionals should be consulted if the product is used alongside immunosuppressants.

Q2. How do they differ from other licorice extracts?

GPs differ from glycyrrhizin, which affects electrolyte balance, and from flavonoids, which are small molecules. GPs consist of non-toxic macromolecules that modulate immune and gastrointestinal responses without systemic side effects. Their high water solubility distinguishes them from lipophilic licorice compounds.

Q3. How should GPs be stored?

GPs should be stored in airtight containers at 2–8°C with desiccants. They must be protected from light, humidity (exceeding 5% moisture accelerates degradation) and high temperatures. Aqueous solutions require refrigeration and should be used within 48 hours.

Related Information

Common Preparation Methods

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides Powder is extracted industrially from dried licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra or uralensis) using sequential purification steps. The process begins with hot water extraction at 80–90°C on milled roots at a neutral pH to solubilise the polysaccharides, followed by filtration to remove insoluble residues. The aqueous extract is then subjected to ethanol precipitation at a final concentration of 70–80% v/v to isolate the crude polysaccharides, which are subsequently redissolved in water. Deproteinisation is carried out using the Sevag reagent (chloroform: butanol 4:1) or enzymatic treatment to remove contaminant proteins. Further purification is achieved by dialysing against deionised water to eliminate small molecules (such as glycyrrhizin and salts) or by column chromatography (DEAE-cellulose/Sephadex). The purified polysaccharide solution is concentrated under vacuum, sterilised by microfiltration (0.22 μm) and then lyophilised into a porous, light-yellow powder. Quality control measures verify the polysaccharide content using the anthrone-sulphuric acid method, residual protein by the Bradford assay, moisture by Karl Fischer titration and microbial limits in accordance with pharmacopeial standards for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications.