Biological functions of licorice extract and its applications in animal production
Licorice,a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family,is a medicinal and edible plant.Licorice is rich in various bioactive components such as triterpenoid saponins,flavonoids,coumarins,polysaccharides,etc.,endowing it with biological functions including anticancer,anti-inflammatory,and antibacterial properties.Moreover,the above-ground parts of licorice,with lush stems and leaves,have higher nutritional value compared to grasses in the Poaceae family,making it an excellent feed for livestock.The natural herbal additives can promote animal growth,enhance animal's immunity,and contribute to the further development of animal husbandry in China.The article reviews the active components of licorice,its biological functions,and its applications in animal production,aiming to provide a reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of licorice as animal feed.
licoriceactive componentsbiological functionsanimal production