Licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) is a traditional herbal medicine used worldwide for its various pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic data of licorice and its bioactive compounds, along with clinical and adverse effects. Licorice contains triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and chalcones, with glycyrrhizin being the main active component. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Experimental studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory activity through mechanisms involving glucocorticoid metabolism and complement pathway inhibition. Licorice also exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral activities against various pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori and viruses such as HIV. It has antiprotozoal effects against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani. Licorice has antioxidant properties, protecting against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. It has hepatoprotective effects, reducing liver damage and improving liver function. Licorice also exhibits antitumor activity, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis. It has central nervous system effects, including antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and memory-enhancing properties. Licorice has cardiovascular effects, including antiplatelet aggregation and vasorelaxant activity. It has immunomodulatory effects, enhancing immune responses and protecting against infections. Licorice has renal protective effects, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. It has cytotoxic effects against certain bacteria and cancer cells. It has respiratory effects, including antitussive activity. Licorice affects gap junction channels and has endocrine effects, influencing steroid metabolism and hormone levels. It has dermatological effects, including skin whitening and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice has been used in clinical studies for gastrointestinal, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. It has antiviral and hepatoprotective effects, particularly in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. It has been used in cosmetics and as a sweetener in food products. However, licorice can cause side effects such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and mineralocorticoid excess. It may interact with other drugs, affecting their metabolism and efficacy. The pharmacokinetics of licorice involve metabolism in the liver and intestines, with variations in bioavailability and metabolism among different species. Overall, licorice has a wide range of pharmacological effects and is used in traditional medicine for various health conditions. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.Licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) is a traditional herbal medicine used worldwide for its various pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic data of licorice and its bioactive compounds, along with clinical and adverse effects. Licorice contains triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and chalcones, with glycyrrhizin being the main active component. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Experimental studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory activity through mechanisms involving glucocorticoid metabolism and complement pathway inhibition. Licorice also exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral activities against various pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori and viruses such as HIV. It has antiprotozoal effects against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani. Licorice has antioxidant properties, protecting against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. It has hepatoprotective effects, reducing liver damage and improving liver function. Licorice also exhibits antitumor activity, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis. It has central nervous system effects, including antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and memory-enhancing properties. Licorice has cardiovascular effects, including antiplatelet aggregation and vasorelaxant activity. It has immunomodulatory effects, enhancing immune responses and protecting against infections. Licorice has renal protective effects, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. It has cytotoxic effects against certain bacteria and cancer cells. It has respiratory effects, including antitussive activity. Licorice affects gap junction channels and has endocrine effects, influencing steroid metabolism and hormone levels. It has dermatological effects, including skin whitening and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice has been used in clinical studies for gastrointestinal, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. It has antiviral and hepatoprotective effects, particularly in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. It has been used in cosmetics and as a sweetener in food products. However, licorice can cause side effects such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and mineralocorticoid excess. It may interact with other drugs, affecting their metabolism and efficacy. The pharmacokinetics of licorice involve metabolism in the liver and intestines, with variations in bioavailability and metabolism among different species. Overall, licorice has a wide range of pharmacological effects and is used in traditional medicine for various health conditions. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.