Iranian licorice root Value Compared to Other Origins

Iranian licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a globally revered medicinal plant, valued for its sweet flavor and therapeutic properties. Among global sources—like China, Turkey, or Spain—Iranian licorice stands out due to its superior quality, unique phytochemical profile, and favorable production economics. In this article, we explore the key factors that elevate the value of Iranian licorice in global markets, and how a trusted supplier can leverage those strengths.

Product page: Licorice

Superior Phytochemical Profile

One of the primary reasons Iranian licorice commands a premium is its elevated levels of glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds compared to many other origins. In one study, Iranian licorice populations subjected to salinity stress showed increases in glycyrrhizic acid by over 100%, phenols by 117%, and flavonoids by 56%. PMC

Moreover, variation studies on wild licorice accessions in Iran revealed that plants from regions such as Kermanshah, Kerman, and Sarhadd yield roots with the highest quality (glycyrrhizic acid and extractives). jmp.ir

These higher concentrations make Iranian licorice more potent and desirable in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and flavoring applications.

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Genetic Diversity & Adaptive Cultivation

Iranian licorice exhibits significant genetic variation, adaptive traits to local climates, and resilience to environmental stressors. A genetic structure study found considerable diversity among Iranian accessions, contributing to cultivars with distinct profiles suitable for various industrial uses. ScienceDirect

This diversity allows producers to select and cultivate lines optimized for high active compound content, yield consistency, and environmental tolerance—advantages less available in more homogeneous licorice-growing regions.

Cost-Effectiveness and Export Orientation

Iran has a competitive cost structure in terms of labor, land, and processing, enabling Iranian licorice derivatives to be highly cost-effective on the global market. A project report states that licorice derivatives are Iran’s second most profitable herbal commodity, generating an estimated $40 million USD in foreign exchange revenue.

Scholars also note that 95% of Iran’s licorice production is sold internationally, reflecting the country’s orientation toward export and global demand.

These economic factors allow exporters to offer premium quality at competitive prices.

Regional Terroir & Processing Practices

The climatic and soil conditions in Iran—especially in semi-arid and mountainous zones—provide stresses (water deficit, salinity) that encourage biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (like glycyrrhizin) in plants. Thus, Iran’s terroir contributes to “stress-enhanced” medicinal value.

Additionally, traditional and scientific processing methods (drying, root selection, quality testing) in established licorice-growing areas refine quality. For instance, studies confirm that roots from certain Iranian regions are superior for medicinal and flavoring purposes. jmp.ir

Traceability, Certification & Market Trust

In the global herbal trade, buyers increasingly demand traceability, certifications, and quality assurances. Iranian suppliers who invest in standardization (e.g. ISO, GMP, HACCP), batch documentation, and lab testing gain trust in international markets.

When a supplier can show the origin, processing chain, and analytical data tied to each batch, it elevates product credibility—especially for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clients.

Norsage’s Role & Proposition

As a bulk exporter and facilitator, Norsage leverages Iran’s inherent licorice advantages and bridges them to global buyers. With direct relationships with farmers, rigorous quality control, and compliance with international standards, Norsage ensures premium Iranian licorice reaches the world with trust and consistency.

Whether you’re seeking raw root, extract powders, or finished derivatives, Norsage enables access to top-tier Iranian licorice for pharmaceutical, food, and wellness industries.

Conclusion

Iranian licorice’s elevated value is not accidental: it comes from rich phytochemistry, genetic diversity, favorable economics, unique terroir, and robust quality systems. For importers, choosing Iranian-origin licorice means gaining potency, traceability, and cost-effectiveness.

Partnering with exporters who understand and harness these advantages—like Norsage—can give you an edge in global herbal supply chains. At Norsage, we specialize in sourcing, processing, and exporting premium Iranian medicinal herbs and natural extracts.

Explore our complete product collection — browse the Norsage Interactive Product Catalog online and discover our range of premium Iranian herbs, spices, and natural extracts:
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External References:

• Mousavi et al., Evaluation of metabolites in Iranian Licorice PMC
• Genetic variation in Iranian licorice ScienceDirect
• Economic revival of Iranian licorice export data University of Göttingen
• Quality of Iranian wild licorice roots jmp.ir