Licorice root (甘草) is the second-most prescribed TCM herb after ginseng. Pakistani Glycyrrhiza glabra is the same species as Xinjiang origin but offers slightly higher glycyrrhizin content with better physical characteristics for extract production. This guide is for Chinese TCM extract houses, glycyrrhizin manufacturers, herbal-tea blenders, and food-flavor producers sourcing direct from Pakistan.
1. Pakistani vs Xinjiang/Inner Mongolia licorice
- Same species (Glycyrrhiza glabra) but different growing climate and altitude
- Glycyrrhizin content: Pakistani 4–6%, Xinjiang typically 3.5–5% — Pakistani runs slightly higher
- Root morphology: Pakistani roots grow straighter with more uniform diameter and smoother bark — better suited to mechanical extract processing
- Price advantage: Pakistani origin typically 15–25% cheaper at landed Chinese ports than Xinjiang ex-province
- Volume: Pakistani production is large enough for sustained container-load supply
2. Current FOB Karachi price bands (April 2026)
Powder grade (磨粉) at additional USD 200–300/MT processing premium.
3. Grades available
Unpeeled Standard
Whole roots with bark intact, mixed diameters 5–25 mm. For extract houses with their own pre-processing capacity. Best price-per-glycyrrhizin.
Half-Selected (半选)
Sorted for diameter consistency (typically 8–15 mm), foreign matter removed, but bark intact. Mid-tier extract production.
Hand-Selected (精选)
Top grade — uniform straight roots, hand-sorted, bark partially smoothed. For premium TCM dispensing pharmacies and high-end herbal-tea brands.
Powder Grade (磨粉)
Mechanically ground from selected root, mesh sized to specification. For nutraceutical capsule manufacturers and food-flavor compounding.
4. Lab specs & documentation
- Glycyrrhizin content: 4–6% by HPLC
- Moisture: ≤ 12%
- Foreign matter: ≤ 1%
- Microbial: TPC, yeast/mold, E. coli, Salmonella
- Heavy metals: Pb, As, Hg, Cd compliant with Chinese Pharmacopoeia
- HS code: 1211.90 (whole root) or 1302.13 (extract/processed)
5. End-uses
- TCM extract houses: Glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoid extraction
- Herbal-tea brands: Sliced root for premium TCM teas
- Food-flavor producers: Natural sweetener and flavor for confectionery
- Pharmaceutical: API-grade glycyrrhizin synthesis
- Nutraceutical: Capsule and powder supplement formulation
Need a current quote?
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FAQ — Buyer Questions
Detail: Pakistani Glycyrrhiza glabra typically tests slightly higher than Xinjiang origin (3.5–5%). Lab COA on every shipment.