Global Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation Market Strategic Research Report

Scope of the Report

The global Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market size is predicted to grow from US$ 913 million in 2025 to US$ 1,473 million in 2032; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2026 to 2032.

Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparations refer to drugs containing glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives as active ingredients. Through mechanisms including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, hepatocyte membrane stabilization, and corticosteroid-like effects, they reduce serum transaminase levels and improve liver function. Unlike general hepatoprotective drugs, glycyrrhizic acid preparations have a defined anti-inflammatory and enzyme-lowering target with rapid onset (typically reducing ALT/AST within 2-4 weeks). Main products include compound glycyrrhizic acid (Minophagen), diammonium glycyrrhizinate (Chia Tai Tianqing), magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (Chia Tai Tianqing), and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate.

Glycyrrhizic acid preparations are the “cornerstone” class of hepatoprotective and enzyme‑lowering drugs, combining rapid action with anti‑inflammatory mechanisms. Unlike chemical enzyme reducers (bifendate, bicyclol) that merely suppress ALT/AST release, glycyrrhizic acid directly inhibits liver inflammation via a corticosteroid‑like effect, while stabilizing hepatocyte membranes and scavenging free radicals – achieving ALT/AST reduction alongside improved liver histology, with significantly lower rebound rates after withdrawal. Pricing: imported originator compound glycyrrhizic acid (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) costs RMB 15-20/day, domestic generics RMB 5-10/day; Chia Tai Tianqing’s originator magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (Tianqing Ganmei®), an exclusive IV formulation, costs RMB 80-120/day (but patient co‑pay is low after insurance coverage); diammonium glycyrrhizinate (Ganlixin/Tianqing Ganping) costs RMB 3-8/day, one of the most economical outpatient choices. Margins diverge sharply: raw material producers (Fanzhi, MAFCO, Norevo) 20-30%; generic formulators (Kaiyin, Lepu, Yuandong) 30-40%; originator innovative products (Tianqing’s magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate) 70-80%, contributing the majority of Chia Tai Tianqing’s hepatology profits. Downstream primary applications: chronic hepatitis maintenance ~50% of prescriptions; acute hepatitis/severe ALT elevation ~25%; pre‑exam rapid normalization (off‑label) ~15%; antiviral adjunct, MASH exploration, etc. ~10%. Incremental demand comes from: (1) >200 million NAFLD patients in China, driving need for anti‑inflammatory enzyme reducers; (2) increased penetration of high‑end IV formulations in liver failure and severe hepatitis; (3) volume growth of low‑cost generics after volume‑based procurement; (4) exports to Southeast Asia, Middle East. Upstream‑downstream structure: upstream – licorice cultivation and rough processing (Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia) and extraction/purification (Fanzhi, Tianshan, MAFCO, Norevo); midstream – formulation manufacturers (Chia Tai Tianqing, Minophagen, Kaiyin, Lepu); downstream – hospital pharmacies, retail drugstores, e‑commerce platforms. Licorice resource sustainability is a key ESG issue: over‑harvesting of wild licorice in China has been replaced by cultivated bases (e.g., Xinjiang Longhuiyuan’s 6,500 mu, Fanzhi’s own farms), but the long growth cycle (3-5 years) creates supply‑demand tension affecting raw material prices. Landscape: domestic market dominated by “Chia Tai Tianqing + Minophagen” duopoly, with generics following. Chia Tai Tianqing dominates diammonium glycyrrhizinate and magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (Tianqing Ganmei single‑product sales ~RMB 2.7 billion in 2023); Minophagen’s originator Stronger Neo-Minophagen C maintains stable share in premium hospital segment; Fanzhi Pharmaceutical is the world’s largest licorice extract export base (No.1 in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate capacity), controlling upstream supply. Overseas, MAFCO Worldwide (US) and Norevo (Germany) are major licorice extract suppliers. Uncertainties include: (1) volume‑based procurement pressure on pricing, with some generics already included in local tenders and originators facing price cuts; (2) licorice raw material price volatility due to climate, planting area, and environmental policies; (3) generic entry after magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate patent expiry, threatening Chia Tai Tianqing’s exclusivity; (4) changes in employment medical exam standards affecting off‑label pre‑exam demand. Conclusion: Glycyrrhizic acid preparations represent a technically mature, clinically validated, structurally stable sub‑segment in hepatoprotective drugs. Core drivers are rising NAFLD/NASH prevalence and the rigid demand for safe, low‑rebound enzyme‑lowering drugs in the large chronic liver disease population. Structural features are upstream ESG‑sensitive licorice supply, midstream originator‑generic tiering, and downstream full‑spectrum coverage from acute severe to chronic management. Companies with vertically integrated API‑to‑formulation capabilities and originator innovative products (Chia Tai Tianqing, Fanzhi Pharmaceutical) will maintain stronger pricing power and profit margins under the volume‑based procurement environment.

Key Questions Addressed in this Report

What is the 10-year outlook for the global Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market?

What factors are driving Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market growth, globally and by region?

Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?

How do Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market opportunities vary by end market size?

How does Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation break out by Type, by Application?

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the global Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market, covering market size and forecast, segmentation by product type and application, competitive landscape, leading players and regional and country-level outlook.

Segment by Type

• Compound Glycyrrhizic Acid (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C)
• Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate
• Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate
• Monoammonium Glycyrrhizinate & Others

Segment by Administration

• Intravenous (Rapid Onset, 1-2 weeks)
• Oral (Moderate Onset, 2-4 weeks)

Segment by Application

• Acute Hepatitis & Severe ALT Elevation
• Chronic Hepatitis Maintenance
• Pre-Exam Rapid Normalization (Off-Label)
• Adjunct to Antiviral Therapy
• MASH/NASH Treatment
• Others

Who Can Use This Report?

This report is written for decision-makers who need a clear, data-backed view of the global Glycyrrhizic Acid Preparation market:

• Manufacturers, suppliers and solution providers benchmarking their position and planning product, capacity and go-to-market strategy
• Distributors, channel partners and end users in Acute Hepatitis & Severe ALT Elevation, Chronic Hepatitis Maintenance, Pre-Exam Rapid Normalization (Off-Label) evaluating demand and sourcing options
• Investors, financial analysts and consultants assessing growth opportunities, competitive dynamics and M&A potential
• Government agencies, industry associations and research institutions tracking industry developments and policy impact