Fresh Licorice
Also known as: Licorice, sweet root, liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Licorice, derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a widely used herbal supplement with a long history in traditional medicine systems. Its primary active compounds, glycyrrhizin and various flavonoids, are responsible for its diverse pharmacological effects. It is commonly available as fresh or dried root, various extracts, or standardized supplements. Research on licorice is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses exploring its applications in respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver, and inflammatory conditions. While evidence quality varies, several high-quality studies support its benefits, particularly in liver function, anti-inflammatory responses, and metabolic regulation. However, its use requires careful consideration due to potential mineralocorticoid side effects, especially at higher doses.
Benefits
Licorice offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Liver Function:** A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs in patients with primary liver disease indicated that licorice can improve liver function markers like ALT and AST, suggesting significant hepatoprotective effects. This evidence is strong, based on multiple clinical trials. - **Anti-inflammatory and Immune Modulation:** Licorice exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties by reducing macrophage oxidation and enhancing T-cell activity. This mechanism contributes to its effectiveness in conditions such as postoperative sore throat, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. The evidence for anti-inflammatory effects is robust, supported by meta-analyses and mechanistic studies. - **Metabolic Effects:** Some studies suggest licorice may help reduce body fat in non-obese individuals at doses around 3.5 g/day over two months. However, results can be conflicting due to water retention effects at higher doses, indicating moderate evidence strength. - **Anticancer Potential:** Preclinical studies, primarily in mouse xenograft models, show licorice extract can reduce tumor growth and oxidative stress, and potentially enhance chemotherapy efficacy while reducing toxicity. While promising, clinical confirmation in humans is currently lacking, making this a preliminary finding. - **Postoperative Sore Throat:** A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=609) found that topical licorice significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative sore throat, highlighting its local anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. This benefit is well-supported by clinical evidence.
How it works
Licorice exerts its effects through several mechanisms. Its compounds inhibit inflammatory pathways by reducing macrophage oxidative stress and modulating T-cell responses, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhizin, a key active compound, influences the renin-aldosterone axis, leading to mineralocorticoid-like effects such as sodium retention and potassium loss. Additionally, licorice extract has been shown to inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway, a crucial component of innate immunity and inflammation, which may protect against liver fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animal models. The bioavailability of glycyrrhizin is enhanced by intestinal bacteria, which convert it into glycyrrhetinic acid, its primary active metabolite.
Side effects
While generally safe at moderate doses, licorice can cause significant side effects, primarily due to its mineralocorticoid activity. The most common side effects (>5% occurrence) include mild water retention and increased blood pressure. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are hypokalemia (low potassium) and mild hypertension. Rare but serious side effects (<1%) include cardiovascular adverse events, particularly in individuals with pre-existing hypertension or those on interacting medications like oral contraceptives. Licorice has notable drug interactions: it can potentiate the effects of corticosteroids and antihypertensive medications. Conversely, it may reduce the efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents, such as cisplatin. Contraindications for licorice use include pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, and pregnancy. It should also be avoided in individuals concurrently using drugs that affect potassium balance. Caution is strongly advised for patients with any cardiovascular risk factors due to the potential for blood pressure elevation and electrolyte imbalances.
Dosage
Effective doses of licorice vary depending on the intended use and form. For metabolic effects, studies have used around 3.5 grams of licorice root per day. When using standardized extracts, the dosage is typically based on glycyrrhizin content, ranging from 100-800 mg. To minimize the risk of mineralocorticoid side effects, the maximum safe dose of glycyrrhizin is generally considered to be below 100 mg daily. Oral administration with meals may improve tolerance and absorption. Topical formulations are effective for localized conditions like sore throat, while oral extracts are used for systemic effects. The absorption and metabolism of licorice compounds can be influenced by gut microbiota, suggesting that co-administration with probiotics might alter its effects.
FAQs
Is licorice safe for long-term use?
Long-term use of licorice can lead to mineralocorticoid side effects like high blood pressure and low potassium. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended for extended use.
Can licorice cause high blood pressure?
Yes, licorice, especially at high doses or in sensitive individuals, can cause an increase in blood pressure due to its effect on the body's mineralocorticoid system.
How soon do benefits appear?
Some benefits, such as improvements in liver enzymes, may be observed within weeks. Other effects, like body fat reduction, might require several months of consistent use.
Does licorice interact with medications?
Yes, licorice can interact with several medications, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain chemotherapy agents. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining licorice with other drugs.
Is fresh licorice different from dried?
Fresh and dried licorice contain similar active compounds, but their potency can vary. Standardized extracts are often preferred for consistent dosing and predictable effects.
Research Sources
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Licorice-Root-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This source provides a comprehensive overview of licorice root, including its traditional uses, active compounds, and potential health benefits. It highlights its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and discusses its relevance for cognitive vitality, drawing from various research studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1160445/full – This research article focuses on the mechanism of action of licorice extract, specifically its inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway. It suggests that this mechanism contributes to its protective effects against liver fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animal models, indicating potential therapeutic applications.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8288 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of licorice in improving liver function markers (ALT, AST) in patients with primary liver disease. The findings support the hepatoprotective effects of licorice, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in liver enzyme levels across multiple clinical trials.
- https://examine.com/supplements/licorice/ – This source provides a detailed summary of licorice, covering its benefits, mechanisms, and safety profile based on scientific evidence. It discusses its anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and immune-modulating effects, and outlines common side effects and drug interactions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – This preclinical study investigates the anticancer potential of licorice extract in mouse xenograft models. It demonstrates that licorice can reduce tumor growth and oxidative stress, and may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy while mitigating its toxicity, suggesting a promising role in cancer therapy.
Supplements Containing Fresh Licorice
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