Licorice Root Powder Extract
Also known as: Licorice root, licorice root powder, licorice extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Licorice root powder extract is derived from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a leguminous plant. It contains bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetic acid, and isoliquiritigenin, which contribute to its diverse therapeutic properties. Traditionally, it has been utilized for liver protection, respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal issues, and various skin disorders. Modern research indicates that licorice root exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Its anti-inflammatory effects are largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin, which reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. The antioxidant activity is linked to its ability to modulate oxidative stress pathways. The research on licorice root is moderately to highly mature, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly in areas like liver enzyme improvement.
Benefits
Licorice root extract offers several evidence-based benefits. A primary benefit is its hepatoprotective effect, with a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs showing that 1 g/day significantly reduced liver enzymes ALT and AST, indicating improved liver function in individuals with elevated levels. This suggests a strong benefit for patients with liver issues. It also exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties, as glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), iNOS, and COX-2 expression, which has been observed in animal and cellular models. Furthermore, licorice components demonstrate antioxidant activity by modulating oxidative stress pathways like Nrf2/HO-1, reducing oxidative damage. Secondary benefits include antimicrobial and antiviral properties, demonstrated in vitro and in some clinical contexts, and potential anticancer activity through inhibition of carcinogenesis and promotion of apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Benefits are typically observed with daily dosing over several weeks.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for licorice root involves glycyrrhizin, which is metabolized by intestinal microflora into glycyrrhetic acid. This metabolite inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), leading to corticosteroid-like effects. Its anti-inflammatory actions are mediated by the downregulation of the NF-κB pathway, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS. The antioxidant effects are achieved through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, enhancing cellular defense against oxidative stress. Additionally, licorice components exert anticancer effects by modulating cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and angiogenesis pathways. Glycyrrhizin itself is poorly absorbed intact; its bioactivity largely depends on its conversion to glycyrrhetic acid by intestinal bacteria.
Side effects
While generally safe for short-term use at recommended doses, chronic use of licorice root extract can lead to mineralocorticoid-like side effects due to its inhibition of 11β-HSD2. Common side effects, reported in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are more serious and include hypokalemia (low potassium), hypertension (high blood pressure), and edema (fluid retention) due to mineralocorticoid excess. Rare but severe side effects (<1%) can include severe hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and rhabdomyolysis, particularly in sensitive individuals or with very high doses. Licorice root has significant drug interactions; it can interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, antihypertensives, and any medications affecting potassium levels, potentially exacerbating their effects or causing adverse reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or hypokalemia. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid licorice root due to potential hormonal effects and toxicity risks to the fetus or infant.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for licorice root powder extract, particularly for liver enzyme reduction, has been demonstrated at approximately 1 g/day. The optimal dose range commonly used in clinical studies is between 1–3 g/day. Doses higher than this range significantly increase the risk of adverse side effects. The maximum safe dose is not definitively established, but chronic use above 3 g/day is associated with an increased risk of mineralocorticoid toxicity, including hypertension and hypokalemia. Licorice root extract is typically administered orally, often in divided doses with meals to improve tolerance and absorption. For consistency and safety, standardized extracts with a defined glycyrrhizin content are preferred. The absorption of glycyrrhizin is dependent on its conversion to glycyrrhetic acid by intestinal microbiota. While no specific cofactors are required, monitoring electrolyte levels, especially potassium, is recommended during prolonged use.
FAQs
Is licorice root extract safe for long-term use?
Chronic use of licorice root extract is not recommended without medical supervision due to the risk of hypertension and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
How quickly do benefits appear?
Improvements, such as reductions in liver enzymes, have been observed within several weeks of consistent daily supplementation with licorice root extract.
Can licorice root extract interact with medications?
Yes, it can interact with various medications, especially those affecting blood pressure or potassium levels, such as diuretics and corticosteroids.
Does deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) have the same effects?
DGL has had most of its glycyrrhizin removed, which reduces the risk of mineralocorticoid side effects but also diminishes some of its anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8288 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of licorice root extract on liver enzymes. It concluded that a daily dose of 1 g of licorice root extract significantly reduced ALT and AST levels compared to placebo, indicating its hepatoprotective potential in individuals with liver issues. The study highlights the efficacy of licorice in improving liver function.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – This comprehensive review explores the pharmacological properties of licorice and its components. It details how licorice compounds reduce inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and exhibit antioxidant effects through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The review also discusses its potential anticancer activities, though it notes that much of this evidence comes from preclinical studies.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2019.4459 – This clinical pharmacology review focuses on the mechanisms and safety profile of licorice. It explains that glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-HSD2, leading to mineralocorticoid effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia with chronic use. The review also confirms licorice's anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties but emphasizes the importance of understanding its side effects and contraindications, particularly for long-term or high-dose use.
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