Magnasweet Licorice Extract
Also known as: Licorice extract, Glycyrrhizic acid extract, Glycyrrhizin, MagnaSweet®, Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is a plant whose root extract contains glycyrrhizic acid (also called glycyrrhizin), a compound with a distinct sweet taste and various bioactive properties. MagnaSweet® is a commercial form of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, specifically designed as a sweetness intensifier and flavor enhancer that does not impart a licorice flavor. This botanical extract is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries for flavor modulation, masking undesirable tastes, and its potential health benefits. Research on licorice extract is extensive, with numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses exploring its effects on liver protection, metabolic parameters, and blood pressure regulation. The evidence base includes high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, supporting its efficacy and characterizing its safety profile.
Benefits
Licorice extract, primarily through its active compound glycyrrhizic acid, offers several evidence-based benefits. It significantly reduces markers of liver fibrosis, such as TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 mRNA and protein expression, with clinically relevant reductions observed in studies (MD -18.12 U/L, 95% CI -30.02 to -6.22, p=0.00). This effect is supported by high-quality meta-analyses. Licorice components are also associated with blood pressure changes; a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found significant effects on blood pressure, linking these to molecular mechanisms involving hypertension-related genes. Furthermore, meta-analyses indicate that licorice consumption can reduce body weight and BMI in overweight/obese individuals, suggesting anti-obesity potential with statistically significant outcomes. These metabolic benefits are supported by moderate to high-quality evidence. The benefits appear to be dose-dependent and can vary by population, with effects on liver fibrosis and metabolic parameters being particularly well-supported.
How it works
Glycyrrhizic acid exerts its effects through several biological pathways. In liver fibrosis, it modulates the condition by downregulating the TGF-β1 and Smad signaling pathways, which are crucial for fibrogenesis. Its influence on blood pressure is linked to interactions with genes involved in hypertension, potentially through mineralocorticoid receptor pathways and inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which can lead to sodium retention and increased blood pressure. The metabolic benefits of licorice may involve anti-inflammatory actions and modulation of lipid metabolism, though the exact molecular targets are still under investigation. Glycyrrhizic acid is absorbed and metabolized in the gut, with its bioavailability being influenced by the specific formulation, such as the monoammonium glycyrrhizinate found in MagnaSweet®.
Side effects
While generally safe at low doses used for flavor enhancement, glycyrrhizic acid can cause significant side effects at higher doses due to its mineralocorticoid effects. The most common side effects (>5% frequency) include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and increased blood pressure, particularly in sensitive individuals. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) can include hypokalemia (low potassium levels), headache, and fatigue. Rare but severe side effects (<1% frequency) encompass severe hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. Glycyrrhizic acid can interact with several medications; caution is advised when co-administering with antihypertensives, diuretics, and corticosteroids, as it can lead to additive effects on potassium levels and blood pressure. Contraindications for licorice extract include pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or hypertension should avoid or use this supplement only under strict medical supervision.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for liver fibrosis and metabolic effects of glycyrrhizic acid typically ranges from 50 to 200 mg per day in clinical trials. MagnaSweet®, as a flavor enhancer, is effective at extremely low dosages, usually in the parts per million (ppm) range, with exact doses being proprietary. To avoid adverse effects, the maximum safe dose of glycyrrhizic acid is generally considered to be below 100 mg per day for chronic intake; exceeding this threshold significantly increases the risk of side effects, particularly hypertension and hypokalemia. There are no specific timing requirements for administration, and taking it with food may improve tolerance. Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, as found in MagnaSweet®, is noted for its improved solubility and stability, which can enhance bioavailability. While no specific cofactors are required, potassium supplementation may be considered in some cases to mitigate potential side effects.
FAQs
Is MagnaSweet® the same as licorice extract?
MagnaSweet® is a purified form of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, a salt of glycyrrhizic acid derived from licorice. It is primarily used for flavor enhancement without imparting the characteristic licorice taste.
Is licorice extract safe for daily use?
At low doses typically used in foods for flavor, it is generally safe. However, high or chronic doses of glycyrrhizic acid can lead to hypertension and electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia.
How quickly do benefits appear?
The beneficial effects on liver and metabolic parameters typically require weeks to months of consistent use to become apparent. Flavor enhancement, when used as an additive, is immediate.
Does it cause licorice flavor?
While derived from licorice, MagnaSweet® is specifically processed not to impart any licorice flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of applications where only sweetness enhancement is desired.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/8BkTCwd3yPd43tqdpQ3f9NQ/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of four RCTs found that glycyrrhizic acid significantly reduced markers of liver fibrosis, including TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 mRNA and protein expression, with strong statistical significance. The study highlights the potential of glycyrrhizic acid as an intervention for liver fibrosis, despite the limited number of included RCTs.
- https://mafco.com/magnasweet/ – This source provides information on MagnaSweet®, a commercial product derived from licorice. It clarifies that MagnaSweet® is a purified form of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate used as a flavor enhancer and sweetness intensifier, specifically designed not to impart a licorice flavor.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39519602/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs investigated the effects of licorice intake on blood pressure. It concluded that licorice components can affect blood pressure, identifying molecular mechanisms involved in hypertension. The study also emphasized safety concerns related to varying licorice preparations and doses.
- https://www.bohrium.com/paper-details/metabolic-changes-after-licorice-consumption-a-systematic-review-with-meta-analysis-and-trial-sequential-analysis-of-clinical-trials/813077544726167553-9143 – This systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis examined metabolic changes after licorice consumption. It found that licorice consumption significantly reduces body weight and BMI in overweight/obese adults, suggesting its potential in managing obesity, despite moderate heterogeneity and limited long-term data.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433679/ – This meta-analysis of clinical trials focused on the metabolic effects of licorice consumption in overweight/obese adults. It reported consistent findings that licorice consumption leads to significant reductions in body weight and BMI, supporting its anti-obesity potential. The study was assessed as moderate to high quality.