Licorice Extract Powder
Also known as: Licorice, Licorice root, Licorice extract powder, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Licorice extract powder is derived from the root of the plant *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, a widely recognized herbal supplement. Its primary active compounds include glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological properties. Traditionally, licorice has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. It finds application in the management of respiratory infections, liver diseases, and various gastrointestinal disorders. Emerging research also explores its potential as an anticancer agent. While numerous preclinical and clinical studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, support its health benefits, it is crucial to note that chronic consumption can lead to adverse effects such as elevated blood pressure due to its mineralocorticoid-like activity. Therefore, its use requires careful consideration of dosage and potential side effects.
Benefits
Licorice extract powder offers several evidence-based benefits, though the strength of evidence varies. It has demonstrated significant **anticancer potential** in preclinical models, particularly through isoliquiritigenin, which inhibits various cancer types (cervical, hepatoma, colon, breast, prostate) by promoting apoptosis, autophagy, and anti-angiogenesis. A comprehensive review highlighted its ability to reduce colon tumor growth in mouse xenograft models and mitigate cisplatin-induced toxicity, though it may interfere with cisplatin's efficacy. While promising, these anticancer effects are primarily preclinical and require further clinical validation. For **metabolic health**, a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials (n=337) indicated that licorice consumption significantly reduces body weight and BMI, suggesting its potential role in weight management. This benefit is supported by moderate clinical evidence. Additionally, licorice exhibits strong **anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties**, which contribute to its traditional use in liver and skin disorders. However, it's important to note that chronic licorice intake consistently shows an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (approximately 5.45 mmHg and 3.19 mmHg respectively), which is a significant adverse effect rather than a benefit.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for licorice's adverse effects stems from glycyrrhizin, which is metabolized to glycyrrhetic acid. This metabolite inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), an enzyme responsible for inactivating cortisol. The resulting increase in cortisol activity at mineralocorticoid receptors leads to sodium retention, potassium loss, and subsequent hypertension. On the other hand, isoliquiritigenin, another active compound, exerts its anticancer effects by modulating key cellular pathways including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy, and angiogenesis. Licorice's broader antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to a complex interplay of various flavonoids and saponins, which act by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory mediators within the body.
Side effects
While generally considered safe in moderate doses, chronic or high intake of licorice extract can lead to significant adverse effects, primarily due to its mineralocorticoid-like activity. The most common and notable side effects include **hypertension (elevated blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and edema (fluid retention)**. These effects are dose-dependent and more pronounced with prolonged use. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include elevated blood pressure, headache, and fatigue. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) involve electrolyte imbalance and muscle weakness. Rare but severe side effects (<1%) can include severe hypokalemia, potentially leading to cardiac arrhythmias. Licorice also presents several significant drug interactions. It may reduce the efficacy of potassium-sparing diuretics and can interact adversely with antihypertensive medications, potentially exacerbating high blood pressure. Furthermore, it may interfere with the efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents, such as cisplatin. Contraindications for licorice supplementation include individuals with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or those currently on corticosteroids. Pregnant women should strictly avoid licorice due to the risk of preterm labor and hypertension.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of licorice extract varies significantly depending on the intended indication. Clinical trials have utilized a wide range of daily doses, from 100 mg to several grams of licorice extract. For specific metabolic benefits, such as weight reduction, an optimal dosage of approximately 1-3 grams per day of licorice extract, standardized for its glycyrrhizin content, has been reported in clinical studies. It is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages due to the risk of adverse effects. The maximum safe dose is limited by the potential for mineralocorticoid side effects; chronic intake of glycyrrhizin exceeding 100 mg per day is generally associated with an increased risk of adverse effects. Oral administration, often with meals, is common, and licorice is available in various forms including powder, capsules, and liquid extracts. Glycyrrhizin is metabolized by intestinal microflora into its active form, glycyrrhetic acid, which is responsible for many of its effects. While no specific cofactors are required for absorption, monitoring electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, is strongly advised during prolonged use to mitigate the risk of hypokalemia.
FAQs
Is licorice safe for long-term use?
No, prolonged use of licorice extract is generally not recommended due to the risk of developing hypertension and hypokalemia. Short-term use may be safer, but medical supervision is advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Can licorice interact with medications?
Yes, licorice can interact significantly with several medications, including antihypertensives, diuretics, and certain chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining licorice with medications.
How soon do benefits appear?
Metabolic benefits, such as weight reduction, may become noticeable within a few weeks of consistent use. However, potential anticancer effects are primarily observed in preclinical studies and require extensive clinical validation before they can be confirmed in humans.
Does licorice cause high blood pressure?
Yes, chronic intake of licorice, particularly due to its glycyrrhizin content, can significantly raise blood pressure by causing sodium retention and potassium loss. This is a well-documented side effect.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – This comprehensive review synthesizes preclinical and clinical data on licorice extract, highlighting its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It notes that licorice can reduce tumor growth in mice but cautions about potential interference with cisplatin efficacy, emphasizing the need for more clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433679/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 337 adults found that licorice consumption significantly reduced body weight and BMI. While it suggests potential for weight management, it also noted minor blood pressure elevation and highlighted heterogeneity in formulations and small sample sizes as limitations.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8288 – This review of clinical trials details how licorice increases blood pressure by approximately 5.45/3.19 mmHg and causes hypokalemia. It attributes these effects to the inhibition of 11β-HSD2 by glycyrrhetic acid, providing high-quality clinical data on the adverse mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
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