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Organic licorice root

Q: Is licorice root safe?

Licorice root is safe in moderate amounts but may pose serious risks when consumed excessively, especially for individuals with hypertension, heart, or kidney conditions.

Q: How should I take licorice root?

There are no specific recommendations for the timing of licorice root consumption, but caution is advised for certain populations due to potential risks.

Q: What results can I expect from using licorice root?

Overweight individuals may experience weight loss and BMI reduction, along with potential liver protection effects from licorice root.

Q: Are there any misconceptions about licorice root?

Licorice root is often perceived as entirely safe, but it can lead to significant side effects with high consumption.

Also known as: Licorice root, Liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Overview

Licorice root, derived from the plant *Glycyrrhiza glabra L.*, is a traditional herbal remedy with a rich history of use in various cultures, particularly in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Commonly utilized for its potential health benefits, licorice root contains the active compound glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which is responsible for many of its pharmacological properties. The root has applications in herbal medicine as well as in food products and tobacco. Clinical studies have shown that licorice has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-viral, and hepatoprotective effects, making it a subject of interest among researchers. While the body of research is moderate, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the quality of evidence varies significantly, highlighting both its therapeutic potential and the need for careful consideration of its risks.

Benefits

Research indicates that licorice root may offer several considerable health benefits. A meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials demonstrated that licorice intake could significantly reduce body weight (WMD: -0.433 kg; p=0.001) and BMI (WMD: -0.150 kg/m²; p=0.001), particularly in overweight individuals. Moreover, glycyrrhizic acid has shown efficacy in reducing markers associated with liver fibrosis, providing insight into its hepatoprotective nature. Secondary benefits may include alleviation of digestive symptoms and potential improvements in atopic dermatitis when applied topically, though these findings vary in strength and often rely on combination therapies with other ingredients.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for glycyrrhizic acid involves inhibition of the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which leads to increased levels of cortisol. This hypermineralocorticoid effect may result in elevated blood pressure and altered potassium levels. Additionally, licorice components have been linked to the modulation of molecular pathways affecting liver function, such as TGF-β1 and Smad pathways, which contribute to its anti-fibrotic effects.

Side effects

While licorice root is generally safe in food amounts, excessive consumption can lead to notable side effects, primarily due to the effects of glycyrrhizic acid. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) include increased blood pressure and decreased potassium levels, especially with high intake. Less common effects (1-5%) may involve hypernatremia and fluid retention, reflecting the compound's mineralocorticoid-like effects. Some rare side effects (<1%) have been observed, such as complications in pregnancy, including premature birth. Caution is advised for individuals with conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease, as well as for pregnant women, all of whom should avoid licorice root to mitigate risks. Drug interactions with antihypertensives and diuretics are also of concern.

Dosage

There is no universally established minimum effective dose for licorice root; however, formulations containing glycyrrhizic acid typically range from 100 mg/day or more, and flavonoid-based interventions may start at 300 mg/day. The acceptable daily intake for glycyrrhizin is suggested to be between 0.015-0.229 mg/kg body weight, depending on individual health conditions and product formulations. Caution is warranted regarding maximum intake to avoid adverse effects, as no long-term maximum safe dose has been conclusively determined. Timing guidelines are not defined, though consumption should be carefully regulated in specific populations. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is preferred for individuals seeking benefits without significant side effects.

FAQs

Is licorice root safe?

Licorice root is safe in moderate amounts but may pose serious risks when consumed excessively, especially for individuals with hypertension, heart, or kidney conditions.

How should I take licorice root?

There are no specific recommendations for the timing of licorice root consumption, but caution is advised for certain populations due to potential risks.

What results can I expect from using licorice root?

Overweight individuals may experience weight loss and BMI reduction, along with potential liver protection effects from licorice root.

Are there any misconceptions about licorice root?

Licorice root is often perceived as entirely safe, but it can lead to significant side effects with high consumption.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/21/3768 – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials assessing the metabolic effects of licorice consumption showed significant reductions in body weight and BMI, along with increased diastolic blood pressure.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/8BkTCwd3yPd43tqdpQ3f9NQ/ – This study evaluates licorice's role in anti-liver fibrosis and observed marked reductions in important fibrosis markers, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16884839/ – A review highlighting the risk factors and health implications of glycyrrhizin across various studies concluded that continuous high exposure can lead to serious side effects, including potential reversibility upon discontinuation.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root – The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health discusses the historical use, applications, and safety considerations of licorice root, emphasizing moderation to avoid adverse effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433679/ – This systematic review provided insights on the changes in blood pressure resulting from licorice consumption, noting significant diastolic blood pressure increases related to glycyrrhizin intake.