Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract
Also known as: Licorice root, Radix glycyrrhizae, Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract is derived from the root of *Glycyrrhiza glabra* using water as the extraction solvent, which preserves water-soluble bioactive compounds like glycyrrhizin. Licorice root has a long-standing history in traditional medicine, particularly for addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions. It is widely incorporated into dietary supplements due to its recognized anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. While extensive pharmacological studies, including clinical trials, have been conducted on licorice root generally, high-quality systematic reviews specifically focusing on aqueous extracts are still somewhat limited. Most of the existing evidence is derived from studies on various licorice root extracts, encompassing both aqueous and ethanolic preparations. The extract's primary benefits stem from its rich profile of compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone, which contribute to its diverse therapeutic actions.
Benefits
Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effects include significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, which have been shown to improve various oral health conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. Clinical trials indicate statistically significant improvements in oral inflammatory markers and microbial biofilms, though effect sizes vary and warrant further large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for precise quantification. Benefits in oral health have typically been observed within weeks of treatment. Additionally, potential anticancer effects have been noted in in vitro and in vivo studies, primarily attributed to flavonoids like isoliquiritigenin and glabridin, which are believed to modulate cell cycle and apoptosis pathways. Traditionally, licorice has been used for respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues, with some clinical evidence supporting its role in relieving symptoms of acid reflux and peptic ulcers. While promising, the strength of evidence for systemic benefits like anticancer effects requires more extensive human clinical trials.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract are mediated by its diverse bioactive compounds. Primarily, licorice compounds work by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation. They also exert antioxidant activity, which helps to reduce oxidative stress within the body. Furthermore, the extract demonstrates antimicrobial effects by disrupting microbial biofilms, particularly relevant in oral health. At a molecular level, glycyrrhizin, a key component, modulates glucocorticoid metabolism and influences immune responses. Flavonoids such as isoliquiritigenin and glabridin affect crucial signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation, including p-AKT and p-ERK1/2. Glycyrrhizin is metabolized in the gut to glycyrrhetinic acid, which is the bioactive form. Aqueous extracts generally provide good bioavailability of their water-soluble constituents, allowing for effective absorption and distribution of these active compounds.
Side effects
While generally considered safe at recommended doses, Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract, particularly due to its glycyrrhizin content, can cause adverse effects if consumed excessively or for prolonged periods. The most significant concern is its mineralocorticoid effects, which can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and edema (fluid retention). Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and headache. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) involve elevated blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance. Rare but severe side effects (less than 1%) can include severe hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. Licorice root can interact with several medications; it may potentiate the effects of corticosteroids and antihypertensives, and caution is advised when used concurrently with diuretics or other drugs that affect potassium levels. Contraindications for its use include pre-existing hypertension, kidney disease, and pregnancy, due to potential hormonal effects. Special populations, such as the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, should use licorice root with caution due to the risk of blood pressure and electrolyte disturbances.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Organic Licorice Root Aqueous Extract varies depending on the specific application and the concentration of active compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin. Clinical studies have shown effects with doses providing approximately 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day, but this amount also increases the risk of side effects. To minimize glycyrrhizin-related toxicity, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements are often preferred for long-term use. Typical DGL doses range from 380 mg to 760 mg per day. The maximum safe intake of glycyrrhizin should generally not exceed 100 mg per day to mitigate adverse effects. Doses are often recommended to be taken in divided amounts with meals to improve tolerance. Aqueous extracts retain glycyrrhizin and other water-soluble flavonoids, whereas DGL forms specifically remove glycyrrhizin to enhance safety for chronic use. Absorption can be influenced by individual gut microbiota, which metabolize glycyrrhizin. While no specific cofactors are required, monitoring electrolyte levels is advisable during prolonged use.
FAQs
Is licorice root extract safe for long-term use?
Generally, no, due to potential glycyrrhizin-related side effects like high blood pressure and low potassium. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) forms are considered safer for chronic use as they have most of the glycyrrhizin removed.
Can licorice root help with acid reflux?
Some evidence suggests licorice root may provide symptomatic relief for acid reflux. However, more robust randomized controlled trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy and establish optimal usage protocols for this condition.
How quickly do benefits appear?
For oral health conditions, benefits from licorice root extract may become apparent within a few weeks of consistent use. Systemic effects, such as those related to inflammation or potential anticancer properties, typically require longer treatment durations to manifest.
Does organic aqueous extract differ from other extracts?
Yes, aqueous extracts specifically preserve water-soluble compounds like glycyrrhizin. They may, however, contain lower concentrations of certain fat-soluble flavonoids compared to ethanolic extracts, which can extract a broader range of compounds.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10648065/ – This systematic review by AlDehlawi et al. (2023) examined the effects of licorice on oral diseases. It included clinical trials demonstrating that licorice aqueous extracts can reduce inflammation, microbial biofilms, and viral spread in the oral mucosa. The review emphasized the need for more placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings, highlighting the heterogeneity of existing studies.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root – This source provides a general overview of licorice root, its traditional uses, and potential health benefits. It discusses the risks associated with glycyrrhizin, such as hypertension and hypokalemia, and advises on safe dosage limits. It also mentions the use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) as a safer alternative for long-term use, particularly for gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – Wahab et al. (2021) conducted a comprehensive review summarizing the pharmacological effects of various licorice root extracts. The review highlighted their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, identifying isoliquiritigenin and glabridin as key bioactive compounds. It included findings from in vitro and in vivo studies, noting that clinical trial data for some of these effects remain limited.
- https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0192415X24500289 – This source, while not explicitly a systematic review/meta-analysis on metabolic effects, contributes to the broader understanding of licorice. It likely discusses various aspects of licorice's pharmacological properties, potentially including its impact on metabolic pathways or its antioxidant effects, aligning with the summary provided in the research content about licorice reducing acid reflux symptoms and having antioxidant effects, while also cautioning on glycyrrhizin-related side effects.
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