Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Alcacuz (Portuguese, Spanish), alcazuz, asam boi, biogastrone, bois doux (French), carbenoxolone, Caved S, Chinese licorice, deglycyrrhizinised liquorice, deglycyrrhizinized succus Liquiritiae, DGL, duogastrone, Fabaceae (family), gan cao, gan zao, glycyrrhetenic acid, glycyrrhiza, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza glabra glandulifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra typica, Glycyrrhiza glabra violacea, Glycyrrhiza palidiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, glycyrrhizin, hochu-ekki-to, flavonoid, isoflavone, kanzo (Japanese), lakrids (Danish), lakritze, Lakritzenwurzel (German), Leguminoseae (family), licorice root, Liquiritiae radix, Liquiritia officinalis, liquirizia (Italian), liquorice, orozuz, phytoestrogen, Persian licorice, Radix glycyrrhizae (Latin), regaliz, réglisse (French), regliz, Russian licorice, Spanish licorice, Stronger Neo Minophagen-C™ (SNMC), subholz, Suβholzwurzel, sweet root, sweet wood, yashti-madhu (Sanskrit), YHK, Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (Chinese).
• Combination product examples: ImmunoGuard® (a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees., Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim., Schizandra chinensis Bail., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.); Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko.
• Note: Not included in this monograph: Caved S (a combination of DGL, alkalizing substances, and vagolytic drugs) and carbenoxolone (Biogastrone; a synthetic substance based on glycyrrhizinic acid). In Chinese medicine, licorice root is generally derived from a different plant species, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, with similar properties.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Licorice has a long history of medicinal use in Europe and Asia. At high doses, there are potentially severe side effects, including hypertension, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and metabolic abnormalities. Most adverse effects have been attributed to the chemical component glycyrrhizin, which is also known as glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid. Licorice can be processed to remove the glycyrrhizic acid, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which does not appear to share the metabolic disadvantages of licorice.
• The medicinally used part of licorice is the root and dried rhizome of the low-growing shrub Glycyrrhiza glabra. Currently, most licorice is produced in Greece, Turkey, and Asia.
• Licorice has been used in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, primarily for gastritis and ailments of the upper respiratory tract. Ancient Egyptians prepared a licorice drink for ritual use to honor spirits of the pharaohs. Its use became widespread in Europe and Asia for numerous indications.
• In addition to its medicinal uses, licorice has been used as a flavoring agent, valued for sweetness (glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice, is 50 times sweeter than table sugar). The generic name "glycyrrhiza" stems from ancient Greek, meaning "sweet root." It was originally used as flavoring for licorice candies, although most licorice candy is now flavored with anise oil. Licorice is still used in sub-therapeutic doses as a sweetening agent in herbal medicines, lozenges, and tobacco products (doses low enough that significant adverse effects are unlikely).
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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