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health guides

liquorice

Also indexed as:Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Licorice Root

How It Works

The two major constituents of liquorice are glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. According to test tube studies, glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory actions and may inhibit the breakdown of the cortisol produced by the body.¹^{, 2} Liquorice may also have antiviral properties, although this has not been proven in human pharmacological studies. Liquorice flavonoids, as well as the closely related chalcones, help heal digestive tract cells. They are also potent antioxidants and work to protect liver cells. In test tubes, the flavonoids have been shown to kill Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers and stomach inflammation.³ However, it is unclear whether this action applies to the use of oral liquorice for the treatment of ulcers in humans.

An extract of liquorice, called liquiritin, has been used as a treatment for melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. In a preliminary trial,⁴ topical application of liquiritin cream twice daily for four weeks led to a 70% improvement, compared to only 20% improvement in the placebo group.

A preliminary trial found that while the acid-blocking drug cimetidine (Tagamet®) led to quicker symptom relief, chewable deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) tablets were just as effective at healing and maintaining the healing of stomach ulcers.⁵ Chewable DGL may also be helpful in treating ulcers of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.⁶ Capsules of DGL may not work for ulcers, however, as DGL must mix with saliva to be activated.⁷ One preliminary human trial has found DGL used as a mouthwash was effective in quickening the healing of mouth ulcers.⁸

How to Use It

There are two types of liquorice, “standard” liquorice and “de-glycyrrhizinated” liquorice (DGL). Each type is suitable for different conditions. The standard liquorice containing glycyrrhizin should be used for respiratory infections, chronic fatigue syndrome or herpes (topical). Liquorice root in capsules, 5–6 grams per day, can be used. Concentrated extracts, 250–500 mg three times per day, are another option. Alternatively, a tea can be made by boiling 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of root in 1 pint (500 ml) of water for fifteen minutes, then drinking two to three portions (500–750 ml) per day. Long-term internal use (more than two to three weeks) of high amounts (over 10 grams per day) of glycyrrhizin-containing products should be attempted only under the supervision of a doctor. Liquorice creams or gels can be applied directly to herpes sores three to four times per day.

DGL is prepared without the glycyrrhizin in order to circumvent potential safety problems (see below), and is used for conditions of the digestive tract, such as ulcers. For best results, one 200–300 mg tablet is chewed three times per day before meals and before bed.⁹ For mouth ulcers, 200 mg of DGL powder can be mixed with 200 ml warm water, swished in the mouth for three minutes, and then expelled. This may be repeated three or four times per day.

References

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.