6 hidden licorice benefits

People have known about licorice’s benefits since ancient times. This versatile root stands out as one of the most used herbal plants worldwide. Farmers grow licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East and it has become a powerful traditional remedy for many health conditions.

This piece will take a closer look at 6 lesser-known licorice benefits backed by scientific research. Most people know licorice as a candy or flavoring agent, but this remarkable root offers evidence-based advantages for better health and longevity.

Licorice and digestive health

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), an ancient remedy, has caught modern science’s attention due to its amazing benefits for digestive health. Ancient cultures like Assyrian, Egyptian and Chinese have used licorice root to treat digestive issues. Scientists are now backing up what traditional healers knew all along – licorice has compounds that can improve digestive comfort by a lot and help heal the gut.

How glycyrrhizin soothes the stomach lining

Glycyrrhizin, licorice root’s main active compound, protects and soothes the stomach lining in several ways. This natural substance helps produce more mucus in the stomach, which creates a protective barrier between stomach acids and the sensitive stomach lining. This protective layer helps stop irritation and lets the gastric mucosa heal.

Licorice extract also shows it can:

• Get more blood flowing to the stomach for faster healing;
• Lower gastrin production (a hormone that triggers gastric acid);
• Cut down inflammation by blocking COX-2;
• Help healthy cells grow in the gastrointestinal tract.

Studies show that glycyrrhizin works by boosting the body’s natural defenses instead of just neutralizing stomach acid. Modern medicine even uses licorice extract as an alternative to bismuth to protect against acid and pepsin secretions. This protection happens because licorice covers damaged areas and helps produce more mucus.

Evidence for acid reflux and gastritis relief

Scientists keep finding more proof that licorice helps with digestive problems. A 2017 study with 58 people who had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) found that taking licorice root daily worked better at reducing symptoms over two years than regular antacids.

Licorice shows great promise for people fighting Helicobacter pylori infections, bacteria that cause peptic ulcers and gastritis. A clinical trial with 120 people found that adding licorice extract to standard treatment helped kill H. pylori much better than standard treatment alone (83.3% vs 62.5%). Patients with peptic ulcer disease saw especially good results.

Scientists have also found that some licorice extracts can reduce H. pylori‘s damage to stomach lining in rats and lower inflammation markers. Licorice’s anti-inflammatory properties seem to work really well at reducing stomach irritation.

Another study with 18 people compared a herbal formula with licorice called STW 5 (Iberogast) to a placebo. People taking STW 5 had less dyspepsia symptoms and GERD patients had much fewer acid reflux episodes.

Licorice tea vs. supplements for digestion

We have several options to use licorice for digestive health, each with different levels of effectiveness and ease of use. Our choice between licorice tea and supplements might depend on our specific digestive issues and what works best for us.

Licorice root tea offers a mild way to support digestion. The warm liquid feels soothing and brewing releases helpful compounds. The tea has fewer active ingredients than supplements, making it good for mild stomach discomfort or prevention.

DGL supplements pack more punch and work more reliably for targeted relief. They come as:

• Chewable tablets (work best for upper digestive issues);
• Capsules;
• Powders;
• Liquids.

Dosage needs vary based on form and strength. People have used licorice root in daily doses from 760 mg to 15 g for ulcers, gastritis and other digestive issues. Higher doses taken for long periods might increase side effect risks. DGL supplements are safer for regular use since they don’t contain glycyrrhizin.

The form we pick matters less than using it regularly. Most studies that showed good results had people taking it daily for periods between two weeks and two years.

Respiratory relief: soothing coughs and throat irritation

Licorice root does more than aid digestion, it’s a powerful supporter of respiratory health. Traditional healers from different cultures have long employed this herb to treat coughs, sore throats and bronchial conditions. Research now confirms many of these traditional uses by identifying specific compounds in licorice that help with breathing problems.

Demulcent properties of licorice

Licorice acts as a demulcent for the respiratory system. It creates a soothing layer that shields irritated tissues in the throat and airways. This makes it work well against throat inflammation, irritation and dry coughs8. Direct contact with affected tissues helps demulcents work better. That’s why lozenges, syrups and teas give the best results for throat problems.

The World Health Organization officially recognizes licorice as a demulcent for sore throats and an expectorant for bronchial catarrh and coughs. The protective film it creates over mucous membranes reduces irritation and coughing urges. Its expectorant properties help clear mucus from airways and make coughs more productive.

These active compounds contribute to better breathing:

• Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid show strong anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects;
• Liquilitin and liquiritigenin work both on peripheral and central antitussive properties;
• Glabridin provides antioxidant and tissue-healing benefits.

These compounds work together to tackle different types of respiratory irritation. Glycyrrhizic acid blocks cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin formation, which reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract. Licorice flavonoids also decrease lung inflammation by stopping cell intrusion and inflammatory intermediaries.

Studies show that Glycyrrhiza glabra stops airway constriction, hyperreactivity, eosinophil infiltration, remodeling and inflammation. Animal model findings point to licorice’s potential in treating conditions with respiratory inflammation and irritation.

Clinical trials on sore throat and post-intubation cough

Research strongly supports licorice’s use for post-operative sore throat and cough – common issues after endotracheal intubation during surgery.

A study with 236 patients getting elective thoracic surgery showed promising results. People who gargled with licorice solution (0.5g in 30mL water) for one minute before anesthesia had fewer sore throats than those using sugar water. The numbers tell the story: 19% versus 36% at 30 minutes, 10% versus 35% at 1.5 hours and 21% versus 45% at 4 hours after surgery. Licorice gargling cut sore throat cases in half.

Another study found the best dosage. A 1g licorice solution used 5 minutes before intubation worked better than smaller doses (0.5g, 0.25g) for managing post-surgery sore throat and cough.

Licorice works through several ways:

1. Glycyrrhizin’s anti-inflammatory properties;
2. Glycyrrhizic acid blocks cyclooxygenase activity;
3. Glabridins help heal throat and tracheal injuries faster.

Studies also looked at licorice for post-extubation cough. Gargling before surgery reduced both how often and how bad people coughed after tube removal. One study showed 24% of licorice users had mild coughs compared to 52% in the control group.

Researchers also tested other ways to use licorice. Lozenges helped reduce post-extubation cough and sore throat. Scientists call these treatments “an effective, budget-friendly and ready to use method for decreasing the distressing symptoms”.

Anti-inflammatory effects across the body

Licorice root’s anti-inflammatory properties are nowhere near limited to local relief. The bioactive compounds in this ancient herb work together to curb inflammation throughout the body, making it relevant for modern inflammatory conditions. Research shows that licorice contains more than 20 triterpenes and 300 flavonoids, many with substantial anti-inflammatory activity14.

Mechanisms: cytokine modulation and COX-2 inhibition

Licorice’s anti-inflammatory power comes from its ability to intervene in inflammatory pathways through multiple mechanisms. Glycyrrhizin, the main active compound, substantially reduces prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production14. These inflammatory mediators drive pain, swelling and tissue damage during inflammatory responses.

The biggest mechanism involves cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. Much like conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain licorice compounds block the COX-2 enzyme effectively and prevent inflammatory prostaglandin production. Studies show that glycyrrhetinic acid, a metabolite of glycyrrhizin, shows anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity through prostaglandin E2 inhibition.

Licorice compounds target inflammation through several complementary pathways:

• Cytokine Suppression: Glycyrrhizin and its derivatives decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β release in a dose-dependent manner;
• NF-κB Inhibition: Many licorice constituents suppress the NF-κB pathway, a master regulator of inflammatory responses;
• Antioxidant Enhancement: Compounds like 18β-GA induce antioxidant defense systems that decrease lipid peroxidations and improve oxidative damage.

Research shows that liquiritigenin (LR), another licorice component, improves cAMP production in different cell lines and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression. The flavonoid extract glabridin also inhibits IL-1β-stimulated airway hyperresponsiveness by reducing serum IgE levels.

Applications in skin, gut and joints

These detailed anti-inflammatory mechanisms make licorice helpful across multiple body systems.

Hydrogel with licorice root extract has shown remarkable results for skin conditions. Studies found that wounds treated with licorice extract had substantially lower rates of inflammation, redness, pain and burning than control groups5. Second-degree burns healed faster, showing licorice’s value in topical applications.

Licorice extracts help with gut inflammation by inhibiting TNF formation in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis animal models14. The compound 18β-GA works well against indomethacin-induced small intestinal damage14. Some licorice compounds help with weariness and debilitation while protecting the liver2.

Joint health improves with glycyrrhetinic acid, which shows anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties in animal studies16. Liquiritin, a flavone compound from licorice, substantially inhibits protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 in IL-1β-stimulated human synovial cells4. This happens through suppression of multiple inflammatory pathways, including p38, JNK, AP-1, AMPK and NF-κB activation4.

Relevant studies and dosage considerations

Laboratory and clinical studies continue to support licorice’s anti-inflammatory benefits. One study showed that combined treatment with triptolide and glycyrrhizin reduced the arthritic index of collagen-induced arthritis rats and decreased TNF-α serum levels19. Both 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizic acid reduced inflammatory cytokine generation and could help treat lung inflammation2.

Licorice flavonoids help with respiratory inflammation by reducing LPD-stimulated pulmonary inflammation. They suppress cell intrusion and inflammatory intermediaries2. This happens partly because they reduce neutrophil recruitment into the lungs and neutrophil-mediated oxidative injury.

Licorice preparations vary in dosage depending on the condition:

For asthma and inflammatory respiratory conditions, recommended doses include:

• 1.0 to 5.0 g of dried root powder three times daily;
• 2 to 5 mL of licorice tincture (1:5 strength) three times daily2;
• 250 to 300 mg of standardized licorice extract (containing 20% glycyrrhizic acid) three times daily.

It’s worth mentioning that long-term use needs careful consideration. While glycyrrhizin has substantial anti-inflammatory benefits, extended use might cause side effects like elevated blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) offers a safer option for those needing longer-term anti-inflammatory support.

Research interest in licorice as an anti-inflammatory agent grows as studies reveal its potential to treat conditions from rheumatoid arthritis and liver oxidative injury to colonic inflammatory responses and periodontitis14. Licorice’s unique ability to target multiple inflammatory pathways at once makes it a natural alternative or complement to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments.

Hormonal balance and adrenal support

Licorice root has powerful effects on the endocrine system and provides substantial benefits for hormonal balance and adrenal function. This ancient herb contains compounds that work with several hormone pathways through its active component glycyrrhizin. Research has documented the connection between licorice and hormonal health well, showing both its therapeutic uses and what it all means for long-term use.

Licorice’s effect on cortisol metabolism

Licorice affects hormone balance mainly by interacting with the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). This enzyme converts active cortisol into inactive cortisone. Glycyrrhizin and its derivatives (glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid) block this enzyme, which makes cortisol stay active longer in the body1.

This enzyme blocking creates several important changes, according to studies:

• Increased circulating cortisol levels (+49% with medium-dose and +97% with high-dose licorice intake);
• Enhanced binding of cortisol to mineralocorticoid receptors;
• Altered cortisol-to-cortisone ratio in saliva.

Studies have shown an interesting effect: licorice can lower high serum cortisol while increasing renin, aldosterone and sodium concentrations. This two-way effect suggests licorice helps normalize cortisol levels rather than just increasing them.

Potential benefits for menopause and PCOS

Licorice helps with specific hormonal conditions in women beyond supporting adrenal function. Menopausal women dealing with hot flashes might find relief through licorice supplements. Research shows that daily administration of 330 mg of licorice extract reduced both frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women.

Licorice’s estrogenic properties explain these benefits. Some compounds in licorice, like liquiritigenin, activate estrogen receptors selectively, offering a natural option instead of conventional hormone therapy. These compounds target beta estrogen receptors without affecting alpha estrogen receptors that link to breast tumor growth.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) might benefit from licorice’s ability to address several hormone imbalances. Research indicates that licorice can:

• Reduce testosterone production from the adrenal glands;
• Balance irregular ovarian follicles and decrease ovarian cysts;
• Improve the anti-androgen effect of PCOS medications like spironolactone while reducing side effects.

These benefits happen because licorice blocks specific enzymes involved in androgen production, including 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which turns androstenedione into testosterone.

Risks of hormonal disruption with long-term use

The same mechanisms that make licorice beneficial can cause problems with extended high-dose use, so caution is needed.

The biggest issue involves mineralocorticoid effects. When licorice blocks 11β-HSD enzymes, it increases cortisol’s mineralocorticoid activity, which can cause:

• Sodium and water retention;
• Potassium excretion leading to hypokalemia;
• High blood pressure (hypertension).

Some people face greater risks than others. People with genetic 11β-HSD deficiency react strongly to licorice. Those with existing high blood pressure also face higher risks.

Dose and duration matter for safety. While 100g of licorice candy (with about 2mg glycyrrhizin per gram) can raise cortisol levels, eating licorice with glycyrrhizin for long periods might be unsafe.

Cortisol levels usually return to normal within days after stopping licorice use. Research shows salivary cortisol normalizes about 4 days after stopping. However, deeper effects on the renin-aldosterone system might last months after long-term use.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) offers a safer option for people who want licorice’s benefits with fewer risks. This modified form has glycyrrhizic acid removed, which reduces side effects while keeping many therapeutic benefits.

Immune and antiviral support

Licorice root is a powerful natural antiviral agent that can improve immune function. Research has found specific compounds in licorice that help curb viral infections and strengthen the body’s natural defenses. These two mechanisms make licorice valuable to treat various viral conditions through direct antiviral action and immune system support.

Antiviral compounds: glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A

The antiviral power of licorice comes from two key compounds: glycyrrhizin (GL) and licochalcone A (LCA). Glycyrrhizin, also called glycyrrhizic acid, is the main water-soluble component extracted from licorice roots, making up to 7% of wild, high-quality licorice. This compound and its metabolite, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), show powerful antiviral properties against both DNA and RNA viruses.

Glycyrrhizin works through several pathways:

• Direct inactivation of virus particles;
• Inhibition of virus attachment to host cells;
• Interference with viral replication cycles;
• Reduction of cell membrane fluidity;
• Blocking viral gene expression, particularly at late stages.

Licochalcone A, another important compound in licorice, has complementary antiviral properties. Scientists extract it mainly from Glycyrrhiza inflata and LCA has shown strong anti-HCV activity with an IC50 value of 2.5 μg/mL. This chalcone also binds effectively to the nucleoprotein of serious pathogens like Ebola and Marburg viruses.

Licorice contains more than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids and many of these have proven antiviral properties. Together, these compounds create a strong antiviral arsenal that works against many pathogens.

Effects on herpes simplex and other viruses

Licorice compounds work well against herpes viruses. Studies show that glycyrrhizic acid can directly inactivate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and this effect lasts permanently. Glycyrrhizin stops HSV-1 replication with an IC50 of 0.5 mM and helps infected mice survive longer.

Glycyrrhizin also targets other members of the herpesvirus family:

• It stops Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication based on dose;
• It blocks Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latent infection by controlling viral gene expression;
• It stops varicella-zoster virus (VZV) growth with an IC50 of 0.71 mM.

Licorice’s antiviral effects go far beyond herpes viruses. Japanese doctors now use glycyrrhizin preparations to treat chronic hepatitis B and C. When patients with influenza received 80 mg glycyrrhizin through IV, they spent less time in the hospital and their fever dropped within 24-48 hours, according to studies.

Other viruses that licorice compounds can fight include:

• SARS-associated coronaviruses;
• Respiratory syncytial virus;
• Influenza viruses;
• Coxsackievirus and enterovirus;
• Rotavirus.

Immunomodulatory actions in lab and animal studies

Licorice improves immune function by a lot. Lab studies show that licorice polysaccharides, especially those with low molecular weight, can boost immune activity by increasing T lymphocyte populations. This leads to higher CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and a better immune response to infections.

Animal studies back these findings. Feeding licorice roots to common carp and Nile tilapia improves their basic immune system, which could reduce losses from disease outbreaks in fish farming. Glycyrrhizin also shows strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects by interfering with the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway.

Licorice improves immunity by:

• Raising levels of serum antitumor cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IL-7;
• Lowering pro-tumor cytokine TNF-α;
• Increasing interferon production to help prevent viral attachment;
• Improving thymus/spleen index in lab animals;
• Activating immune cells in tumor hosts.

This two-way action, attacking viruses directly while boosting immune function, makes licorice root an essential herb to stay healthy during viral challenges.

Skin healing and dermatological uses

People have used licorice extract on their skin to treat various conditions for centuries. Modern research now proves it right. Licorice root extract has become a versatile ingredient in dermatology. It helps with inflammatory skin disorders, hyperpigmentation and microbial imbalances.

Topical licorice for eczema and acne

Research strongly backs licorice’s power against atopic dermatitis. A double-blind clinical trial showed that 2% licorice topical gel worked better than 1% concentration. It reduced redness, swelling and itching over two weeks. The results proved licorice extract works well to treat atopic dermatitis with visible improvements.

Licorice flavonoids (LCF) give acne sufferers a promising solution. Studies confirm LCF balances skin metabolism and treats acne. It does this by blocking TNF-α and IL-8 expression levels in the skin. These inflammation markers decrease by a lot after treatment with licorice compounds. LCF also changes the skin’s microbiota. It reduces common troublemakers like Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium that cause acne.

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial collaborative effort

Licorice extract packs several active compounds that work together on skin:

• Glycyrrhizin: Fights inflammation and calms irritation;
• Glabridin: Protects cells and helps heal tissue;
• Licochalcone: Manages oil production and fights microbes.

This teamwork makes licorice work especially well when we have both inflammation and microbial problems. Studies show licorice’s antimicrobial properties help treat inflammatory conditions like eczema. It works by stopping the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus.

Formulations: creams, gels and serums

Different licorice formulations target specific skin issues. Topical gels with licorice extract show great results for atopic dermatitis with three daily applications.

Serums containing licorice extract target dark spots and hyperpigmentation effectively. Users should apply these products twice daily. Creams and lotions with licorice root extract reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier.

Glycerolic licorice extracts are powerful antioxidants. They scavenge free radicals and bind Fe2+ ions. They also block tyrosinase and elastase. These properties make them a great way to get multiple benefits in anti-aging products that need to tackle several skin issues at once.

Licorice root is one of nature’s most versatile medicinal plants. It provides multiple evidence-based benefits through its rich mix of bioactive compounds. This remarkable root has managed to keep its therapeutic value through history. Modern research continues to confirm and expand our knowledge of how it works and where we can use it.