What Are The Benefits Of Black Licorice Extract Capsules?

Licorice is more than just a tasty, strongly-flavored candy. It is a sweet and potent herb whose root has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Licorice is available as a capsule, tablet and tincture, and the dried root can also be used in teas. Consult your doctor before using licorice extract capsules medicinally, as there are some potential side effects and interactions associated with its use.

History and Appearance

Used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, this herb was named glukos riza, meaning sweet root, by Hippocrates. The University of Maryland Medical Center states licorice contains substances that are 50 times sweeter than sugar. It is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic for the heart and spleen. In her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis Balch states licorice is one of the most widely used herbal remedies. The licorice plant is native to parts of the Mediterranean and Asia, and grows to a height up to six feet. It produces an underground network of branching woody roots that are harvested in the autumn for use in herbal preparations. The scientific name of licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Benefits

Licorice contains the active ingredient glycyrrhiza and must be used with caution because of serious side effects. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center advises using licorice extract supplements contain DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which appears to be as effective without the serious side effects. Licorice extract is often used to treat upper respiratory problems, bronchitis, sore throat and cough because of its expectorant properties. It also has some antibacterial and antiviral activity that may help fight infection. Licorice is thought to protect cells lining the stomach from irritation, thus preventing the formation of peptic ulcers. DGL is actually considered to be more effective in treating stomach ulcers. Licorice extract is also used for indigestion, chronic fatigue syndrome and liver problems.

Side Effects

You should not take licorice supplements for longer than four to six weeks, according to altMD. Licorice containing glycyrrhiza can cause fluid retention, decreased potassium and high blood pressure which can lead to heart attack. This is the reason is considered much safer to use supplements with the DGL form of licorice. High doses of DGL can cause muscle weakness and numbness. Other side effects include fatigue, menstrual abnormalities and headache.

Precautions

You should only use licorice extract capsules under supervision from your doctor. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take licorice extract. Do not take it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes. Licorice extract can interact with some medications including blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, insulin, MAO inhibitors, oral contraceptives and laxatives. Men who have erectile dysfunction and women with estrogen-sensitive disorders should not take licorice extract. You should not take licorice extract capsules with grapefruit juice because it can increase potassium loss. Limit the use of salt while taking this herb; salt can increase fluid retention and licorice's potential for causing side effects.