If you are one of the estimated 35 to 60 million people in the Western world suffering from Addison's disease, you know how bad this disease can make you feel. Addison's disease causes fatigue, mood swings, muscle aches, anxiety, shortness of breath, salt cravings and low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. In acute cases, death can result. Licorice has been implicated in helping to improve symptoms of Addison's disease.
Pathophysiology
Addison's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body makes antibodies that attack the adrenal cortex glands. These are responsible for producing glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid hormones, which are hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, respectively. Cortisol plays a role in immunity and aldosterone is responsible for regulating sodium excretion. In people with Addison's disease, low blood pressure is common, in part, because excess salt is excreted from the body. Elevated serum potassium is also a common finding.
Licorice Contains Glycyrrhizinic Acid
Licorice that contains licorice root has the ingredient glycyrrhizinic acid. It may help in Addison's disease because it can lower potassium, increase blood pressure, and boost mineralcorticoid levels. A case study in the "Annals of Clinical Biochemistry" documents a case of undiagnosed Addison's disease in a 42-year-old female. Her diet of licorice, soy sauce, and about 46 g of salt per week due to intense salt cravings acted as a "life-saving concoction." Glycyrrhizic acid increased the effects of glucocorticoid hormones on the renal mineralcorticoid receptors during a time in which steroid production and the adrenal cortex function was failing.
Not all licorice-type candies contain licorice root extract or glycyrrhizinic acid and, therefore, lack therapeutic properties. There are over-the-counter preparations of licorice root extract available in the form of lozenges or in tea.
Licorice Acts in Synergy with Cortisone
Cortisone, a pharmaceutical steroid, is the primary drug therapy for Addison's disease. Glycyrrhizinic acid from licorice acts in synergy with cortisone in Addison's disease. A review in "Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology" describes a case study in which licorice had an "excellent" and prolonged effect in Addison's disease and argued that licorice therapy should be used in the treatment of this disease.
Clinical Studies are Limited
Although there is clinical evidence of licorice's ability to help treat Addison's disease, it is extremely limited and findings should be approached with caution. Addison's disease can be a life-threatening condition and you should follow the advice of your doctor in managing this disease. If you have any symptoms of Addison's disease, including cravings for licorice and salt, it is important to see a doctor and follow his or her advice.
References
- "Annals of Clinical Biochemistry"; Liquorice and Soy Sauce, A Life-Saving Concoction in a Patient With Addison's Disease; H. Cooper, et al; July 2007
- "Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes"; History of the Endocrine Effects of Licorice; D. Armanini, et al; September 2002
- "Steroids"; Licorice Ingestion and Blood Pressure Regulating Hormones; Morris Schambelan, M.D.; February 1994
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Is the Prevalence of Addison's Disease Underestimated; Stefano Laureti, et al; 1999
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