The root of the licorice plant, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, once produced the sweet and aromatic taste of the black candy that bears the same name. Although modern licorice candy now contains mainly artificial flavorings, licorice root is still valuable for its potential health benefits. Recorded use of the herb dates back to the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who dubbed the plant "glukos riza" meaning "sweet root." Licorice root and deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, are readily available in health foods stores. The FDA does not oversee the production of licorice products so their quality, safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed.
Licorice Root Constituents
Native to the Mediterranean and commercially cultivated worldwide, licorice is a perennial plant that reaches a height of up to 7 feet. The long taproot, often growing up to 4 feet in length, receives its sugary-sweet taste from the presence of glycyrrhetic acid. Other root components include glabric acid, glabrolide, glycyrrhetic acid methyl ester, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, cumestan derivatives, hydroxycoumarins and traces of steroids.
Potential Health Benefits
Licorice root and extract of licorice root may produce anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects when taken orally, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." It may also aid the treatment of stomach ulcers and may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of viral infections, including influenza, although scientific studies confirming these benefits are nonexistent. Anecdotal evidence exists for the possible additional benefit of treating patients with chronic hepatitis. While licorice root may be beneficial in some instances, do not use it to treat any medical condition unless directed to do so by a doctor.
Additional potential health benefits include the treatment of heartburn, muscle cramps, arthritis, infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, coughing and even weight loss. Like the other potential benefits, these are scientifically unproven.
DGL: A Milder Form
Through chemical processing, glycyrrhetic acid is removed from licorice, producing a milder form of the herbal extract, which may produce fewer side effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is available in liquid and tablet form. DGL is used to treat canker sores, peptic ulcers and digestive conditions, such as acid reflux.
Considerations and Side Effects
Glycyrrhetic acid in licorice root can cause side effects in some people so the use of DGL may be safer. Potential side effects include high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches and water retention. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses of the herb. Do not exceed the package's suggested dosage.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take licorice root, nor should patients with diagnosed heart disease, water retention problems, hypertension, diabetes and liver or kidney disorders. Licorice may interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor before using licorice or DGL.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- Medline Plus: Licorice; November 19, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
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