Depression isn't simply a matter of occasionally feeling down in the dumps or sad. Everyone experiences a low mood and feelings of sadness from time to time. Depression is a serious mental disorder that has an impact on your well-being and affects your ability to function. While antidepressants may improve your mood, they can also cause undesirable side effects. Many people turn to alternative and herbal supplements, such as licorice, in an effort to improve depressive symptoms without these unwanted side effects.
Licorice Facts
When you think of licorice, you might think of a sweet, red or black-colored confectionery treat. In fact, there are over 20 species of the herb licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, licorice has traditionally been used to treat certain respiratory conditions and may have a variety of additional health benefits, although scientific evidence is limited to support its use. The root of the licorice plant is dried and used to make tea as well as herbal supplements sold in tablet, capsule and liquid form.
About Depression
Depression affects millions of people around the world each year. While there are many different types of depressive disorders, they generally share certain symptoms, including a low or depressed mood, feelings of sadness or tearfulness, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, irritability or feeling short-tempered and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors. According to Help Guide, the causes of depression aren't totally clear, but certain factors can contribute to or exacerbate depressive symptoms. Certain medical illnesses can cause depression. Some people have a genetic tendency toward depressive disorders. Stress, trauma, chemical imbalances in your brain, financial problems and drug or alcohol abuse may also increase your risk of developing a depressive disorder. Doctors often suggest medication or psychotherapy to manage or decrease depressive symptoms; however, some herbalists and traditional healers also use herbs and dietary supplements to treat depression. While clinical evidence is limited, some people believe that licorice may help improve depression.
Clinical Evidence
A limited number of studies have evaluated the use of licorice for its potential antidepressant effects. One theory suggests that an imbalance in the brain neurotransmitter known as serotonin may exacerbate or cause depression. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are antidepressant drugs that may help depression by preventing the reuptake of serotonin in your brain. A study published in 2003 in the "Journal of Molecular Neuroscience," examined the effects of certain compounds of the isoflavan and isoflavene groups, found naturally in licorice, on serotonin reuptake in pre- and post-menopausal women. This study found that certain isoflavans had an effect on serotonin reuptake and may, therefore, be beneficial for mild to moderate depression in pre- and post-menopausal women, although further research is needed for its benefits on other populations. Another study, published in the December 2008 issue of the journal "Behavioural Brain Research," examined the effects of liquiritin, a compound found in the Chinese licorice species, on laboratory rats exposed to a stress test. The results of the study showed that liquiritin may have a beneficial antidepressant effect, although more studies are needed to evaluate its effects on humans.
Considerations
Although there is limited clinical evidence to support claims that it works, licorice may help improve depressive symptoms; however, you should not attempt to self-diagnose your condition if you think you are depressed. Consult your doctor or a licensed mental health practitioner to obtain a professional diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Inform your doctor if you plan to use a licorice supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some forms of licorice contain glycyrrhizin, which can cause serious side effects. If you are thinking of using a licorice supplement, look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which does not appear to cause the same side effects. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women and people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease or suffer from fluid retention should avoid using licorice.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- HelpGuide.org: Understanding Depression
- "Journal of Molecular Neuroscience"; Inhibition of Serotonin Reuptake by Licorice Constituents; R. Ofir, et al; 2003
- "Behavioural Brain Research"; Antidepressant-like Effect of Liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis...; Z. Zhao, et al; Dec. 2008
