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Licorice Root & Hormones

Jun 29, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
Licorice Root & Hormones
Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Extracts taken from the Glycyrrhiza family of plants have medicinal effects. Better known as licorice, this herbal remedy plays an important part in Chinese traditional medicine. Glycyrrhiza roots can help fight inflammation, cancer and aging, according to a November 2009 report in the "Journal of Chinese Materia Medica." Licorice achieves these effects by changing the levels of your body's hormones. While considered safe, licorice root may cause allergic reactions in some people. Speak with a doctor before ingesting large amounts of licorice.

Enhances Insulin

Diabetes has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and around the world, according to a March 2009 report in the "Brazilian Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism." This disorder increases your risk of experiencing serious medical complications, such as heart failure. An investigation described in the February 2011 issue of the "Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology" looked at the impact of licorice root on insulin levels. Increasing your body's insulin helps to prevent diabetic symptoms. In the study, researchers gave diabetic rodents glycyrrhizin -- the active ingredient in licorice. Relative to controls, rats given this substance had more insulin and less sugar circulating in their bloodstreams. They also had lower levels of cholesterol. The rats showed no signs of glycyrrhizin toxicity.

Increases Testosterone

Many men have low levels of endogenous testosterone, according to a November 2006 review in "Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs." This condition -- known as hypogonadism -- can place them at risk for fertility problems and sexual dysfunction. Taking exogenous testosterone can treat hypogonadism, but this drug requires a prescription. Over-the-counter supplements may prove an effective alternative. An experiment published in the April 2011 edition of "Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology" tested the ability of licorice to enhance testosterone. Healthy adults received a confectionery, with or without the root, each day for a week. Relative to placebo, licorice intake enhanced several anabolic hormones, including dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone. The participants did not experience adverse reactions from consuming the licorice product.

Augments Parathyroid Hormone

The parathyroid gland releases a hormone that controls your calcium levels. Maintaining the proper amount of parathyroid hormone remains critical throughout your life. Having low levels can place women at risk for bone breaks, according to a May 2011 report in "Calcified Tissue International." Low levels may also indicate a serious medical condition, such as cancer. A study published in the May 2006 issue of "Steroids" evaluated licorice extracts as a potential treatment for having low levels of parathyroid hormone. Healthy, younger women received extracted licorice each night for a month. Relative to a baseline, glycyrrhetinic acid augmented circulating levels of parathyroid hormone. It also increased the amount of circulating calcium without causing side effects.

Inhibits Aldosterone

The adrenal hormone aldosterone helps to regulate your blood pressure. Having high levels of this substance increases your risk for high blood pressure and sleep apnea, according to a June 2011 article in the "Journal of Human Hypertension." The mechanisms behind these data remain unknown, but licorice root appears to affect the aldosterone system. A clinical trial offered in the 2006 volume of "Blood Pressure" assessed the impact of glycyrrhiza extracts on aldosterone levels. Hypertension patients and normal controls received daily doses of glycyrrhetinic acid for a month. Relative to baseline, extracted licorice reduced aldosterone in both groups. Glycyrrhiza extracts aggravate high blood pressure despite their ability to lower aldosterone levels. Patients with hypertension should therefore avoid licorice-containing products.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jun 29, 2011

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