Licorice flavoring is derived from the root of glycyrrhiza glabra, a legume native to southern Europe. Known for its sweetness and flavor similar to anise, licorice is used for a variety of culinary purposes, including candies, soft drinks and as a spice in some Chinese dishes. Licorice also has medicinal properties and is used to treat some types of infections, stomach ulcers and inflammation. Licorice may also offer benefits related to adrenal gland function. Consult your doctor about using licorice to treat a medical condition.
Energy
Licorice restores energy levels and improves physical endurance by supporting adrenal gland function, according to Sebastian Pole, author of the book "Ayurvedic Medicine: the Principles of Traditional Practice." Licorice has similar effects to the hormone cortisol and can help with symptoms of Addison's disease, an autoimmune condition characterized by adrenal insufficiency.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Licorice may be useful for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, which is often associated with low levels of adrenal hormones. Glycyrrizin, one of the active components of licorice, works by mimicking the effects of certain adrenal hormones, though you should only use licorice under medical supervision, and its benefits have not been confirmed in scientific studies, says Steven Bratman, M.D., in his book "Collins Alternative Health Guide."
Method of Activity
Pure licorice extract, which contains the compounds glycyrrhizin and glycyrritinic acid, also known as DGL, increases activity of the adrenal hormone cortisol by promoting attachment of cortisol to cells where it can exert its influence. Though it is effective at raising cortisol levels, these compounds have strong effects that can also raise blood pressure, says Richard Shames, M.D., author of the book "Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, Or Frazzled?: A 3-Step Program To: Restore Thyroid, Adrenal and Reproductive Balance." If you have high blood pressure your doctor may have cautioned you against eating licorice candy for this reason. Shames recommends starting with 300 mg per day of standardized licorice extract and increase the dose gradually to three to four pills per day, while monitoring for blood pressure elevations or other adverse effects.
Anti-inflammatory
A study published in the July 2006 issue of the journal "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications" found that licorice extract reduced inflammation in a similar manner to the adrenal hormone cortisol in laboratory animals. In the study, scientists tested four different licorice extracts and observed that an alcohol extract exhibited the most anti-inflammatory benefits. The licorice extract also reduced levels of tissue-destroying molecules. Researchers concluded that licorice extract may be beneficial at treating a variety of inflammatory diseases.
Considerations
Licorice may deplete your body's stores of potassium and increase levels of sodium, which can worsen any existing heart problems, according to the website Drugs.com. Do not take high doses, 50 mg or more, of licorice for longer than six weeks at a time. Consult your doctor before taking licorice to treat a medical condition.
References
- "Ayurvedic Medicine: the Principles of Traditional Practice"; Sebastian Pole; 2006
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman; 2007
- "Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, Or Frazzled?: A 3-Step Program To : Restore Throid ..."; Richard Shames; 2006
- "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications"; Anti-inflammatory Effect of Roasted Licorice Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammatory Responses in Murine Macrophages; J. Kim, et al.; July 2006
- Drugs.com: Licorice
- health.learninginfo.org: Licorice Roots, Uses and Benefits
