Is Licorice Root safe?
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Safety of Licorice Root: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Licorice Root and Its Uses
Licorice root, derived from the Glycyrrhiza species, has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent in foods. It is renowned for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial effects . However, the safety of licorice root, particularly its main active component glycyrrhizin, has been a subject of extensive research.
Pharmacological Benefits of Licorice Root
Therapeutic Effects
Licorice root exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been used to treat liver diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and various skin conditions . The root contains bioactive compounds such as triterpene saponins and flavonoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties . Additionally, licorice has shown potential in cancer prevention and treatment due to its proapoptotic properties on cancer cells .
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
Licorice root extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These properties make it a valuable natural agent for enhancing food safety and shelf life, as well as for potential pharmaceutical applications .
Safety Concerns and Toxicity
Mineralocorticoid-Like Activity
One of the primary safety concerns with licorice root is its mineralocorticoid-like activity. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to increased cortisol levels and potential hypermineralocorticoid effects such as hypokalemia and hypertension . Chronic consumption of licorice can exacerbate these effects, particularly in individuals sensitive to glycyrrhizin .
Toxicity Studies
Acute and subchronic toxicity studies in mice have shown that nonpolar licorice extracts do not cause significant toxicity or death at various dosage levels. However, the continuous high-level exposure to glycyrrhizin can lead to reversible adverse effects, emphasizing the need for controlled consumption.
Regulatory and Clinical Evidence
Licorice and glycyrrhizin have been approved for use in foods by several regulatory agencies, with an acceptable daily intake of 0.015-0.229 mg glycyrrhizin/kg body weight/day. Clinical studies have reported both beneficial and adverse effects, highlighting the importance of dosage regulation and monitoring .
Conclusion
Licorice root offers numerous health benefits due to its diverse pharmacological properties. However, its safety profile necessitates caution, particularly regarding its mineralocorticoid-like effects and potential for causing hypokalemia and hypertension with chronic use. Controlled consumption and adherence to recommended dosages are essential to mitigate these risks. Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the safe and effective use of licorice root in both medicinal and dietary applications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Review of the Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Licorice Root from Corroborative Clinical Trial Findings.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) Root and Its Application in Functional Yoghurt
Acute and subchronic toxicity study of nonpolar extract of licorice roots in mice
Risk and safety assessment on the consumption of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), its extract and powder as a food ingredient, with emphasis on the pharmacology and toxicology of glycyrrhizin.
An "essential herbal medicine"-licorice: A review of phytochemicals and its effects in combination preparations.
Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Licorice: A Review
Review of Pharmacological Effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its Bioactive Compounds
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology
Licorice and Cancer
The Pharmacological Activities of Licorice
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