How much Licorice Root should I take daily?
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Recommended Daily Intake of Licorice Root
Glycyrrhizin Content and Safety Assessment
Licorice root, known for its extensive use in foods, traditional medicine, and herbal remedies, contains glycyrrhizin as its principal active component. The safety and risk assessment of glycyrrhizin consumption have been thoroughly studied. Regulatory agencies have approved its use in foods, with an estimated daily intake ranging from 0.027 to 3.6 mg glycyrrhizin per kilogram of body weight. However, continuous high-level exposure to glycyrrhizin can lead to hypermineralocorticoid-like effects, which are reversible upon discontinuation.
Acceptable Daily Intake
Based on various in vivo and clinical studies, an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of glycyrrhizin has been proposed. The recommended ADI is between 0.015 and 0.229 mg glycyrrhizin per kilogram of body weight per day. This range is considered safe and accounts for the potential pharmacological and toxicological effects of glycyrrhizin.
Clinical Trial on Licorice Root Supplementation
A clinical trial evaluated the effects of licorice root supplementation on women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Participants were given 1,000 mg of licorice root extract daily for 12 weeks. The study found significant improvements in liver enzymes, insulin resistance, oxidative stress parameters, and liver steatosis compared to the placebo group. This suggests that a daily intake of 1,000 mg of licorice root extract can be beneficial for specific health conditions when combined with lifestyle modifications.
Conclusion
In summary, the recommended daily intake of licorice root should be guided by the glycyrrhizin content. An acceptable daily intake of glycyrrhizin is between 0.015 and 0.229 mg per kilogram of body weight. For specific health conditions like NAFLD, a daily intake of 1,000 mg of licorice root extract has shown beneficial effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplementation regimen to ensure safety and appropriateness for your individual health needs.
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