By Avni Dalal, ND
Is licorice your favorite candy? That can be a debatable question. But in actuality, the licorice plant has a deep history rooted in traditional medicine and continues to captivate modern health enthusiasts and researchers alike. Known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice is celebrated for its distinctive sweet flavor and a host of potential health benefits. Today, its extracts and derivatives, such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), are widely used in dietary supplements to support various health concerns. In this article, we will delve into the general properties of licorice, explore the benefits of licorice root extract and DGL, and also highlight considerations for when licorice supplementation should be avoided.
The Origins and General Health Benefits of Licorice
Licorice has been a cornerstone in herbal medicine for thousands of years across the world. Its root has been used across cultures, from ancient Egypt to traditional Chinese medicine, to provide relief of ailments such as coughs, digestive discomfort, and skin conditions.1,2 Licorice contains over 300 bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and saponins, all of which contribute to its diverse therapeutic properties.
Some of the general health benefits of licorice include:
- Supporting a healthy inflammatory response: Licorice root contains compounds like glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid that are known to inhibit key inflammatory pathways, including NF-kB and TLR signaling.3,4 These lead to downstream effects that reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and impacts our innate immune response to pathogens.3,4
- Promoting respiratory health: By supporting a healthy inflammatory response and acting as a natural expectorant, licorice soothes the respiratory tract and aids in the clearance of mucus, making it beneficial for various respiratory conditions.1,3
- Hormone balance and menstrual cycle health: Because licorice contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds which act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that mimic estrogen, it can alleviate symptoms associated with low estrogen, such as those experienced during perimenopause/menopause or other menstrual irregularities.5,6 Additionally, because of its activity on NF-kB and TLR-4 pathways, licorice has been found to be especially helpful for painful menstrual conditions like endometriosis, where chronic inflammation is a key feature.7
Licorice Root Extract: A Powerhouse of Benefits
Licorice root extract is a concentrated form of licorice used in supplements for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin.
Here are the specific benefits of licorice root extract:
- Stress reduction and HPA axis regulation: Licorice root extract supports stress reduction by modulating cortisol levels and influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through several mechanisms. Licorice root extract, through its active compound glycyrrhizin, inhibits the enzyme 11B-HSD2, which convers active cortisol to its inactive form, cortisone. By preserving active cortisol in tissues, licorice root ensures that sufficient cortisol is available during times of stress, reducing the strain on the adrenal glands and helping to stabilize the HPA axis.8,9 These mechanisms helps balance cortisol levels rather than overwhelming the system, thereby mitigating the overall stress response.8,9
- Immune health: Licorice root extract supports immune health by promoting regulatory T-cell induction, enhancing cytokine production, and mitigating inflammation through the inhibition of NF-kB signaling pathways. Collectively, these mechanisms contribute to licorice root extract’s immunomodulatory properties.10,11
Since glycyrrhizin can cause side effects at high doses, such as increased blood pressure and low potassium levels, licorice root extract is best utilized under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): A Safer Alternative for Digestive Health
While licorice root extract offers numerous benefits for stress reduction and immune health, the glycyrrhizin content can lead to adverse effects in some individuals. DGL is a processed form of licorice, making it safer for long-term use and ideal for those with sensitivity to glycyrrhizin.
The key benefits of DGL include:
- Soothing heartburn and reflux symptoms: DGL is a popular remedy for acid reflux and heartburn due to its ability to promote the secretion of mucus in the stomach and esophagus, which helps to protect the mucosal lining from the irritating effects of stomach acid.12*
- Healing gut lining: As covered above, DGL enhances mucus production and also upregulates the regeneration of gastric mucus cells, further contributing to its ability to create a protective mucosal barrier and soothe the digestive tract from occasional irritation.12*
How to Choose the Right Licorice Supplement
When selecting a licorice supplement, it’s important to consider your specific health goals and consult with a healthcare provider. Licorice root extract may be more suitable for managing occasional stress and supporting immune function, while DGL is ideal for addressing digestive concerns.
A Word of Caution: When to Avoid Licorice
Although licorice is generally safe for most people, certain groups should exercise caution when intaking its concentrated extracts. Individuals with the following conditions should consult their doctor or healthcare provider before using licorice supplements:
- History of hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- History of kidney disease or low potassium levels
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Summary
From ancient remedy to modern supplement, the medicinal use of licorice has stood the test of time, offering diverse benefits to support overall health. Whether you’re looking to maintain digestive comfort, promote stress resilience, or support immune health, licorice root extract and DGL offer targeted options to fit your needs. By understanding the unique properties of each form, you can make informed decisions to incorporate this versatile botanical into your wellness routine.
References:
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5. Boonmuen N et al. Steroids. 2016;105:42-49.
6. Hajirahimkhan A et al. PLoS One. 2013;8(7):e67947.
7. Sabbadin C et al. Microb Pathog. 2017;109:110-113.
8. Whorwood CB et al. Endocrinology. 1993;132(6):2287-2292.
9. Al-Qarawi AA et al. Food Chem Toxicol. 2002;40(10):1525-1527.
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11. Guo A et al. Sci Rep. 2015;5:14046.
12. Wu Y et al. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;169:115868.
