Licorice Root

(Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Background

Licorice is one of the most extensively researched medicinal plants. The World Health Organization recognizes the following uses for glycyrrhiza glabra as being described in pharmacopeias and in traditional systems of medicine: demulcent for sore throats, expectorant in treatment of coughs and bronchial catarrh, prophylaxis and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers and dyspepsia, anti-inflammatory in treating allergic reactions, and to treat adrenocorticoid insufficiency (1).

Adrenal Insufficiency

At least three clinical studies have demonstrated positive effects in Addison’s disease (2,3,4). These effects included an increase in weight and increased ability to retain sodium. The pseudo-aldosterone like effects are generally attributed to the glycyrrhizic acid. Research suggests that the glycyrrhetinic acid, the hydrolytic metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid, is the primary active component that causes inhibition of peripheral metabolism of cortisol, which binds to mineralocorticoid receptors in the same way as aldosterone.

Allergy

Glycyrrhizin given intraperitoneally suppressed contact dermatitis in mice, and was more effective than Prednisolone (5). The anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic actions of the herb have been attributed to the corticosteroid-like activity of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid (enoxolone). These compounds act indirectly by potentiating the activity of corticosteroids.

References - Licorice