GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Licorice is an extract prepared from the sweet-tasting dried roots and underground stems of a
shrub that grows in subtropical climates. For more than
three thousand years, licorice has been used to
treat coughs, colds, congestion, rashes, arthritis,
constipation, cancer, and
hepatitis, and to promote healing of stomach and mouth ulcers.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
The herb’s natural sweetness and flavor (it is
fifty times sweeter than sugar) are due to its high content of glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin is also
responsible for most of licorice’s medicinal properties,
including its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe throat
tissues and reduce allergy symptoms. The
ulcer-healing compounds in licorice are thought to be
flavonoids. They apparently work by promoting the overall
health of the gastrointestinal system rather than reducing
the secretion of stomach acid that triggers ulcers. One study found that licorice extract exerted
a cytotoxic effect upon Nnitrosamines – carcinogenic
compounds found in foods. While a recent Russian study
discovered that the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of cyclophosphan (cyclophosphamide) are potentiated by licorice
extract. This research implies that this commonly used herb
may have useful anti-cancer properties.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Retailers sell licorice in powders, capsules,
lozenges, concentrated drops, tinctures, and extracts. Chewable tablets and other licorice products for extended anti-ulcer therapy now often
contain very little (just 2% or less) of the active
component glycyrrhizin (also known as glycyrrhizic acid).
These degly- cyrrhizinated licorice (DCL) products cause
fewer side effects and are much safer for long-term use than glycyrrhizin-containing licorice.
An average dose of DCL licorice is 200mg.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Taking high or repeated doses of licorice
extracts containing glycyrrhizin may cause serious adverse health effects related to salt and
water retention (including elevated blood pressure). If you
wish to use licorice medicinally, it is wise to discuss it
with your doctor first. Some health authorities warn that
you should not take licorice for more than four to
six weeks without medical advice. Individuals with high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, kidney,
or liver disease; pregnant and nursing women; or those who
are taking hormonal therapy should be extremely cautious
if using the herb. People taking digitalis or who have had a stroke or who have heart disease
should only take licorice under the direction of a
doctor.
