Licorice

Licorice

Licorice: Licorice is an herb used as a food and in flavoring and also used medicinally. Licorice is claimed to have many properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immune stimulating and anti-allergic effects. Licorice is available in supplements.

Adequate Amounts Claimed As Beneficial For Conditions: Licorice

Adequate amounts of Licorice are claimed to be potentially beneficial for:

• Coughs
• Inflammation
• Viral infections
• Addison's disease
• Peptic ulcers
• Aplastic anemia
• High potassium levels
• Dermatitis

Adequate Amounts Claimed As Preventative For Conditions: Licorice

Adequate amounts of Licorice are claimed to be potentially preventative for:

• None

Toxicity/Overdose Risks For Supplement Or Excessive Intake: Licorice

Excessive intake of Licorice may involve the following risks:

• Fluid retention
• Sodium retention
• Low potassium levels
• Metabolic acidosis
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Heart attack
• Kidney damage
• Weakness
• Hormonal imbalances
• Menstrual irregularities
• Paralysis
• High blood pressure
• Vision problems
• Not for use by people with cardiac conditions, hypertension, kidney failure, or kidney disease
• Consult with your physician or healthcare practitioner before using in children
• Not for use during pregnancy or lactation
• Possible allergic reaction in some people
• Possible interactions with other supplements and medications
• Consult with your healthcare provider before using any supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies

Descriptions of Licorice

Licorice: A widely used anti-inflammatory agent isolated from the licorice root. It is metabolized to glycyrrhetic acid, which inhibits 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and other enzymes involved in the metabolism of corticosteroids. Therefore, glycyrrhizic acid, which is the main and sweet component of licorice, has been investigated for its ability to cause hypermineralocorticoidism with sodium retention and potassium loss, edema, increased blood pressure, as well as depression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Source: Diseases Database

Licorice: Other Names

Other names for this supplements (Licorice) include:

• Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Sweetwood
• Gan cao
• Sweet licorice

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