Licorice interacts with the immune system and has been associated with reduced macrophage oxidation and increased T-cell activity.[1][2][3][4] These anti-inflammatory properties may explain why licorice has been effective in reducing postoperative sore throat, enhancing the efficacy of rheumatoid arthritis medications, and reducing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.[5][5][6][7][8]
In animal studies, licochalcone A and liquiritigenin prevented the formation of new blood vessels that fed tumors, which could potentially reduce tumor size and/or growth.[9][10][11] Licorice extract might also preserve cells that are usually damaged by chemotherapy drugs, and it appears to work synergistically with chemotherapy in cancer treatment.[12][13][14]