Licorice root is a common ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas that are used for a variety of neurological conditions like dementia and epilepsy, but the evidence is mixed. Though there is some evidence to suggest that formulations containing licorice might be beneficial to memory or in addition to seizure medications, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.[1][2] For neurologic conditions such as ALS and hereditary ataxia, evidence is still unclear regarding the efficacy of licorice as a therapy.[3][4]
Mixed evidence also exists regarding the role of licorice in cardiovascular health. Overall, licorice may worsen hypertension, because glycyrrhizin in particular is believed to increase blood pressure.[5][6][7] Glabridin, one component of licorice, may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which could mitigate the damage done in conditions like atherosclerosis.[8][9] When used in combination with spironolactone (an androgen-receptor and glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist), licorice may mitigate adverse effects such as reduced blood volume.[10] However, the evidence for licorice improving blood flow or vascular health in general remains unclear.
References
- ^Lu H, Luo M, Chen R, Luo Y, Xi A, Wang K, Xu ZEfficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of epilepsy: A updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Epilepsy Res.(2023 Jan)
- ^Lin Z, Gu J, Xiu J, Mi T, Dong J, Tiwari JKTraditional chinese medicine for senile dementia.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2012)
- ^Yuebo Song, Qiuyang Jia, Xiaorui Guan, Sugimoto Kazuo, Jia Liu, Weisong Duan, Luda Feng, Chi Zhang, Ying GaoHerbal medicine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysisFront Pharmacol.(2022 Aug 31)
- ^Phang MWL, Lew SY, Chung I, Lim WK, Lim LW, Wong KHTherapeutic roles of natural remedies in combating hereditary ataxia: A systematic review.Chin Med.(2021 Jan 28)
- ^Sigurjonsdottir HA, Manhem K, Axelson M, Wallerstedt SSubjects with essential hypertension are more sensitive to the inhibition of 11 beta-HSD by liquoriceJ Hum Hypertens.(2003 Feb)
- ^van Uum SH, Walker BR, Hermus AR, Sweep CG, Smits P, de Leeuw PW, Lenders JWEffect of glycyrrhetinic acid on 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.Clin Sci (Lond).(2002 Feb)
- ^S H M van Uum, A R M M Hermus, C G J Sweep, B R Walker, H A Ross, P W de Leeuw, J W M LendersShort-term cortisol infusion in the brachial artery, with and without inhibiting 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, does not alter forearm vascular resistance in normotensive and hypertensive subjectsEur J Clin Invest.(2002 Dec)
- ^Carmeli E, Fogelman YAntioxidant effect of polyphenolic glabridin on LDL oxidationToxicol Ind Health.(2009 May-Jun)
- ^Carmeli E, Harpaz Y, Kogan NN, Fogelman YThe effect of an endogenous antioxidant glabridin on oxidized LDL.J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol.(2008)
- ^Armanini D, Castello R, Scaroni C, Bonanni G, Faccini G, Pellati D, Bertoldo A, Fiore C, Moghetti PTreatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with spironolactone plus licorice.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol.(2007 Mar)