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Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about licorice
root--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for
more information. Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia.
Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid).
Common Names--licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan zao (Chinese licorice)
Latin Name--Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice)
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What It Is Used For
Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplementA
product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals,
amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement
the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling
requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not
drugs. for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.
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How It Is Used
- Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.
- Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
- Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for "deglycyrrhizinated licorice").
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What the Science Says
- A review of several clinical trials found that glycyrrhizin
might reduce complications from hepatitis C in some patients. However,
there is not enough evidence to confirm that glycyrrhizin has this
effect.
- There are not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for stomach ulcers.
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Side Effects and Cautions
- In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause
high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium
levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products are thought to
cause fewer side effects.
- The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.
- Taking
licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that
reduce the body's potassium levels could cause dangerously low
potassium levels.
- People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.
- When
taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body's levels of a
hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.
- Pregnant
women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large
amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could
increase the risk of preterm labor.
- Tell your health care providers about any herbA
plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential
therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds,
stems, and roots. or dietary supplement you are using, including licorice root. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc on May 30, 2006.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:391-399.
Licorice. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on May 30, 2006.
Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). MedlinePlus Web site. Accessed at medlineplus.gov on May 30, 2006.
Licorice root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:233-239.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CAM on PubMed
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus
Licorice Root Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-licorice.html
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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
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NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not
intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your
primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. | NCCAM Publication No. D318
June 2006
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/licoriceroot/
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