en.energymedresearch.com
herbalist's shop

Licorice in Herbalist: Property of Licorice

Scientific name

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family

Leguminosae

Origin

East, Mediterranean region

Used Parts

Drug consisting of the roots and rhizomes of licorice (Official Pharmacopoeia)

Chemical constituents

  • Triterpene saponins (glycyrrhizin);
  • Flavonoids (liquiritina, isoliquiritina);
  • Phytosterols;
  • carbohydrates;
  • cumarine;
  • Tannins;
  • Benzoic acids;
  • Resins.

Licorice in Herbalist: Property of Licorice

Licorice is indicated in the prevention and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, drug ulcers (NSAIDs, cortisone) and alcohol and mucositis / health / mucosite.html from chemotherapy, thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect exercised by some active ingredients present in the licorice itself, among which we mention the glycyrrhizin .

The anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin is associated with the antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle exercised by the flavonoids present in the root and in the extract.

Biological activity

Numerous properties are attributed to licorice - more particularly to its root and extracts - among which anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and expectorant properties.

Several studies have confirmed the aforementioned properties and for this reason the use of licorice has been officially approved for the treatment of coughs, bronchitis and gastritis.

In particular, these activities appear to be due to glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid contained within the plant root.

The liquorice root extracts, in fact, have a cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and cicatrising activity on the gastric and duodenal mucosa, both by direct contact with the lesion, and by indirect stimulation of mucus production by the cells of the gastric wall.

The anti-inflammatory properties, of which glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are provided, appear to be due both to the ability to inhibit platelet-induced aggregation by thrombin, and to the steroid-like activity possessed by these same molecules. In fact, the chemical structure of these compounds is analogous to that of the steroid hormones normally present within our body.

However, it is precisely because of this analogy that the aforementioned molecules - and glycyrrhetic acid in particular - are able to also exert a hypertensive action. More precisely, these molecules inhibit the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is the enzyme responsible for converting cortisol to cortisone. By doing so, cortisol levels are increased which, in turn, is able to exert an effect similar to that of aldosterone by interacting with mineralocorticoid receptors. All this results in a decrease in potassium plasma levels and in an increase in calcium levels, with consequent appearance of hypertension.

Furthermore, glycyrrhizin has been shown to also possess antibacterial and antiviral activities. In particular, it seems that this molecule could be a potential aid in counteracting the virus responsible for the acute severe respiratory syndrome (otherwise called SARS), but not only.

Glycyrrhizin also has powerful immunomodulatory effects. In fact, this saponin has also been shown to be able to reduce the risk of cancerization of hepatitis C virus.

Licorice against cough and bronchitis

Licorice and its extracts can be used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, thanks to the anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antimicrobial properties of the active ingredients contained in them.

As an indication, for the treatment of the aforementioned diseases - if the licorice is used in the form of pulverized root - we recommend the administration of 5 grams of drug (corresponding to about 200 mg of glycyrrhizin) twice a day.

For more detailed information on the licorice dosage to be used, see the article on "Treating with Licorice".

Licorice against gastritis

As mentioned, licorice root can be used successfully in the treatment and prevention of gastritis, thanks to the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory action that glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid exert against gastric mucosa.

The recommended daily dosage is about 5-10 grams of pulverized root (corresponding to about 200-400 mg of glycyrrhizin). However, also in this case, for more information about the licorice dosages to be used in the treatment of gastritis, please refer to the dedicated article "Treating yourself with Licorice".

Licorice in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, licorice is used as a remedy for constipation, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract and to promote urination and milk production, as well as being used in the treatment of appendicitis and even epilepsy.

Externally, however, licorice is exploited by folk medicine to treat dermatoses.

Licorice is also available as a homeopathic remedy, generally in the form of globules, with indications for the treatment of constipation, sluggish bowel, throat irritation and dry cough.

The dose of remedy to be taken may vary depending on the homeopathic dilution used.

Liquorice pudding against cough and stomach acid

X Problems with video playback? Reload from YouTube Go to Video Page Go to Video Recipes Section Watch the video on youtube

Side effects

Following the intake, due to inhibition of hepatic reductase which catabolizes corticosteroids, hypokalaemia, sodium retention and arterial hypertension may occur.

Numerous cases of rhabdomyolysis and myopathies due to the abuse of liquorice (hypokalemia) have also been described.

Contraindications

Avoid taking in case of:

  • Ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components;
  • Hypertension;
  • Hypokalemia;
  • Salt and water retention;
  • Body overweight;
  • Severe hepatic insufficiency and / or liver cirrhosis;
  • Severe renal failure;
  • Cardiac arrhythmias;
  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Neuromuscular disorders;
  • In pregnancy and during lactation.

Pharmacological Interactions

  • diuretics: may increase the loss of potassium from diuretics;
  • laxatives: can increase the loss of potassium from chronic use of laxatives;
  • digitalis: hypokalaemia may increase the toxicity of digitatics;
  • antiarrhythmics (quinidine, hydroquinidine, ajmalina): increased toxicity with risk of torsade de pointes (from hypokalemia);
  • cortisonics: licorice increases the anti-inflammatory effects of local cortisones, reduces their gastrolesivity due to the buffering effect; however, it can enhance its systemic effects by increasing the level of corticosteroids in the blood;
  • NSAIDs: protects the gastroduodenal mucosa from drug damage;
  • oral contraceptives: increase sensitivity to glycyrrhizin, with greater risks of side effects;
  • insulin: possible increase in hypokalemia.

Interesting Articles