Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Glycyrrhiza
Species: Glabra
Common Names: Licorice, Gan Cao, Iriqsus, Kan T'Sao, Kan Ts'Ao, Liquirita,
Madhuka, Meyankoku, Mi Ts'Ao, Regaliz, Sus Maikik
Part Used: Root, Whole herb

The medicinal use of licorice in both Western and Eastern cultures dates back several thousand years. It was used primarily as a demulcent, expectorant, antitussive, and mild laxative. Its traditional use include the treatment of peptic ulcers, asthma, pharyngitis, malaria, abdominal pain, insomnia and infections. Licorice is known to exhibit many pharmacological actions, including estrogenic, aldosterone-like; anti-inflammatory (cortisol-like); antiallergic; antibacterial, antiviral; anticancer; and expectorant. Although much of the pharmacology focuses on glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, other components such as flavonoids may have significant pharmacological effect.

Licorice is contains glycyrrhizic acid which is fifty times sweeter than sugar. It helps support the adrenal glands and stimulate the excretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex. It has also been shown to have estrogen activity in animal studies and may be used to stabilize the menstrual cycle.  It is excellent for the lungs and spleen. It has been used for coughs, sore throat, asthma, stomach and duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, hysteria and food poisoning.  The root can help heal gastric ulceration and is also a potent expectorant. Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, tonic stimulant for adrenal cortex, lowers blood cholesterol, soothes gastric mucous membranes, possibly anti-allergenic, cooling, expectorant."

Licorice have a marked effect upon the endocrine system. The glycosides present have a structure that is similar to the natural steroids of the body. They explain the beneficial action that licorice has in the treatment of adrenal gland problems such as Addison's disease.

Historical or traditional use: Licorice has been one of the most important herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) in the digestive and urinary tracts, to help with coughs, to soothe sore throats, and as a flavoring. It is less commonly used to treat other complaints ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis to hot flashes. Licorice flavonoids, as well as the closely related chalcones, help digestive tract cells heal. They are also potent antioxidants and work to protect the cells of the liver.

Research

Licochalcone-A, a novel flavonoid isolated from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), causes G2 and late-G1 arrests in androgen-independent PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
Fu Y, Hsieh TC, Guo J, Kunicki J, Lee MY, Darzynkiewicz Z, Wu JM.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, NY, Sept 2004.

Complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review.
Coon JT, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK, Mar 2004

Memory enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in mice.
Dhingra D, Parle M, Kulkarni SK.
Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, P.O. Box 38,
Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, Apr 2004.

Phytoestrogens in botanical dietary supplements: implications for cancer.
Piersen CE.
UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research in the Program for Collaborative
Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago,
College of Pharmacy, Jun 2003.

Antithrombotic effect of Glycyrrhizin, a plant-derived thrombin inhibitor.
Mendes-Silva W, Assafim M, Ruta B, Monteiro RQ, Guimaraes JA, Zingali RB.
Departamento de Bioquimica Medica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Centro de Ciencias da Saude,
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jan 2003.

Articles

Licorice: A Digestive Friend
Chris Kilham
www.medicinehunter.com