Licorice

<h1 >From:  <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm">http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm</a></h1>

<h1 >Licorice</h1>

<h3 >Overview:</h3>

<p class="OverviewParagraph adamPragraph">Licorice (<em>Glycyrrhiza glabra)</em> hasÂ been used in food and as medicine for thousands of years. Also known as "sweet root," licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to liver disease. It acts as a demulcent, a soothing, coating agent, and as an expectorant, meaning it helps get rid of phlegm. It is still used today for several conditions, although not all its uses are supported by scientific evidence.

Licorice that has the active ingredient of glycyrrhiza can have serious side effects. Another type of licorice, called DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, doesn't seem to have the same side effects and is sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers, canker sores, and reflux (GERD). Whole licorice is still sometimes suggested for cough, asthma, and other breathing problems. Topical preparations are used for eczema and other skin problems.</p>

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<h3 >Plant Description:</h3>

<p class="Plant DeParagraph adamPragraph">Licorice grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia. A perennial that grows 3 - 7 feet high, licorice has an extensive branching root system. The roots are straight pieces of wrinkled, fibrous wood, which are long and cylindrical (round) and grow horizontally underground. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside. Licorice supplements are made from the roots and underground stems of the plant.</p>

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<h3 >Medicinal Uses and Indications:</h3>

<p class="MedicinaParagraph adamPragraph">Licorice root is often used for a variety of conditions.

<strong>Peptic ulcers</strong>

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often suggested as a treatment for stomach ulcers, although there's only mixed evidence about whether it works. A few studies have found that DGL and antacids helped treat ulcers as well as some prescription drugs. However, since antacids were combined with DGL, it's not possible to know how much of the benefit came from DGL alone.

One animal study found that aspirin coated with licorice reduced the number of ulcers in rats by 50%. (High doses of aspirin often cause ulcers in rats.) In one study, licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with stomach ulcers -- 86 of whom had not improved with conventional medication -- for 6 weeks. Ulcers disappeared in 22 people; 90% of participants got better. Other studies have found that DGL had no effect on peptic ulcers in humans.

<strong>Canker sores (Apthous ulcers)</strong>

One small study found that people with canker sores who gargled 4 times per day with DGL dissolved in warm water found pain relief.

<strong>Eczema</strong>

In one study, licorice gel, applied to the skin, helped relieve symptoms of itching, swelling, and redness. A gel with 2% licorice worked better than a gel with 1% licorice.

<strong>Dyspepsia (indigestion, GERD)</strong>

Some preliminary studies suggest that a specific herbal formula containing licorice, called Iberogast or STW 5, may help relieve symptoms of indigestion or GERD. This herbal formula also contains peppermint and chamomile, two herbs often used for indigestion.

<strong>Upper respiratory infections (cold, cough)</strong>

Licorice is a traditional treatment for cough and asthma. Studies have shown mixed results as to whether it works.

<strong>Weight loss</strong>

One study found that a preparation of licorice may reduce body fat. Fifteen people of normal weight consumed 3.5 g of licorice each day for 2 months. Body fat was measured before and after treatment. Licorice appeared to reduce body fat mass and to suppress the hormone aldosterone; however, the people in the study retained more water.

Another study found that a topical preparation of glycyrrhetinic acid (a component of licorice) reduced the thickness of fat on the thigh in human subjects. A third study found that people who took 900 mg of licorice flavonoid oil daily for 8 weeks had decreases in body fat, body weight, body mass index, and LDL cholesterol levels. More studies are needed to say if licorice really helps reduce fat. In addition, taking licorice long term has a number of health risks.</p>

<strong>Other</strong>

<p class="MedicinaParagraph adamPragraph">People who regularly take large amounts of licorice -- more than 20 g/day -- may raise blood levels of the hormone aldosterone, which can cause serious side effects, including headache, high blood pressure, and heart problems. For people who already have high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease, as little as 5 g/day can cause these side effects. Further studies are needed.</p>

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<h3 >Available Forms:</h3>

<p class="AvailablParagraph adamPragraph">Licorice products are made from peeled and unpeeled dried root. There are powdered and finely cut root preparations made for teas, tablets, and capsules, as well as liquid extracts. Some licorice extracts do not contain glycyrrhizin. These extracts are known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), and do not seem to have the undesired side effects of other forms of licorice. Some studies suggest DGL may be better for stomach or duodenal ulcers. DGL may offer protection against ulcer formation when taken with aspirin.</p>

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<p class="How to TParagraph adamPragraph"><strong>Pediatric</strong>

Older children who have a sore throat can chew a piece of licorice root or drink licorice tea. Ask your doctor to help you determine the right dose for your child. Don't give a child licorice tea for more than a day without talking to your doctor. Never give any licorice tea to an infant or toddler.

<strong>Adult</strong>

Licorice can be taken in the following forms:</p>

<li class="How to TLi adamLi">Dried root: 1 - 5 g as an infusion or decoction (boiled), 3 times daily</li>

<li class="How to TLi adamLi">Licorice 1:5 tincture: 2 - 5 mL, 3 times daily</li>

<li class="How to TLi adamLi">Standardized extract: 250 - 500 mg, 3 times daily, standardized to contain 20% glycyrrhizinic acid</li>

<li class="How to TLi adamLi">DGL extract: 0.4 - 1.6 g, 3 times daily, for peptic ulcer</li>

<li class="How to TLi adamLi">DGL extract 4:1: chew 300 - 400 mg, 3 times daily 20 minutes before meals, for peptic ulcer</li>

</ul>

<p class="How to TParagraph adamPragraph">Don't use these doses of licorice for longer than a week without talking to your doctor due to the risk of potentially dangerous side effects.</p>

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<h3 >Precautions:</h3>

<p class="PrecautiParagraph adamPragraph">The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, preferably under the supervision of a health care provider in the field of botanical medicine.

Licorice with glycyrrhizin may cause serious side effects. Too much glycyrrhizin causes a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, which can cause a person to become overly sensitive to a hormone in the adrenal cortex. This condition can lead to headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks. It may also cause water retention, which can lead to leg swelling and other problems.

Although the most dangerous effects mostly happen with high doses of licorice or glycyrrhizin,Â smallerÂ amounts of licorice may cause side effects. Some people have muscle pain or numbness in the arms and legs. To be safe, ask your health care provider to monitor your use of licorice.

People with the following conditions should not take licorice:</p>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Heart failure</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Heart disease</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Fluid retention</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">High blood pressure (hypertension)</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Diabetes</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Kidney disease</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Liver disease</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Low potassium (hypokalemia)</li>

<li class="PrecautiLi adamLi">Erecetile dysfunction</li>

</ul>

<p class="PrecautiParagraph adamPragraph">Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take licorice.

Don't useÂ any licorice product for longer than 4 - 6 weeks.</p>

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<h3 >Possible Interactions:</h3>

<p class="PossibleParagraph adamPragraph">Licorice may interfere with several medications, including the ones listed below. If you are taking any medication, ask your doctor before taking licorice.</p>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>ACE inhibitors and diuretics</strong> -- If you are taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or diuretics for high blood pressure, you should not use licorice products. Licorice could cause these medications to not work as well or could make side effects worse, including a build-up of potassium in the body. ACE inhibitors include:

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Captopril (Capoten)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Benazepril (Lotensin)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Enalapril (Vasotec)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Gosinopril (Monopril)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Ramipril (Altace)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Perindopril (Aceon)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Quinapril (Accupril)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Moexipril (Univasc)</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi">Trandolapril (Mavik)</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Digoxin</strong> -- Because licorice may dangerously increase the risk of toxic effects from digoxin, do not take this herb with this medication.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Corticosteroids</strong> -- Licorice may increase the effects of corticosteroid medications. Talk to your doctor before using licorice with any corticosteroids.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Insulin or drugs for diabetes</strong> -- Licorice may have an effect on blood sugar levels.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Laxatives</strong> -- Licorice may cause potassium loss in people taking stimulant laxatives.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>MAO inhibitors</strong> -- Licorice may make the effects of this class of antidepressant stronger.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Oral contraceptives</strong> -- There have been reports of women developing high blood pressure and low potassium levels when they took licorice while on oral contraceptives.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Warfarin (Coumadin) --</strong> Licorice may decrease the levels of this blood-thinner in the body, meaning it may not work as well.</li>

<li class="PossibleLi adamLi"><strong>Medications processed by the liver --</strong> Licorice may interfere with several medications processed by the liver, including celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), phenobarbital, and secobarbital (Seconal).</li>

</ul>

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<h3 >Alternative Names:</h3>

<p class="AlternatParagraph adamPragraph">Glycyrrhiza glabra; Spanish licorice; Sweet root</p>

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<li id="revisonItem1">Reviewed last on: 1/12/2012</li>

<li id="revisonItem2">Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.</li>

</ul>

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<h3 >Supporting Research</h3>

<p>Armanini D, De Palo CB, Mattarello MJ, et al. Effect of licorice on reduction of body fat mass in healthy subjects. <em>J Endocrinol Invest.</em> 2003;26:646-50.

Armanini D, Nacamulli D, Francini-Pesenti F, Battagin G, Ragazzi E, Fiore C. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application. <em>Steroids</em>. 2005 Jul;70(8):538-42.

Borrelli F, Izzo AA. The plant kingdom as a source of anti-ulcer remedies. [Review]. <em>Phytother Res</em>. 2000;14(8):581-591.

Cinatl J, Morgenstern B, Bauer G, et al. Glycyrrhizin, an active component of liquorice roots, and replication of SARS-associated coronavirus. <em>Lancet</em> 2003;361(9374):2045-2046.

Dhingra D, Parle M, Kulkarni SK. Memory enhancing activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in mice. J <em>Ethnopharmacol</em>. 2004;91(2-3):361-5.

Dhingra D, Sharma A. Antidepressant-like activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. in mouse models of immobility tests. <em>Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry</em>. 2006;30(3):449-54.

Fatima A, Gupta VK, Luqman S, Negi AS, Kumar JK, Shanker K, et al. Antifungal activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts and its active constituent glabridin. <em>Phytother Res</em>. 2009 Jan 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Fiore C, Eisenhut M, Ragazzi E, Zanchin G, Armanini D. A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe. <em>J Ethnopharmacol</em>. 2005;99(3):317-24.

Fuhrman B, Volkova N, Kaplan M, et al. Antiatherosclerotic effects of licorice extract supplementation on hypercholesterolemic patients: increased resistance of LDL to atherogenic modifications, reduced plasma lipid levels, and decreased systolic blood pressure. <em>Nutrition</em>. 2002;18(3):268-273.

Fujioka T, Kondou T, Fukuhara A, et al. Efficacy of a glycyrrhizin suppository for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a pilot study. <em>Hepatol Res</em> 2003;26(1):10-14.

Fukai T, Marumo A, Kaitou K, Kanda T, Terada S, Nomura T. Anti-Helicobacter pylori flavonoids from licorice extract. <em>Life Sci</em>. 2002;71(12):1449-63.

Furusawa J, Funakoshi-Tago M, Mashino T, et al. Glycyrrhiza inflata-derived chalcones, Licochalcone A, Licochalcone B and Licochalcone D, inhibit phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 in LPS signaling pathway. <em>Int Immunopharmacol.</em> 2009;9(4):499-507.

Kamisoyama H, Honda K, Tominaga Y, Yokota S, Hasegawa S. Investigation of the anti-obesity action of licorice flavonoid oil in diet-induced obese rats. <em>Biosci Biotechnol Biochem</em>. 2008 Dec;72(12):3225-31.

Kaye AD, Clarke RC, Sabar R, et al. Herbal medicines: current trends in anesthesiology practice -- a hospital survey. <em>J Clin Anesth</em>. 2000;12(6):468-471.

Krausse R, Bielenberg J, Blaschek W, Ullmann U. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Extractum liquiritiae, glycyrrhizin and its metabolites. <em>J Antimicrob Chemother</em>. 2004;54(1):243-6.

Langmead L, Rampton DS. Review article: herbal treatment in gastrointestinal and liver disease -- benefits and dangers. [Review]. <em>Aliment Pharmacol Ther</em>. 2001;15(9):1239-1252.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. <em>Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide</em>. Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 470-471.

Lee JW, Ji YJ, Yu MH, Bo MH, Seo HJ, Lee SP, Lee IS. Antimicrobial effect and resistant regulation of Glycyrrhiza uralensis on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. <em>Nat Prod Res.</em> 2009;23(2):101-11.

Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. <em>Digestion</em>. 2004;69:45-52.

Melzer J, Rosch W, Reichling J, et al. Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). <em>Aliment Pharmacol Ther.</em> 2004;20:1279-87.

Ofir R, Tamir S, Khatib S, Vaya J. Inhibition of serotonin re-uptake by licorice constituents. <em>J Mol Neurosci</em>. 2003;20(2):135-40.

Olukoga A, Donaldson D. Liquorice and its health implications. <em>J R Soc Health</em>. 2000;120(2):83-9.

Shibata S. A drug over the millennia: pharmacognosy, chemistry, and pharmacology of licorice. [review]. <em>Yakugaku Zasshi</em>. 2000;120(10):849-862.

Sigurjonsdottir HA, Franzson L, Manhem K, et al. Liquorice-induced rise in blood pressure: a linear dose-response relationship. <em>J Hum Hypertens.</em> 2001;15:549-52.

Somjen D, Knoll E, Vaya J, Stern N, Tamir S. Estrogen-like activity of licorice root constituents: glabridin and glabrene, in vascular tissues in vitro and in vivo. <em>J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol</em>. 2004;91(3):147-55.

Strandberg TE, Jarvenpaa AL, Vanhanen H, McKeigue PM. Birth outcome in relation to licorice consumption during pregnancy. <em>Am J Epidemiol</em>. 2001 Jun 1;153(11):1085-1088.

Tamir S, Eizenberg M, Somjen D, et al. Estrogenic and antiproliferative properties of glabridin from licorice in human breast cancer cells. <em>Cancer Res.</em> 2000;60(20):5704-5709.

Tamir S, Eizenberg M, Somjen D, Izrael S, Vaya J. Estrogen-like activity of glabrene and other constituents isolated from licorice root. <em>J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol</em>. 2001;78(3):291-298.

Tominaga Y, Nakagawa K, Mae T, et al. Licorice flavonoid oil reduces total body fat an visceral fat in overweight subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. <em>Obesity Research & Clinical Practice</em>. 2009;3(3).

van Rossum TG, Vulto AG, Hop WC, Schalm SW. Glycyrrhizin-induced reduction of ALT in European patients with chronic hepatitis C. <em>Am J Gastroenterol</em>. 2001;96(8):2432-2437.</p>

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Read more: <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm#ixzz1oUnGf4B0" >http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm#ixzz1oUnGf4B0</a>

<b>Liquorice</b> or <b>licorice</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >/</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >ˈlɪkᵊrɪʃ</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >/</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Pronunciation_respelling_key" title="Wikipedia:Pronunciation respelling key" ><i><b>lik</b>-(ə-)rish</i></a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >/</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English#Key" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >ˈlɪkᵊrɪs</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English" title="Wikipedia:IPA for English" >/</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Pronunciation_respelling_key" title="Wikipedia:Pronunciation respelling key" ><i><b>lik</b>-(ə-)ris</i></a>)<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-1" >[2]</a></sup> is the root of <i><b>Glycyrrhiza glabra</b></i> from which a somewhat sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legume" title="Legume" >legume</a> (related to beans and peas) that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is called Athimathuram (அதிமதுரம்) in Tamil, "Yashtimadhu" in Sanskrit and "Mulethi" in Northern India. It is not related to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anise" title="Anise" >anise</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_anise" title="Star anise" class="mw-redirect" >star anise</a>, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel" title="Fennel" >fennel</a>, which are the sources of similar-tasting flavouring compounds. The word 'liquorice'/'licorice' is derived (via the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_French" title="Old French" >Old French</a> <i>licoresse</i>), from the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language" title="Greek language" >Greek</a> γλυκύρριζα (<i>glukurrhiza</i>), meaning "sweet root",<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-2" >[3]</a></sup> from γλυκύς (<i>glukus</i>), "sweet"<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-3" >[4]</a></sup> + ῥίζα (<i>rhiza</i>), "root".<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-4" >[5]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-5" >[6]</a></sup>

It is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbaceous" title="Herbaceous" class="mw-redirect" >herbaceous</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_plant" title="Perennial plant" >perennial</a>, growing to 1 m in height, with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinnate" title="Pinnate" >pinnate</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf" title="Leaf" >leaves</a> about 7–15 centimetres (3–6 in) long, with 9–17 leaflets. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower" title="Flower" >flowers</a>are 0.8–1.2 cm (½–⅓ in) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflorescence" title="Inflorescence" >inflorescence</a>. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit" title="Fruit" >fruit</a> is an oblong <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legume" title="Legume" >pod</a>, 2–3 centimetres (1 in) long, containing several <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed" title="Seed" >seeds</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-rhs_6-0" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-rhs-6" >[7]</a></sup> The roots are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoloniferous" title="Stoloniferous" class="mw-redirect" >stoloniferous</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-7" >[8]</a></sup> The flavor of liquorice comes mainly from a sweet-tasting compound called<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anethole" title="Anethole" >anethole</a> ("trans"-1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-enyl)benzene), an aromatic, unsaturated ether compound also found in anise, fennel, and several other herbs. Much of the sweetness in liquorice comes from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin" title="Glycyrrhizin" >glycyrrhizin</a>, a compound sweeter than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar" title="Sugar" >sugar</a>.

 </p>

<h2 >Cultivation and uses</h2>

<p >Liquorice grows best in deep valleys, well-drained soils, with full sun, and is harvested in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn" title="Autumn" >autumn</a>, two to three years after planting.<sup id="cite_ref-rhs_6-1" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-rhs-6" >[7]</a></sup>

Liquorice extract is produced by boiling liquorice root and subsequently evaporating most of the water, and is traded both in solid and syrup form. Its active principle is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin" title="Glycyrrhizin" >glycyrrhizin</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_substitute" title="Sugar substitute" >sweetener</a> between 30 to 50 times as sweet as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucrose" title="Sucrose" >sucrose</a>, and which also has pharmaceutical effects.

Liquorice flavour is found in a wide variety of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice_(confectionery)" title="Liquorice (confectionery)" >liquorice candies</a>. In Britain and the US these are usually sweet. In most of these candies the taste is reinforced by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aniseed" title="Aniseed" class="mw-redirect" >aniseed</a> oil, and the actual content of liquorice is very low. In continental Europe however, strong, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salty_liquorice" title="Salty liquorice" >salty</a> candies are popular.

In the Netherlands, where liquorice candy ("drop") is one of the most popular forms of sweet, only a few of the many forms that are sold contain aniseed, although mixing it with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha" title="Mentha" >mint</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthol" title="Menthol" >menthol</a> or with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Laurel" title="Bay Laurel" >laurel</a> is quite popular. Mixing it with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_chloride" title="Ammonium chloride" >ammonium chloride</a> is also popular, and is known as<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salty_liquorice" title="Salty liquorice" >Salmiak</a>, but mixing it with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt#Table_salt" title="Salt" >table salt</a> creates what is probably the most popular liquorice, known in the Netherlands as <i>zoute drop</i>. <sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-8" >[9]</a></sup>

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontefract" title="Pontefract" >Pontefract</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire" title="Yorkshire" >Yorkshire</a> was the first place where liquorice mixed with sugar began to be used as a sweet in the same way it is in the modern day.<sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-9" >[10]</a></sup> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontefract_Cakes" title="Pontefract Cakes" class="mw-redirect" >Pontefract Cakes</a> were originally made there. In Yorkshire and Lancashire it is colloquially known as <i>Spanish</i>, supposedly because Spanish monks grew liquorice root at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rievaulx_Abbey" title="Rievaulx Abbey" >Rievaulx Abbey</a> near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirsk" title="Thirsk" >Thirsk</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-10" >[11]</a></sup>

Liquorice flavouring is also used in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_drink" title="Soft drink" >soft drinks</a>, and in some herbal teas where it provides a sweet aftertaste. The flavour is common in medicines to disguise unpleasant flavours.</p>

Liquorice root</div>

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<p >Liquorice is popular in Italy (particularly in the South) and Spain in its natural form. The root of the plant is simply dug up, washed and chewed as a mouth freshener. Throughout Italy unsweetened liquorice is consumed in the form of small black pieces made only from 100% pure liquorice extract; the taste is bitter and intense. In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabria" title="Calabria" >Calabria</a> a popular <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liqueur" title="Liqueur" >liqueur</a> is made from pure liquorice extract. Liquorice is also very popular in Syria where it is sold as a drink. Dried liquorice root can be chewed as a sweet. Black liquorice contains approximately 100 calories per ounce (15 kJ/g).<sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-11" >[12]</a></sup>

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine" title="Chinese cuisine" >Chinese cuisine</a> uses liquorice as a culinary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice" title="Spice" >spice</a> for savoury foods. It is often employed to flavour <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broth" title="Broth" >broths</a> and foods simmered in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_sauce" title="Soy sauce" >soy sauce</a>.

Other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb" title="Herb" >herbs</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice" title="Spice" >spices</a> of similar flavour include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anise" title="Anise" >anise</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_anise" title="Star anise" class="mw-redirect" >star anise</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarragon" title="Tarragon" >tarragon</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel" title="Fennel" >fennel</a>.

It is also the main ingredient of a very well known soft drink in Egypt, called عرقسوس ('erk-soos).

Sticks of liquorice typically have a diameter between two and ten millimetres. Although they resemble plain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden" title="Wooden" class="mw-redirect" >wooden</a> sticks, they are soft enough to be chewed on. They used to be popular among <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands" title="Netherlands" >Dutch</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_people" title="Danish people" class="mw-redirect" >Danish</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_people" title="Swedish people" class="mw-redirect" >Swedish</a> children<sup class="Template-Fact" >[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed" >citation needed</a></i>]</sup>. In Lancashire and Yorkshire in the early 1950s & 1960s, wooden sticks of liquorice, around 8mm diameter, were readily available (and popular) in sweet shops. Also in Essex during late 50s. They were bought as 'sticks of liquorice', and they were chewed by young children. The wood was yellowish, and fibrous when chewed. Liquorice root can have either a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt" title="Salt" >salty</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet" title="Sweet" class="mw-redirect" >sweet</a> taste. The thin sticks are usually quite salty and sometimes taste like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmiak" title="Salmiak" class="mw-redirect" >salmiak</a> (salty liquorice), whereas the thick sticks are usually quite sweet, with a salty undertone<sup class="Template-Fact" >[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed" >citation needed</a></i>]</sup>. Liquorice root is also widely available in Denmark. It is also sold by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacy" title="Pharmacy" >drugstore</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drysalter" title="Drysalter" >drysalter</a> chain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matas_(drug_store)" title="Matas (drug store)" >Matas</a> and many greengrocers.</p>

<h3 >[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Liquorice&action=edit&section=2" title="Edit section: Medicine" >edit</a>]Medicine</h3>

foliage</div>

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<i>Glycyrrhiza glabra</i> from Koehler's<i>Medicinal-Plants</i></div>

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<p >The compound <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizic_acid" title="Glycyrrhizic acid" class="mw-redirect" >glycyrrhizic acid</a>, found in liquorice, is now routinely used throughout Japan for the treatment and control of chronic viral hepatitis, and there is a possible <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaminase" title="Transaminase" >transaminase</a>-lowering effect.<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-12" >[13]</a></sup> Hepatoprotective mechanisms have been demonstrated in mice.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-13" >[14]</a></sup> Recent studies indicate that glycyrrhizic acid disrupts latent Kaposi sarcoma (as also demonstrated with other herpesvirus infections in the active stage), exhibiting a strong anti-viral effect.<sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-14" >[15]</a></sup> The Chinese use licorice to treat Tuberculosis <sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-15" >[16]</a></sup>

Liquorice affects the body's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_system" title="Endocrine system" >endocrine system</a> as it contains <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoflavones" title="Isoflavones" >isoflavones</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoestrogens" title="Phytoestrogens" >phytoestrogens</a>). It might lower the amount of serum testosterone slightly,<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-16" >[17]</a></sup> but whether it affects the amount of free testosterone is unclear. Consuming liquorice may prevent the development of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia" title="Hyperkalemia" >hyperkalemia</a>in persons on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemodialysis" title="Hemodialysis" >hemodialysis</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-17" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-17" >[18]</a></sup> Large doses of glycyrrhizinic acid and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhetinic_acid" title="Glycyrrhetinic acid" >glycyrrhetinic acid</a> in liquorice extract can lead to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypokalemia" title="Hypokalemia" >hypokalemia</a> and serious increases in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure" title="Blood pressure" >blood pressure</a>, a syndrome known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparent_mineralocorticoid_excess" title="Apparent mineralocorticoid excess" class="mw-redirect" >apparent mineralocorticoid excess</a>. These side effects stem from the inhibition of the enzyme <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11Beta_Hydroxysteroid_dehydrogenase" title="11Beta Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase" class="mw-redirect" >11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase</a> (type 2) and subsequent increase in activity of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol" title="Cortisol" >cortisol</a> on the kidney. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney; thus, liquorice's inhibition of this enzyme makes the concentration of cortisol appear to increase. Cortisol acts at the same receptor as the hormone <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldosterone" title="Aldosterone" >aldosterone</a> in the kidney and the effects mimic aldosterone excess, although aldosterone remains low or normal during liquorice overdose. To decrease the chances of these serious side effects, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deglycyrrhizinated_licorice" title="Deglycyrrhizinated licorice" >deglycyrrhizinated liquorice</a> preparations are available. The disabling of similar enzymes in the gut by glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid also causes increased mucus and decreased acid secretion. As it inhibits <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori" title="Helicobacter pylori" >Helicobacter pylori</a></i>, is used as an aid for healing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in moderate amounts may soothe an upset stomach. Liquorice can be used to treat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ileitis" title="Ileitis" >ileitis</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaky_gut_syndrome" title="Leaky gut syndrome" >leaky gut syndrome</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome" title="Irritable bowel syndrome" >irritable bowel syndrome</a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn%27s_disease" title="Crohn's disease" >Crohn's disease</a> as it is antispasmodic in the bowels.<sup id="cite_ref-Winston_18-0" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-Winston-18" >[19]</a></sup>

Studies of the use of liquorice extract (usually at 7%) in the treatment of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melasma" title="Melasma" >melasma</a> have shown that glabridin inhibits <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosinase" title="Tyrosinase" >tyrosinase</a> activity of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanocyte" title="Melanocyte" >melanocytes</a>. <sup id="cite_ref-19" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-19" >[20]</a></sup>

The compounded <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbenoxolone" title="Carbenoxolone" >carbenoxolone</a> is derived from liquorice. Some studies indicate that it inhibits <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11-beta_HSD1" title="11-beta HSD1" class="mw-redirect" >11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1</a>, an enzyme that is highly expressed in liver and fat tissues, where it plays a role in metabolism, and in the brain, where the same enzyme is involved in stress response that has been associated with age-related mental decline.<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-20" >[21]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-21" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-21" >[22]</a></sup></p>

<h3 >[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Liquorice&action=edit&section=3" title="Edit section: Alternative medicine" >edit</a>]Alternative medicine</h3>

<div class="rellink relarticle mainarticle" >Main article: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhiza_uralensis" title="Glycyrrhiza uralensis" >Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese liquorice)</a></div>

<p >In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine" title="Traditional Chinese medicine" >traditional Chinese medicine</a>, liquorice(甘草) is commonly used in herbal formulae to "harmonize" the other ingredients in the formula and to carry the formula to the twelve <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_(Chinese_medicine)" title="Meridian (Chinese medicine)" >"regular meridians"</a><sup id="cite_ref-22" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-22" >[23]</a></sup> and to relieve a spasmodic cough.

In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalism" title="Herbalism" >herbalism</a> it is used in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoxsey_Therapy" title="Hoxsey Therapy" >Hoxsey anti-cancer formula</a>, and is a considered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen" title="Adaptogen" >adaptogen</a> which helps reregulate the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal_axis" title="Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis" class="mw-redirect" >hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis</a>. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies.<sup id="cite_ref-Winston_18-1" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-Winston-18" >[19]</a></sup>

Glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhiza root has been shown to modulate airway constriction, lung inflammation and infiltration of eosinophils in bronchial areas by stimulating CD4 and CD8 immune cell function.<sup id="cite_ref-23" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-23" >[24]</a></sup>

Liquorice may be useful in conventional and naturopathic medicine for both <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouth_ulcer" title="Mouth ulcer" >mouth ulcers</a><sup id="cite_ref-24" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-24" >[25]</a></sup> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptic_ulcer" title="Peptic ulcer" >peptic ulcers</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-25" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-25" >[26]</a></sup></p>

<h3 >[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Liquorice&action=edit&section=4" title="Edit section: Tobacco" >edit</a>]Tobacco</h3>

<p >Much liquorice production goes toward flavouring, sweetening and conditioning <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco" title="Tobacco" >tobacco products</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-26" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-26" >[27]</a></sup> Liquorice adds a mellow, sweet woody flavour and enhances the taste of tobacco. The burning liquorice also generates some toxins found in the smoke, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin" title="Glycyrrhizin" >glycyrrhizin</a> expands the airways, which allows users to inhale more smoke.</p>

<h3 >[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Liquorice&action=edit&section=5" title="Edit section: Toxicity" >edit</a>]Toxicity</h3>

<p >Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity" title="Toxicity" >toxic</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver" title="Liver" >liver</a><sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-27" >[28]</a></sup> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circulatory_system" title="Circulatory system" >cardiovascular system</a>, and may produce <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertension" title="Hypertension" >hypertension</a><sup id="cite_ref-28" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-28" >[29]</a></sup> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edema" title="Edema" >edema</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-29" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-29" >[30]</a></sup> In occasional cases blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn.<sup id="cite_ref-30" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-30" >[31]</a></sup> Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy.<sup id="cite_ref-31" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-31" >[32]</a></sup> Doses as low as 50 grams (2 oz) of liquorice daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.<sup id="cite_ref-32" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-32" >[33]</a></sup>

The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission" title="European Commission" >European Commission</a> 2008 report suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizic_acid" title="Glycyrrhizic acid" class="mw-redirect" >glycyrrhizic acid</a> a day, for it can raise <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure" title="Blood pressure" >blood pressure</a> or cause muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.” <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haribo" title="Haribo" >Haribo</a>, manufacturer of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontefract_cakes" title="Pontefract cakes" class="mw-redirect" >Pontefract cakes</a>, stated: “Haribo advises, as with any other food, liquorice products should be eaten in moderation.” A 56-year-old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire" title="Yorkshire" >Yorkshire</a> woman was hospitalized after liquorice overdose (200 grams or 7 ounces a day), which caused muscle failure. The hospital restored her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium" title="Potassium" >potassium</a> levels, by intravenous drip and tablets, allowing her to recover after 4 days.<sup id="cite_ref-33" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-33" >[34]</a></sup>

Comparative studies of pregnant women suggest that excessive amounts of liquorice (500mg a week) may also adversely affect both IQ and behaviour traits of offspring.<sup id="cite_ref-34" class="reference" ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice#cite_note-34" >[35]</a></sup></p>

<h2 >Gallery</h2>

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<p >Sliver of liquorice root</p>

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<p >Various liquorice root slivers</p>

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<p >Liquorice root with bark</p>

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<p >Liquorice spirit</p>

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