Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT By Kirsten Nunez on October 16, 2020. Licorice or Mulethi, also known as "Sweetwood", is an effective and potent medicinal herb. View abstract. Luchon, L., Meyrier, A., and Paillard, F. [Hypokalemia without arterial hypertension by licorice poisoning]. Roussak NJ. This versatile anti-inflammatory plant can benefit digestive issues, hormone health, and skin health as well as helping ease problems with menstruation and menopause. Am.J Chin Med 2004;32(4):569-578. A botanical dietary supplement from white peony and licorice attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating microbiota and reducing inflammation . Bannister, B., Ginsburg, R., and Shneerson, J. Cardiac arrest due to liquoriceinduced hypokalaemia. View abstract. Sheth, V. M. and Pandya, A. G. Melasma: a comprehensive update: part II. Br Med J 9-17-1977;2(6089):738-739. O'Connell K, Kinsella J, McMahon C, Holian J, O'Riordan S. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) associated with liquorice consumption. Zangooei Pourfard M, Mirmoosavi SJ, Beiraghi Toosi M, et al. Schleimer, R. P. Potential regulation of inflammation in the lung by local metabolism of hydrocortisone. Kwon S, Jin C, Cho SY, et al. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. View abstract. Wong, A. L. and Chan, T. Y. Interaction between warfarin and the herbal product quilinggao. Contact Dermatitis 2008;59(1):52. NOW Supplements, Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 450 mg, Herbal Supplement, 100 Veg Capsules 208. Neth J Med 2005;63:149-50. Ou TT, Wu CH, Hsu JD, et al. J Pharmacobiodyn 1984;7:304-11. [Protective mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora for experimental liver damage]. 2008;9(3):88-98. Severe hypokalaemia with paralysis induced by small doses of liquorice. View abstract. View abstract. Traditional Chinese medicines Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis Baill) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) activate pregnane X receptor and increase warfarin clearance in rats. [Severe hypokalemia after holidays return]. An evaluation of the efficacy of licorice gargle for attenuating postoperative sore throat: a prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;20:1279-87. Armanini, D., Mattarello, M. J., Fiore, C., Bonanni, G., Scaroni, C., Sartorato, P., and Palermo, M. Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women. Antimicrobial isoflavanoids and related substances from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. var. Riv Patol Nerv Ment 1983;104(4):179-183. Chen LC, Chou MH, Lin MF, Yang LL. The effect of a traditional Chinese prescription for a case of lung carcinoma. Akbari N, Asadimehr N, Kiani Z. van Beers, E. J., Stam, J., and van den Bergh, W. M. Licorice consumption as a cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a case report. View abstract. Balakrishnan, V., Pillai, M. V., Raveendran, P. M., and Nair, C. S. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer. 2019;38(3):657-64. Phytother Res 2008;22:563-5. Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lethal liquorice lollies (liquorice abuse causing pseudohyperaldosteronism). Bardhan, K. D., Cumberland, D. C., Dixon, R. A., and Holdsworth, C. D. Clinical trial of deglycyrrhizinised liquorice in gastric ulcer. Brouwers, A. J. and van der, Meulen J. View abstract. Liu X, Li X, Li X, et al. Ruiz-Granados, E. S., Shouls, G., Sainsbury, C., and Antonios, T. A salty cause of severe hypertension. Paeonia lactiflora : Peony is another popular anti-androgenic herb. J Agric Food Chem 6-13-2007;55(12):4691-4697. Note: Results may vary from person to person, depending on the skin type. Armanini D, De Palo CB, Mattarello MJ, et al. 2019;18(Suppl1):291-301. Back to the Blog. 2003;23(8):593-595. Licorice, tobacco chewing, and hypertension. View abstract. Ito, M., Nakashima, H., Baba, M., Pauwels, R., De Clercq, E., Shigeta, S., and Yamamoto, N. Inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin on the in vitro infectivity and cytopathic activity of the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV (HTLV- III/LAV)]. Effect of shakuyaku-kanzoh-toh, a prescription composed of shakuyaku (Paeoniae Radix) and kanzoh (Glycyrrhizae Radix) on guinea pig ileum. View abstract. Peony-glycyrrhiza decoction for antipsychotic-related hyperprolactinemia in women with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial. [Effect of Paeonia obovata 801 on metabolism of thromboxane B2 and arachidonic acid and on platelet aggregation in patients with coronary heart disease and cerebral thrombosis]. View abstract. Licorice is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. View abstract. Purnak, T., Ozaslan, E., Beyazit, Y., and Haznedaroglu, I. C. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with defective hemostasis successfully treated with ankaferd blood stopper. Estrogenic and antiproliferative properties of glabridin from licorice in human breast cancer cells. View abstract. 2014 Jan;35(1):87-99. The sweet cake that reaches parts other cakes can't! Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. View abstract. 2014 Jun;20(6):516-20. We describe a patient who suffered life-threatening hypokalemic paralysis caused by consumption of licorice in the form of a tea sweetener superimposed on long . View abstract. View abstract. He X, Xing D, Ding Y, et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021;19(1):242. View abstract. Effects of paeoniflorin on the cerebral infarction, behavioral and cognitive impairments at the chronic stage of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2003;105:286-7.. View abstract. 1994;14:207-9, 195. . 2000;20(3):173-175. View abstract. Chemical studies of Chinese licorice-roots. Cassano, N., Mantegazza, R., Battaglini, S., Apruzzi, D., Loconsole, F., and Vena, G. A. Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin. Am J Nephrol 2000;20:145-8. Pharm Biol 2021;59(1):1276-1285. 4-14-2001;145(15):744-747. Rackova, L., Jancinova, V., Petrikova, M., Drabikova, K., Nosal, R., Stefek, M., Kostalova, D., Pronayova, N., and Kovacova, M. Mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of liquorice extract and glycyrrhizin. View abstract. Clin Rheumatol. Dehours E, Vall B, Roug-Bugat ME, Florent B, Bounes V, Franchitto N. Suspected hypokalaemia following liquorice ingestion on board ship. The roots are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many purposes. Microbiol Immunol 2000;44(9):799-804. View abstract. Diane Calello, executive medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, based at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, discusses safe . N Engl J Med 1990;322:850. View abstract. Taking peony along with birth control pills might increase the risk of side effects. Early evidence suggests that taking 45 grams of a specific product containing peony and licorice (Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction, PGD) daily for 4 weeks reduces levels of a hormone called prolactin in women with high levels of prolactin, without affecting other hormone levels or mental symptoms. Imtiaz, K. E. Sweet root, bitter pill: liquorice-induced hyperaldosteronism. typica. Exp.Mol.Med 12-31-2003;35(6):467-474. Licorice might increase how quickly the body breaks down paclitaxel. View abstract. Life Sci 1994;55(11):863-872. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. Hum Exp Toxicol 2012;31(12):1295-1298. Kondo K1, Shiba M, Nakamura R, Morota T, Shoyama Y. Effects of the licorice extract against tumor growth and cisplatin-induced toxicity in a mouse xenograft model of colon cancer. QJM 2011;104(12):1093-1095. Cancer Lett. There are studies with assisted nutrients to expedite healing and mitigate side effects of hormone imbalances associated with IVF/IUI discussed below. View abstract. Cancer Lett 12-10-2001;174(1):17-24. Constituent properties of licorices derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, or G. inflata identified by genetic information. This can be severe. Asl, M. N. and Hosseinzadeh, H. Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. View abstract. Dobbins, K. R. and Saul, R. F. Transient visual loss after licorice ingestion. Crean, A. M., Abdel-Rahman, S. E., and Greenwood, J. P. A sweet tooth as the root cause of cardiac arrest. Some believe it may also increase estrogen and prolactin levels in women, though more research is warranted. Intern Med 2007;46:575-8. . View abstract. Total glucosides of peony ameliorates Sjogren's syndrome by affecting Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Side effects, toxicity, and interactions. Licorice. Nabeshima, S., Kashiwagi, K., Ajisaka, K., Masui, S., Takeoka, H., Ikematsu, H., and Kashiwagi, S. A randomized, controlled trial comparing traditional herbal medicine and neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of seasonal influenza. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Turpie AG, Runcie J, Thomson TJ. Ital J Neurol Sci 1983;4(4):493-497. Baykul, T., Alanoglu, E. G., and Kocer, G. Use of Ankaferd Blood Stopper as a hemostatic agent: a clinical experience. View abstract. J Am Soc Nephrol 2002;13(1):191-196. Am J Chin Med 2001;29(3-4):459-467. View abstract. View abstract. Biol Pharm Bull 2007;30(11):2191-2195. Ital.J Neurol.Sci 1997;18(4):217-220. Armanini D, Lewicka S, Pratesi C, et al. Barrella, M., Lauria, G., Quatrale, R., and Paolino, E. Hypokaliemic rhabdomyolysis associated with liquorice ingestion: report of an atypical case. View abstract. J Assoc Physicians India 1978;26(9):811-814. Phytother Res 2009;23(2):246-250. J Hum Hypertens 2001;15:549-52. Phytother.Res 2004;18(3):241-243. It is often used together with peony, which can significantly enhance . Gut 1978;19(9):779-782. View abstract. View abstract. Lee, C. H., Park, S. W., Kim, Y. S., Kang, S. S., Kim, J. Planta Med 1983;48(5):38-42. Horm.Res 1999;52(5):253-255. View abstract. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. View abstract. Mumoli, N. and Cei, M. Licorice-induced hypokalemia. View abstract. (Glycyrrhiza glabra), it performs better, especially for relaxing muscles, reducing painful menstruation, as well as lowering serum and free testosterone levels in women with PCOS. Life Sci 2005;78:413-20 . The U.S. Food and Drug . Johns, C. Glycyrrhizic acid toxicity caused by consumption of licorice candy cigars. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Doeker, B. M. and Andler, W. Liquorice, growth retardation and Addison's disease. Rosenblat, M. and Aviram, M. Paraoxonases role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Zhu Q, Qi X, Wu Y, Wang K. Clinical study of total glucosides of paeony for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Sato H, Goto W, Yamamura J, et al. It is used for stomach pain, abdominal pain and acute pain of gastrocnemius muscle contracture, etc. Menopause 2002;9:145-50. The chemicals in licorice are thought to . Baba, M. and Shigeta, S. Antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin against varicella-zoster virus in vitro. Little is known about whether it's safe to use licorice root while breastfeeding. View abstract. View abstract. Eur Neurol 1992;32(1):44-51. View abstract. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1994;42(5):1056-1062. Report of 2 cases and review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 2003;26:646-50. View abstract. Life Sci 2-23-2001;68(14):1687-1694. Hawrelak, J. Yamada, K., Kanba, S., Yagi, G., and Asai, M. Effectiveness of herbal medicine (shakuyaku-kanzo-to) for neuroleptic-induced hyperprolactinemia. View abstract. Fung AY, Look PC, Chong LY, et al. Inhibition of 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from guinea pig kidney by furosemide, naringenin and some other compounds. 2003;84(1):85-89. View abstract. G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2010;145(6):789-792. Indian J Med Res 1993;98:69-74. Hinoshita F, Ogura Y, Suzuki Y, et al. It might also decrease the effects of birth control pills. View abstract. Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2010;66(8):805-810. Lee, S., Lim, J. M., Jin, M. H., Park, H. K., Lee, E. J., Kang, S., Kim, Y. S., and Cho, W. G. Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin. J Tradit.Chin Med 2010;30(1):47-50. Taking too much licorice can cause high blood pressure. Acharya SK, Dasarathy S, Tandon A, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;65(4):699-714. Sucking on a licorice lozenge or gargling with a licorice fluid shortly before placement of a breathing tube seems to help prevent cough and. View abstract. Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. View abstract. View abstract. Blood Press 2009;18:192-5. Ito, M., Sato, A., Hirabayashi, K., Tanabe, F., Shigeta, S., Baba, M., De Clercq, E., Nakashima, H., and Yamamoto, N. Mechanism of inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin on replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's thought liquorice's side-effects are caused by the glycyrrhizic acid, but it is possible to buy deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL), which may help prevent these issues. Kormann R, Languille E, Amiot HM, Hertig A. A 2020 review found that licorice root extract can help reduce the growth of . A newly-filed federal lawsuit claims eating too much of The Hershey Company's Good & Plenty and black licorice Twizzlers candies can cause serious health problems, maybe even death. Biol Pharm Bull. View abstract. Advancing combination treatment with glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids for hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 infection: a randomized clinical trial. Licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix) 15 g: NR: Zhao (2016) [36] . View abstract. October 15, 2021. [RETRACTED]. Phytother Res. View abstract. According to research, the combination of . A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Takahara T, Watanabe A, Shiraki K. Effects of glycyrrhizin on hepatitis B surface antigen: a biochemical and morphological study. In an ovarietctomized model, oral administration of a combination of white peony and licorice increased DHEA and serum estrogen concentration. Taking peony along with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects from estrogen. Caradonna, P., Gentiloni, N., Servidei, S., Perrone, G. A., Greco, A. V., and Russo, M. A. Kang, D. G., Moon, M. K., Choi, D. H., Lee, J. K., Kwon, T. O., and Lee, H. S. Vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects of the 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) via a nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. . BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Sep 19;2013. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2016;36(6):572-9. Yoshida S, Takayama Y. Licorice-induced hypokalemia as a treatable cause of dropped head syndrome. View abstract. Martin, M. D., Sherman, J., van der Ven, V., and Burgess, J. View abstract. View abstract. View abstract. Speak with a, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C. View abstract. Saeedi, M., Morteza-Semnani, K., and Ghoreishi, M. R. The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel. Licorice root is aromatic and is used as a flavoring agent in tea and other beverages. View abstract. It combined licorice, dates, peonies, and skullcap, and was traditionally prepared as a tea. View abstract. Dying for a cup of tea. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. Grebeniuk, V. N., Mannanov, A. M., Korsun, V. F., and Vinogradova, A. I. Tewari SN, Wilson AK. Pulmonary edema following a licorice binge. View abstract. Effects of mouthwash interventions on xerostomia and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate among hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled study. A randomized, double-blind comparison of licorice versus sugar-water gargle for prevention of postoperative sore throat and postextubation coughing. Effect of glycyrrhizin-containing toothpaste on dental plaque reduction and gingival health in humans. View abstract. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. White peony root is very much essential and used in Chinese medicine because of its medicinal properties. 1. Tsuda T, Sugaya A, Ohguchi H, et al. 1991;78(1-2):1-6. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. View abstract. Beretta-Piccoli, C., Salvade, G., Crivelli, P. L., and Weidmann, P. Body-sodium and blood volume in a patient with licorice-induced hypertension. Bian, X., Xu, Y., Zhu, L., Gao, P., Liu, X., Liu, S., Qian, M., Gai, M., Yang, J., and Wu, Y. Preterm birth and licorice consumption during pregnancy. The roots are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many purposes. Licorice might increase how quickly midazolam is broken down by the body. The effects of licorice containing diphenhydramine solution on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. View abstract. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 2-26-1977;107(8):276-279. Papandreou V, Magiatis P, Chinou I, et al. Astragalus may be safe when used orally and appropriately. View abstract. 2017 Sep;31(9):1330-1340. View abstract. View abstract. The effects of dietary licorice flavonoid oil supplementation on body balance control in healthy middle-aged and older Japanese women undergoing a physical exercise intervention: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. [Peony tincture in the complex treatment of allergic dermatoses]. Phytother Res. It has an effect similar to aldosterone. A man in Massachusetts died after eating too much black licorice, which contains a compound known to be toxic in large doses, according to a new report. 2013 Nov;18(6):593-6. The immediate effect of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, traditional Japanese herbal medicine, for muscular cramps during maintenance hemodialysis. Effect of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (Tsumura TJ-68) on muscle cramps accompanying cirrhosis in a placebo-controlled double-blind parallel study. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi Jie.He.Za Zhi 2008;28(12):1090-1092. View abstract. View abstract. Arentz S, Smith CA, Abbott J, Fahey P, Cheema BS, Bensoussan A. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40(1):56. Jan. 13, 2020 Foods such as honey, licorice, oregano, and hot sauce have an antimicrobial effect and some of them trigger phage production in our gut. Fiore, C., Eisenhut, M., Krausse, R., Ragazzi, E., Pellati, D., Armanini, D., and Bielenberg, J. Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species. Ai, M., Yamaguchi, T., Odaka, T., Mitsuhashi, K., Shishido, T., Yan, J., Seza, A., and Saisho, H. Objective assessment of the antispasmodic effect of shakuyaku-kanzo-to (TJ-68), a Chinese herbal medicine, on the colonic wall by direct spraying during colonoscopy. Muscle cramps.Early research suggests that taking a specific combination of peony and licorice (Shakuyaku-kanzoh-to) might ease muscle cramps in people with liver cirrhosis and in people undergoing hemodialysis. N Engl J Med 1968;278(25):1381-1383. I. Elucidation of five new flavonoid constituents from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. collected in Xinjiang.