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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Licorice Root

aka Glycyrrhiza glabra

Adrenal-supporting herb; chronic high-dose causes pseudo-aldosteronism.

Cortisol ManagementGut HealthImmune Function

Overview

Adrenal-supporting herb; chronic high-dose causes pseudo-aldosteronism.

Natural sources
  • Glycyrrhiza glabra root
Common forms
  • Whole licorice (glycyrrhizin)
  • DGL (deglycyrrhizinated)

Mechanism of action

Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-HSD2, extending cortisol half-life.

Pathways
  • · 11β-HSD2 inhibition
Hormones
  • · Cortisol

Effects on the body

Increases
Cortisol availability
Supports
Antiviral activity

Organ system effects

Endocrine

Useful in adrenal insufficiency (Addison's).

Evidence-based benefits

Useful adjunct in Addison's disease

Moderate evidence

Reduces hepatitis C viral load (IV glycyrrhizin)

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Hypertension
  • · Edema
  • · Hypokalemia
Rare
    Serious
    • · Pseudo-aldosteronism with chronic >2 g/d

    Drug interactions

    Diuretics / antihypertensives
    Pseudo-aldosteronism.
    severe
    Warfarin
    Reduces INR.
    moderate
    Digoxin
    Hypokalemia → toxicity.
    severe

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
    Avoid with these conditions
    • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
    Avoid / monitor with these medications
    • ·Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines (additive CNS depression)
    • ·Immunosuppressants

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with
    • Hypertension
      Raises BP.
    • Pregnancy
      Cortisol elevation.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    Whole licorice ≤500 mg short term; DGL preferred long term

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Herb
    Licorice Root
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Herb
    Licorice Root
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Herb
    Licorice Root
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (9)

    RCTEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · 2012

    Glycyrrhiza glabra for functional dyspepsia

    Raveendra KR, et al.

    30-day RCT of licorice extract.

    Key findings

    Improved dyspepsia symptoms vs placebo.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — Useful adjunct in Addison's disease

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root Useful adjunct in Addison's disease" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "Useful adjunct in Addison's disease". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — Reduces hepatitis C viral load

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root Reduces hepatitis C viral load" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "Reduces hepatitis C viral load". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Licorice Root — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Licorice Root dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Licorice Root and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Licorice Root — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Licorice Root as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.