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Herb

Licorice Root

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

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

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Useful adjunct in Addison's disease (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Whole licorice ≤500 mg short term; DGL preferred long term.

Side effects and interactions. 3 medication interactions listed. Serious: Pseudo-aldosteronism with chronic >2 g/d.

Stacking. Pairs well with Ashwagandha, L-theanine, Vitamin D3 + K2. Avoid combining with Hypertension, Pregnancy.

Common forms. Available as Whole licorice (glycyrrhizin), DGL (deglycyrrhizinated).

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Licorice Root. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

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

Key compound: glycyrrhizinC42H62O16 · 822.9 g/mol

What it is

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

Also called

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Food sources

Glycyrrhiza glabra root

Goals

Cortisol ManagementGut HealthImmune Function

How it works

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

Pathways

  • 11β-HSD2 inhibition

Effects

  • ↑Cortisol availability increases
  • +Antiviral activity supports

What the research supports

Useful adjunct in Addison's diseasemoderate
Reduces hepatitis C viral load (IV glycyrrhizin)moderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Whole licorice ≤500 mg short term; DGL preferred long term
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the whole licorice (glycyrrhizin) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Hypertension
  • Edema
  • Hypokalemia

Serious

  • Pseudo-aldosteronism with chronic >2 g/d

Medication interactions

Diuretics / antihypertensivessevere

Pseudo-aldosteronism.

Warfarinmoderate

Reduces INR.

Digoxinsevere

Hypokalemia → toxicity.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Avoid combining

  • HypertensionRaises BP.
  • PregnancyCortisol elevation.

Common forms

  • Whole licorice (glycyrrhizin)
  • DGL (deglycyrrhizinated)

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Licorice Root — Useful adjunct in Addison's disease ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Licorice Root — Reduces hepatitis C viral load ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Licorice Root — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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