Licorice 50gr

Licorice in studies is considered:

1. It showed gastroprotective action in cancer patients who had side effects from chemotherapy with oxaliplatin.
2. It showed inhibitory activity against cancer cells in vitro laboratory.
3. It demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in inflammatory liver damage.
4. It had a beneficial effect on polycystic ovary syndrome.
5. It showed inhibitory action against pathogenic microorganisms, herpes, streptococcus mutans and enhanced immune system action.
6. It had cardioprotective effect in rats with myocardial necrosis.
7. It alleviated menopausal symptoms.
8. It assisted in weight and cholesterol control.
9. Aspirin coated with licorice reduced the number of ulcers in rats by 50%.

Side effects

It is an herb with a high index of side effects. Apart from allergic hypersensitivity reactions, it may cause:

• Hypertension
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Fatigue and muscle cramps
• Dark urine (myoglobinuria)
• Weakness (hypokalemia, myopathies)
• Polyuria / nocturia (increased extracellular volume)
• Edema (increased extracellular volume)
• Dyspnea (pulmonary edema)
• Headache (hypertension)
• Paresthesias / dysesthesias (e.g., burning sensation in extremities)
• Impotence and decreased libido
• Amenorrhea

The US Department of Health with guidelines issued in October 2011 warns consumers that consumption of more than 56 grams per day for at least 2 weeks can cause hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmia, especially in adults aged 40 and older.

Licorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for the majority of side effects. Many processing companies remove glycyrrhizin from licorice, creating the safer product deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). However, it is questionable whether the therapeutic actions with this processing do not weaken. Pregnant or lactating women and women with hormone-sensitive neoplasms should not take licorice.

Herbs cannot replace medical treatment and you should ALWAYS follow your doctor's advice.