Licorice
- Case
- A 15-year-old boy with recurrent bronchitis tells you he saw an article in the newspaper describing the benefits of licorice in treating ulcers and bronchitis. He asks your advice regarding the use of this herb.
Which of the following is TRUE about licorice?
Answer A is correct.
Historically licorice has been used to treat cough, bronchitis and constipation.
Some of the more modern uses of licorice include peptic ulcers, chronic
gastritis, arthritis and adrenocorticoid insufficiency.
Licorice root inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, thereby blocking cortisol breakdown and blocking metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha. This probably accounts for licorice’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Large doses of licorice (more than 20 grams daily) can cause pseudoaldosteronism: hypertension, hypokalemia, sodium and water retention, edema, and (rarely) myoglobinuria. Licorice is contraindicated in patients with liver disorders, diabetes, hypertension, hypokalemia, congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency; it should not be used by those taking cardiac glycosides, stimulant laxatives, diuretics, steroids, or potassium depleting drugs.
Glycyrrhizin is the compound in licorice responsible for pseudoaldosteronism. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparations have been formulated to provide some of the benefits of licorice while reducing risk.
In controlled trials in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been helpful in treating ulcers and preventing recurrence; it has not been compared to conventional medications in the treatment of active ulcers.
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ABOUT LICORICE
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Last Updated: August
29, 2001
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