Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root) *Thanks to Eric Yarnall, ND
Family: Fabaceae for contributing his work to the class
Part Used: Root
Active Constituents:
Bitter, flavonoids and isoflavanoids (chalcones), saponin glycosides (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid – aglycone is glycyrrhetinic acid), gums, phytoestrogens, resins, volatile oils
Medicinal Actions:
Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, demulcent, expectorant, hepatoprotective, mild laxative, pulmonary, GI and endocrine
Medicinal Uses:
1)       bitter and sweet thus stimulate digestion
2)       potent emulcent, reduce inflammation
3)       Glycyrrhiza has many uses. One of the most profound effects is extending the half-life of cortisol by blocking 5-beta reductase activity. This cortisol sparing activity helps the body recover from the debilitating after effects of long term stress. Studies show that the adrenal glands of rats exposed to stress reduce in size. When rats are given the Glycyrrhiza, the adrenal glands regain normal size and function. I use Glycyrrhiza when helping patients to reduce cortisone intake after long term use and to assist in healing adrenal atrophy due to steroid consumption. * The glycyrrhizin blocks the activity of type 2 renal 11-B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 BHSD) (MacKenzie, et al. 1990; Farese, et al. 1991).
4)       The chalcones cause an anti-inflammatory action by blocking leukotriene B2 and B4 and enhancing the production of interferon which inhibits phospholipase A and inhibits formation of prostaglandin E2 in peritoneal tissue of rats. Licorice is added to many formulas as a binder, to enhance the overall effect of the formula and increase the anti-inflammatory action. Ulcerations both topically and internally heal more quickly when the patient is given Glycyrrhiza. It stimulates the formation of granulation tissue.
5)       Isoflavnoid good for herpes, virus, hepatitis,
6)       The immune action of Glycyrrhiza comes from the isoflavanoid compounds. Studies show is can reduce fungal elements like topical candida and reduce topical Staph aureus.
7)       Studies show that licorice can slow or stop sepsis in burn victims. It has also exhibited anti-viral action against virus like herpes I, poliovirus, some DNA and RNA viruses and Newcastle disease. The anti-viral action seems to arise from the glycyrrhizic acid compounds in the root. It has the ability to activate glucuronidation and enhances the effects of the cytochrome P-450 system on xenobiotic detoxification. The activation of glycyrrhetinic acid from glycyrrhizin is dependent on hydrolysis pushed by normal intestinal flora.
8)       Glycyrrhiza is also a good expectorant and can soften the flavor of other pungent herbs when added to formulas since there is resin.
9)       It is indicated for use in treatment of patients who have spasmodic coughs and need expectorant action. It is useful in the treatment of viral illnesses like bronchitis, colds and influenza to enhance the ability of the patient to recover from the illness more quickly.
10)   It is also a useful addition to formulas when treating allergies due to the enhancement of adrenal function and mucous membrane integrity.
11)   Treat remission of ulceration of the whole GI tract from mouth through anus. Glyceriza must touch the tissue in order to it to work. Use enteric coated capsule of suppository for lower GI.
12)   Antimicrobial effect on h-pylori.
13)   Whole herb is effective
14)   Pseudoaldosteron but needs to be balanced with dietary potassium. If eating whole food then getting plenty of potassium.
15)   If on cardiac medication then must monitor due to potatssium level when mixed with licorice
16)   Could use in decoction if tonifying for long time
17)   Could add to infusion
18)   Tincture
19)   Solid extract
20)   When pt. have menopause and have constant fatigue due to levels of cortisol. Thus good t use.
21)   The isoflavone formononetin is a weak phytoestrogen. It can produce an anti-estrogenic effect by competitive binding with the stronger natural estrogens. *It can also inhibit 17 B-hyroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17BHSD) the enzyme responsible for converting androstenedione to testosterone (Sakamoto & Wakabayahsi 1988). This can lead to decreased serum testosterone levels in otherwise healthy men when taken at high doses (500 mg of standardized glycyrrhizin daily.
22)   Affect cortisol, immediate thus adaptogenic
23)   Stimulate hypothrophied glands in the adrenal to regenerate
24)   Stimulate adaptogen, feel effect w/ in 1-2 weeks in pt.
25)   Use as an eneretic medicine in formula
26)   Works on herpes in Oral and labial or any herpetic erruption from scientific botanical
27)   Glygel from thorn
28)   Hepatocyte herb, it will shorten the course of hepatitis outbreak. Hep. B virus to go into remission. Hep C. Taking it has less fatigue and immune system function more optimally.
Contraindications:
Because Glycyrrhiza extends the half-life of cortisol, the resorption of sodium and excretion of potassium is enhanced *due to the agonism of mineralocorticoid type 1 receptors. This pseudoaldosterone effect can exacerbate hypertension in some patients and can also cause headache, edema and hypokalemia in long term use. Co-administration of 10 mg. of potassium twice daily is indicated for some patients. In others, increasing the amount of sodium rich foods is adequate. Using Glycyrrhiza in high amount (3 grams a day of whole root or 500 mg of standardized root or more) over a long term (more than eight weeks) requires monitoring of the patient. The elderly are more prone to exhibiting pseudoaldosteronism.
Glycyrrhiza is said to potentiate anthraquinone drugs and herbs due to increased absorption through the intestinal wall. It also may promote cardiac glycoside activity because of potential loss of potassium.




Pharmacy:
Decoction: 1 Tbl. Shaved root/cup H2O TID
Tincture (1:5): 20 – 60 gtt QD – TID
Fluid Extract (1:2, 1:3): 10 – 30 gtt QD – TID
Solid Extract (18% glycyrrhetinic acid): 0.25 – 0.50 tsp. QD – TID
DGL (deglycyrrhinated licorice):
Tablets: 1 – 3 chewed before meals TID and Hs
Powder: 0.25 – 1.0 tsp PO TID and Hs

Formulas (basic):
Adrenal
Glycyrrhiza 1: Eleutherococcus 2: Withania 2: Avena 1
Respiratory – Expectorant
Glycyrrhiza 1: Verbascum 2: Grindelia 1: Pimpinella 1: Inula 1 ( sub Thymus, Lobelia)
Hepatic
Glycyrrhiza 1: Silybum 2: Taraxacum 1: Curcuma 1: Cynara 1
Hypoglycemia
Glycyrrhiza 1: Oplopanax 2: Trigonella 1: Eleutherococcus 1: Foeniculum 1