Liquorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial legume used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied as an expectorant, demulcent, and anodyne for coughs, sores, burns, and bacterial infections, and has been used for conditions ranging from Addison's disease to various skin ailments. Scientific evidence suggests potential for managing chronic respiratory conditions via mucilage and iridoid compounds, and preclinical data indicates possible neuroprotective and cognitive support roles. Some studies also suggest it may modulate metabolic parameters in PCOS or support cardiac mitochondrial redox homeostasis. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- cough · expectorant
- Traditions
- TCM · Japanese (Kampo) · Unani · Western phytotherapy · traditional · Ayurveda
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- cough
- expectorant
- demulcent
- addison's-disease
- alterative
- antidote
- diuretic
- pectoral
- sores
- alexiteric
- anodyne
- bacterial infections
- boils
- burns
- candida
What the science says
- The study assessed the potential of licorice supplementation to modulate metabolic and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra, among other plants, shows potential in managing chronic respiratory conditions through mechanisms involving mucilage and iridoid compounds.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra shows potential as a complementary approach for cognitive support and neuroprotection based on preclinical evidence, but more large-scale clinical studies are needed.
- HP and GE preserved cardiac mitochondrial redox homeostasis in E2 deficiency by modulating MAO-A and ERβ.
- The review identified common herbal pairs containing Paeoniae Radix Alba, with Glycyrrhiza glabra frequently paired, though no specific health effects are stated.
Frequently asked questions
What is Liquorice?
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Liquorice traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Liquorice for: cough, expectorant, demulcent, addison's-disease, alterative, antidote. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Liquorice?
Liquorice appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Japanese (Kampo), Unani, Western phytotherapy, traditional, Ayurveda.
What does the scientific evidence say about Liquorice?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Liquorice; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study assessed the potential of licorice supplementation to modulate metabolic and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS.
How strong is the evidence for Liquorice?
The strongest finding for Liquorice carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Liquorice safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Liquorice in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Liquorice interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Liquorice in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Liquorice?
Liquorice is also known as: лакрица, réglisse.
Is Liquorice a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Therapeutic potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) in modulating metabolic and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Herbal pairs containing Paeoniae Radix Alba: A review of pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and data mining analysis of compatibility patterns. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hypericum perforatum L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. preserve cardiac mitochondrial redox homeostasis in E2 deficiency via ERβ-MAO-A modulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Traditional Respiratory Remedies From Anatolia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Bioactive Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Herbal Neurotherapeutics for Cognitive Disorders: Integrative Mechanisms Linking Neurotransmitter Systems, Neurodegeneration, and the Gut-Brain Axis. literature abstract metadata