Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin that provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. This compound inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to cortisol-like activity that supports digestive and respiratory health.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Licorice is a perennial herb native to Southern Europe and Asia. The root is harvested and processed into various forms, including powders, extracts, and teas.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies on licorice have shown potential benefits for digestive health and respiratory conditions, though excessive use can lead to adverse effects. More research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Glycyrrhiza glabra root (dried) per 100g: Carbohydrates 47-50g (primary component includes glycyrrhizin 2-25g, a triterpenoid saponin glycoside and the principal bioactive sweet compound); Fiber 7-9g (lignin, cellulose, pectin); Protein 9-12g (moderate bioavailability due to bound polyphenols); Fat 0.5-0.8g (negligible). Key bioactive compounds: Glycyrrhizic acid (glycyrrhizin) 2-9% of dry root weight — hydrolyzed in gut to glycyrrhetinic acid (high bioavailability ~70-80%); Glabridin (flavanone) 0.1-0.3% — potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, bioavailability enhanced with fat co-ingestion; Liquiritin and liquiritigenin (flavonoids) ~0.3-0.5% — absorbed via intestinal hydrolysis; Isoliquiritigenin (chalcone) ~0.05-0.1% — moderate bioavailability. Minerals per 100g: Potassium 1200-1500mg (notable; high intake may cause hypokalemia due to glycyrrhizin); Calcium 140-170mg; Magnesium 85-100mg; Iron 3.5-4.5mg; Phosphorus 95-110mg; Zinc 1.5-2mg; Sodium 50-70mg (naturally occurring). Vitamins: Thiamine (B1) 0.3mg; Riboflavin (B2) 0.1mg; Niacin (B3) 1.5-2mg; Vitamin E (tocopherols) 2-3mg. Additional bioactives: Coumarins (liqcoumarin, glycycoumarin) ~0.1%; Polysaccharides (arabinogalactans, glucans) 5-10g per 100g — contribute to immunomodulatory effects; Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) ~150mg; Asparagine (free amino acid) notable presence. Bioavailability notes: Glycyrrhizin is poorly absorbed intact (~15-20%) but gut bacteria convert it efficiently to glycyrrhetinic acid (70-80% absorption rate). Flavonoids show increased bioavailability with piperine or fat co-ingestion. Aqueous extracts retain glycyrrhizin and polysaccharides well; ethanolic extracts concentrate glabridin and flavonoids more effectively.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, preventing cortisol breakdown and creating mineralocorticoid effects. The compound also blocks nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production. Flavonoids like liquiritin and isoliquiritin provide additional antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A randomized controlled trial (n=120) showed licorice extract improved functional dyspepsia symptoms by 40% compared to placebo over 4 weeks. Respiratory studies demonstrate 30% improvement in mucus clearance, though sample sizes remain modest (n=60-80). Most clinical evidence comes from small-scale trials lasting 2-8 weeks, indicating preliminary but promising therapeutic potential.
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