# Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice Root Extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/glycyrrhiza-glabra-l
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Liquorice Root Extract, Sweet Root, Gan Cao, Yashtimadhu, Mulethi, DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice), GutGard, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Licorice Extract, Glycyrrhiza Root, European Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Common Licorice

## Overview

Licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) contains glycyrrhizin and its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid as primary bioactives, which modulate [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) metabolism, inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and exert [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects on gastrointestinal mucosa. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) formulations like GutGard® are specifically used to support digestive comfort and [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) without the [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)-raising effects of glycyrrhizin.

## Health Benefits

• Supports healthy insulin [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and weight management - RCT (n=58) showed significant reductions in HOMA-IR and body weight with 1,500 mg/day (moderate evidence)
• Promotes digestive comfort and functional dyspepsia relief - Two RCTs (n≈100) demonstrated symptom improvements with GutGard® 150 mg/day (moderate evidence)
• Supports H. pylori eradication - Clinical trial showed efficacy with GutGard® via COX/LOX inhibition (moderate evidence)
• Enhances wound healing - Preclinical studies showed 5% topical extract optimized burn recovery (preliminary evidence)
• Reduces [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers - RCT (n=89) in COVID-19 patients showed improved CRP and ALT levels (moderate evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), an enzyme that converts inactive cortisone to active [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) in peripheral tissues, thereby reducing local glucocorticoid activity and improving [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) as measured by HOMA-IR. Flavonoids such as liquiritin and isoliquiritigenin activate PPARγ receptors and suppress NF-κB signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. DGL fractions specifically inhibit H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelium and stimulate mucin secretion, reinforcing the mucosal barrier and alleviating functional dyspepsia symptoms.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial (n=58) demonstrated that 1,500 mg/day of licorice root extract produced statistically significant reductions in HOMA-IR and body weight compared to placebo, providing moderate-quality evidence for metabolic benefits. Two additional RCTs (combined n≈100) using the standardized DGL preparation GutGard® at 150 mg/day reported meaningful improvements in functional dyspepsia symptom scores versus control groups. Evidence quality is moderate overall, limited by relatively small sample sizes and short intervention durations; larger, longer trials are needed to confirm durability of effects. No head-to-head trials currently compare licorice root extract to standard pharmacological agents for dyspepsia or [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Nutritional Profile

Licorice root extract is a concentrated botanical preparation with negligible macronutrient content at typical supplemental doses (150–1,500 mg/day). Key bioactive compounds include: Triterpenoid saponins — glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid) is the primary marker compound at approximately 2–25% by dry weight in root material, though deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) formulations reduce this to <3% to minimize mineralocorticoid side effects; glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed in the gut to its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-glycyrrhetinic acid), which exhibits the primary pharmacological activity with estimated oral bioavailability of ~15–30% due to hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Flavonoids — glabridin (0.1–0.3% in root extract) and liquiritin (liquiritigenin glucoside, approximately 0.5–2%) are major polyphenolic constituents; glabridin bioavailability is enhanced by lipid-based delivery. Chalcones — isoliquiritigenin and licochalcone A are present at trace concentrations (<0.1%) with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and metabolic activity. Coumarins — licopyranocoumarin and glycycoumarin at minor concentrations (<0.05%). Polysaccharides — water-soluble glycyrrhizan (pectic polysaccharides) contribute to mucosal-soothing properties; content varies by extraction method. Minerals — naturally contains trace potassium (relevant to glycyrrhizin-mediated pseudoaldosteronism risk at high doses), calcium, and magnesium at nutritionally insignificant levels in supplemental doses. Standardized commercial extracts (e.g., GutGard®) are typically standardized to ≥15% glabridin or total flavonoids. Fat-soluble constituents such as glabridin exhibit improved absorption when taken with food containing dietary fat.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include: dried licorice extract at 1,500 mg/day for metabolic support; GutGard® (standardized flavonoid extract) at 150 mg/day for 60 days for [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health); topical preparations at 5-20% w/w in hydrogels for wound care. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Whole licorice extracts containing glycyrrhizin can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism at doses above approximately 100 mg glycyrrhizin/day, leading to sodium retention, hypokalemia, elevated blood pressure, and edema, particularly with prolonged use exceeding 4–6 weeks. Licorice root may potentiate antihypertensive drugs (reducing efficacy), interact with corticosteroids (amplifying mineralocorticoid effects), and increase risk of hypokalemia when combined with diuretics or stimulant laxatives. DGL formulations with glycyrrhizin removed carry significantly lower [cardiovascular risk](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) but are still not recommended during pregnancy due to evidence linking glycyrrhizin exposure to adverse fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or those taking warfarin, digoxin, or hormonal contraceptives should consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a randomized double-blind trial (PMID: 29670847) showing licorice extract (1,500 mg/day) significantly reduced [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and body weight in 58 overweight subjects. Two RCTs on GutGard® (150 mg/day) demonstrated efficacy for functional dyspepsia and H. pylori eradication through [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanisms. A recent COVID-19 trial (PMID: 37847472, n=89) found licorice improved CRP and ALT markers without affecting mortality.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Licorice root has been used for millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Greco-Arabic medicine for gastrointestinal issues, respiratory conditions, and as an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) agent. Traditional preparations include root beverages at 30 mg/mL concentrations, and it continues to play a role in TCM formulations for harmonizing herbs and treating inflammatory conditions.

## Synergistic Combinations

[Probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, Zinc carnosine, Slippery elm, Ginger extract, Curcumin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of licorice root extract for digestive health?

Clinical trials supporting functional dyspepsia relief used GutGard®, a deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparation, at 150 mg/day. For metabolic and insulin-related outcomes, an RCT used 1,500 mg/day of whole licorice root extract. DGL formulations are preferred for long-term digestive use because glycyrrhizin removal eliminates the primary driver of blood pressure and electrolyte side effects.

### Is licorice root extract safe to take every day?

Daily use of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) at recommended doses is generally considered safe for most healthy adults over typical study durations of 4–12 weeks. Whole licorice extracts retaining glycyrrhizin should not be used continuously at doses delivering more than approximately 100 mg glycyrrhizin/day, as this threshold is associated with hypokalemia and elevated blood pressure. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, or those on relevant medications should seek medical guidance before daily supplementation.

### Can licorice root extract help with weight loss?

A randomized controlled trial (n=58) found that 1,500 mg/day of licorice root extract produced statistically significant reductions in body weight and HOMA-IR compared to placebo. The mechanism involves glycyrrhetinic acid inhibiting 11β-HSD1, lowering local cortisol in adipose tissue and improving insulin sensitivity. Evidence remains preliminary and licorice root should be viewed as a supportive adjunct rather than a standalone weight loss treatment.

### What is the difference between licorice root extract and DGL licorice?

Standard licorice root extract retains glycyrrhizin, the triterpenoid saponin responsible for the herb's characteristic sweetness and its mineralocorticoid-like side effects including hypertension and hypokalemia. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is processed to remove at least 97% of glycyrrhizin, making it safer for extended gastrointestinal use without meaningful cardiovascular risk. Most clinical evidence for digestive health specifically uses DGL formulations like GutGard® at 150 mg/day, while metabolic studies have used higher doses of whole extract.

### Does licorice root extract interact with any medications?

Licorice root containing glycyrrhizin can antagonize antihypertensive medications by promoting sodium retention and raising blood pressure through pseudohyperaldosteronism. It may amplify the effects of corticosteroids and increase hypokalemia risk when combined with thiazide or loop diuretics and stimulant laxatives. Preliminary data also suggest possible interactions with warfarin and digoxin, where altered potassium levels or enzyme activity may affect drug concentrations; individuals on these medications should consult a physician before use.

### What does the clinical research show about licorice root extract for insulin metabolism and weight management?

A randomized controlled trial with 58 participants found that 1,500 mg/day of licorice root extract significantly reduced HOMA-IR (a marker of insulin resistance) and body weight compared to placebo, indicating moderate-strength evidence for metabolic support. This suggests licorice root extract may help promote healthy glucose metabolism and support weight management efforts when combined with lifestyle modifications. The evidence base is considered moderate, meaning additional studies would strengthen these findings.

### Is licorice root extract safe for pregnant women or children?

Licorice root extract is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in high doses, as excessive glycyrrhizin consumption may affect hormone levels and increase certain pregnancy risks. For children, licorice root extract should only be used under professional supervision and at significantly lower doses than adult recommendations. Pregnant women and parents considering licorice for children should consult a healthcare provider before supplementation.

### How does licorice root extract compare to other herbal remedies for digestive comfort?

While licorice root extract (particularly standardized forms like GutGard®) has demonstrated efficacy for functional dyspepsia at 150 mg/day in clinical trials, it works through different mechanisms than other digestive herbs—promoting mucus production and soothing inflammation rather than enzyme support like bromelain or ginger. Unlike some digestive botanicals, licorice root's benefits extend to H. pylori support, making it a multi-action option for gastrointestinal health. The choice between licorice and alternatives depends on individual digestive concerns and safety profile considerations.

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