Licorice is mostly associated with candy and has been used in food and medicine for 1,000 years. It contains various compounds that may help with heartburn, cancer, and a leaky gut. Keep reading to learn more about its health benefits.<\/p>\n
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Licorice, or liquorice, is a plant native to southern Europe and Asia and used to flavor candies, sweeteners, and tobacco products. It is also a widely-used Chinese herb [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Licorice has many components with promising health benefits. It has been used in herbal and folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n Glycyrrhizin is an active compound in licorice with several health benefits, as well as significant side effects like hypertension [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has glycyrrhizin removed, thus preventing its side effects. DGL is available in wafers, capsules, liquids, and lozenges [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Without glycyrrhizin, DGL is not associated with any identified adverse effects but still retains some of its beneficial properties. DGL supplements lack the side effects of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid [R<\/a>]. DGL is typically used to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.<\/p>\n The main active component of licorice is glycyrrhizin, which is transformed into glycyrrhizic acid in the gut. Glycyrrhetinic acid is a potent inhibitor of an enzyme (11-\u00df-HSD) that turns cortisol<\/a> to a less active form (cortisone) – so, glycyrrhizic acid in regular licorice increases cortisol levels [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The liver breaks down glycyrrhetinic acid, but taking too much licorice might lead to toxic glycyrrhetinic acid buildup [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Glabridin is the most abundant flavonoid in licorice. Preliminary research suggests it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective. This flavonoid is absorbed well in humans, though more studies are needed. [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Licochalcone A (LicoA) is a polyphenol. It has potential antiparasitic, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It stops inflammation in cells by suppressing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS<\/a>) signaling, COX-2<\/a>, and UV<\/a> light-induced damage. It may also prevent cancer (by suppressing the Akt<\/a>\/mTOR<\/a> pathways) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Isoliquiritigenin has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. It has a high affinity for the liver, kidneys, and small and large intestines [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It is absorbed well in rats but has a bioavailability of 12%, likely because the liver and gut break most of it down [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nDeglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) vs Regular Licorice<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Active Compounds<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Glycyrrhizin<\/b><\/h4>\n
Glabridin<\/b><\/h4>\n
Licochalcone A<\/b><\/h4>\n
Isoliquiritigenin<\/b><\/h4>\n