Glycyrrhiza glabra Background

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, has a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, with its earliest recorded use dating back to 2800 B.C. in Chinese medicine[1].

This perennial herb, native to Asia Minor and the Caucasus, has been revered across cultures for its medicinal properties, from ancient Egypt to Tibet[1].

The plant's scientific discovery is attributed to Carl Linnaeus, who described it in his work "Species Plantarum" in 1753[1].

Modern research has unveiled Glycyrrhiza glabra's potential in treating approximately 80 diseases, highlighting its significance in contemporary medicine and nutrition[2].

Glycyrrhiza glabra Systemic Applications

Glycyrrhiza glabra demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from respiratory disorders to skin diseases and jaundice[2].

Its anti-inflammatory properties, similar to hydrocortisone, make it effective in treating various inflammatory processes[2].

The plant's hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities have been attributed to its efficacy in preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils at inflammation sites[2].

Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts have shown potential in preventing mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in rat liver cells, further supporting its systemic benefits[2].

Glycyrrhiza glabra for Brain and Cognition

Glycyrrhiza glabra, particularly its compound glycyrrhizic acid (GA), has shown promising effects on cognitive function in aging mice[3].

Studies have demonstrated that GA can improve learning and memory abilities in middle-aged mice, as evidenced by Morris water maze results[3].

Research suggests that GA's cognitive benefits may be linked to its ability to increase T and B cells, highlighting a potential connection between the immune system and cognitive function[3].

These findings open new avenues for exploring Glycyrrhiza glabra's potential in addressing age-related cognitive decline[3].

Glycyrrhiza glabra for Eye and Vision

Glycyrrhiza glabra has shown potential benefits for eye health, particularly in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED)[4].

A study using glycyrrhizin 2.5% eye drops demonstrated significant improvements in tear film break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer scores in patients with moderate DED after 28 days of treatment[4].

The eye drops also reduced patient-reported symptoms such as burning, foreign body sensation, pruritus, ocular pain, dryness, and blurred vision[4].

Additionally, a natural flavonoid found in licorice root, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), has shown promise in suppressing abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina and cornea, which could be beneficial for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD)[8].

Relevant quotes:

"Moringa oleifera, with its multiple immune regulatory bioactivities and few side effects, has a marked potential to treat immune disorders." - From a review published in Nutrients[2].

"There's significant evidence that it aids memory and cognitive function" - Dr. Ray Sahelian, nutrition expert and author[2].

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the substance with the highest content of triterpenoid saponins that can be extracted from licorice, and has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer functions, among others." - From "Glycyrrhizic Acid Improves Cognitive Levels of Aging Mice" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7175350/)[3].

"In this pilot study, glycyrrhizin 2.5% eye drops were well tolerated and provide a good clinical benefit to patients with moderate DED after 28 days of treatment." - From "Efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin 2.5% eye drops in the treatment of moderate dry eye disease" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6300369/)[4].

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects[2]

2. Antioxidant activity[2]

3. Hepatoprotective action[2]

4. Immune system modulation[3]

5. Neuroprotection[3]

Related benefits:

1. Improved cognitive function and memory in aging[3]

2. Treatment of dry eye disease[4]

3. Potential suppression of abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye[8]

4. Respiratory disorder relief[2]

5. Skin disease treatment[2]

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

- No specific dosage ranges were provided in the search results.

Botanical information:

- Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra L.[1]

- Typical content range: Not provided in the search results.

- Range of plant material for suggested dosage: Not provided in the search results.

Common names:

1. Licorice[1]

2. Liquorice[1]

3. Sweet root[1]

4. Gan cao (Chinese)[1]

5. Yashtimadhu (Sanskrit)[1]

Citations:

[1] https://www.avogel.com/plant-encyclopaedia/glycyrrhiza_glabra.php

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7175350/

[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2020.570116/full

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6300369/

[5] https://tomsgroup.com/en/toms-history/the-story-of-liquorice/

[6] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/7571132

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5974064/

[8] https://angio.org/natural-flavonoid-in-licorice-root-can-fight-leading-causes-of-vision-loss/

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7125727/