Licorice Root Health Benefits: What the Research Generally Shows
Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe for thousands of years. Today it shows up in herbal teas, throat lozenges, digestive supplements, and skincare products. But what does modern research actually say about how it works — and what factors determine whether it's helpful, neutral, or potentially problematic for a given person?
What Licorice Root Is and Where It Comes From
Licorice root comes from Glycyrrhiza glabra, a legume native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The root contains hundreds of chemical compounds, but the one most studied — and most responsible for both its effects and its risks — is glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid). Glycyrrhizin is roughly 50 times sweeter than sucrose, which explains licorice's distinctive flavor.
A second form, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), is a processed version with most of the glycyrrhizin removed. DGL appears frequently in supplements targeting digestive issues and is generally associated with fewer side effects. The distinction between whole licorice root and DGL matters significantly when evaluating both benefits and risks.
The Compounds That Drive Its Biological Activity
Beyond glycyrrhizin, licorice root contains:
- Flavonoids — including liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin, studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Triterpenoids — including glycyrrhetic acid, the metabolite glycyrrhizin converts to in the body
- Chalcones and isoflavones — compounds that interact with estrogen receptors in research settings
- Polysaccharides — which may support mucous membrane function
These compounds don't act in isolation, which is part of why the research is complex and sometimes inconsistent.
What Research Generally Shows About Its Potential Benefits
🌿 Digestive and Mucosal Support
One of the more studied applications of licorice root — particularly DGL — involves the gastrointestinal tract. Some clinical research suggests DGL may help support the protective mucus lining of the stomach and esophagus. Small trials have explored its use alongside standard care for gastric discomfort and ulcer recovery, though the evidence base remains limited and studies are often small in scale.
Respiratory and Throat Comfort
Licorice root has a long history of use for soothing irritated throats and airways. The demulcent properties of its compounds — their ability to coat and calm mucous membranes — are the likely mechanism. Some research supports a mild expectorant effect, though large, well-controlled human trials in this area are limited.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity
Laboratory and animal studies consistently show that glycyrrhizin and several licorice flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The gap between lab findings and confirmed human outcomes remains significant, and most researchers note that results from cell or animal studies don't automatically translate to the same effects in people.
Adrenal and Cortisol-Related Effects
Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which plays a role in cortisol metabolism. This is why licorice root is sometimes categorized alongside adaptogens — compounds studied for their relationship with the stress response system. However, this same mechanism is responsible for licorice's most important risk: its ability to raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels with regular or high-dose use.
Skin and Antimicrobial Research
Topical and in-vitro research has explored licorice extracts for potential antimicrobial and skin-brightening effects, particularly related to a compound called glabridin. This remains an active area of preliminary research rather than established science.
Key Variables That Shape Individual Outcomes
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Whole root vs. DGL | Glycyrrhizin content drives most known risks; DGL removes much of it |
| Dose and duration | Higher doses and longer use are associated with greater cardiovascular effects |
| Blood pressure status | Existing hypertension significantly changes the risk profile |
| Potassium levels | Glycyrrhizin can lower potassium; those already low are at greater risk |
| Medications | Interactions with blood pressure drugs, diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain heart medications are documented |
| Pregnancy | Research has raised concerns about glycyrrhizin exposure during pregnancy; this is an area where evidence warrants attention |
| Age and kidney function | Both influence how quickly the body processes and clears active compounds |
What the Evidence Doesn't Yet Firmly Establish
Much licorice root research is preliminary — conducted in labs, on animals, or in small human studies without control groups. The strength of evidence varies considerably by application. Digestive uses of DGL have more clinical backing than, say, claims related to hormonal balance or immune function. Enthusiasm in traditional medicine systems doesn't automatically confirm efficacy in controlled research settings.
The Spectrum of Individual Response
Someone with normal blood pressure who occasionally drinks licorice root tea is in a very different position than someone with hypertension taking antihypertensive medications who consumes licorice candy daily. A person using DGL lozenges for occasional reflux faces different considerations than someone taking high-dose whole-root extract long-term for systemic effects.
The form of licorice, the dose, how often it's used, and what's already present in someone's diet and medication list all push the outcome in different directions. Even among people with similar health profiles, how individual bodies metabolize glycyrrhizin varies.
What's consistent in the research is that licorice root's biological activity is real — it's not an inert herb. That same activity is what makes understanding context so important before drawing conclusions about any specific person's situation.
