Licorice Contributions by ColleenO

1. Rakel, D. (2007). Integrative Medicine (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier.
27. Orlent H, Hansen BE, Willems M, et al. Biochemical and histological effects of 26 weeks of glycyrrhizin treatment in chronic hepatitis C: A randomized phase II trial. J Hepatol. 2006 Jun 30. [Epub ahead of print]
28. Arase Y, Ikeda K, Murashima N, et al. The long term efficacy of glycyrrhizin in chronic hepatitis C patients. Cancer. 1997;79:1494-1500

• Naturopathic doctor
• Herbalist
• Integrative MD

In the United States, licorice can be found in oral form as an over-the-counter supplement. Oral forms of licorice come in various preparations--solid dry powder; powdered root; and fluid extract. Recommended dosage:¹

• Solid dry powder: 250-500 mg, three times daily
• Powdered root: 1-2 gm, three times daily
• Fluid extract: 2-4 mL, three times daily

Note: A typical dose of whole licorice is 5 to 15 g daily. However, we do not recommend the use of doses this high for more than a few weeks. For long-term consumption, about 0.3 g of licorice root daily should be safe for most adults. (See Side Effects and Warnings.) Individuals who wish to take a higher dose should do so only under the supervision of a physician.

Research evidence on the use of licorice products to treat hepatitis are mixed. So far, licorice shows more potential in animal studies than in human studies.¹

Treatments made from licorice root are often used to treat hepatitis in Japan.¹ In some cases, licorice extracts are used intravenously.^27,28

Enter section content.. Licorice may improve liver function and reduce mortality in people with hepatitis. The extract of licorice root is glycyrrhizin. This substance has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties,¹ so licorice probably helps treat hepatitis by reducing inflammation and cell damage in the liver.

Treatments made from licorice root are often used to treat hepatitis in Japan.¹ In some cases, licorice extracts are used intravenously.^27,28

Licorice may improve liver function and reduce mortality in people with hepatitis. The extract of licorice root is glycyrrhizin. This substance has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties,¹ so licorice probably helps treat hepatitis by reducing inflammation and cell damage in the liver.