What Does Licorice Root Do?
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used in herbal medicine across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for thousands of years. Its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin that gives licorice its characteristic sweet taste and drives most of its pharmacological effects.
The main evidence-backed uses fall into three areas:
Digestive support. Licorice root extracts, particularly deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), are widely used for gastric comfort. A randomised trial found that DGL extract reduced symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia (Raveendra et al., 2012).
Upper respiratory soothing. Glycyrrhizin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties in laboratory and some clinical settings. It is a common ingredient in sore throat preparations across European pharmacies.
Adrenal and cortisol support. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts active cortisol to inactive cortisone. This prolongs cortisol activity — useful for people with low cortisol (e.g. after chronic stress), but a risk for those with normal or high cortisol.
OstroVit Licorice VEGE 90caps is the main licorice product available at maxfit.ee, offering a standardised Glycyrrhiza glabra extract in vegetarian capsules.
How to Start
Licorice root supplements come in two main forms:
Standard (full-spectrum) extracts containing glycyrrhizin — these are the ones with the cortisol and blood-pressure effects. Suitable for short-term use.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) — glycyrrhizin has been removed, leaving compounds that support the stomach lining without the hormonal effects. Better for digestive use and longer-term consumption.
For beginners targeting digestive health, a DGL product taken 20 minutes before meals is the standard approach. For standard extract, a common starting dose is one capsule (typically 400–500 mg of extract) daily.
Start with the lowest recommended dose on the label. This is one area where more is decidedly not better — licorice root has dose-dependent side effects that emerge with overuse.
What to Expect and When
Digestive effects: Some users notice reduced bloating and post-meal discomfort within 1–2 weeks of consistent use.
Throat and respiratory comfort: Effects during a sore throat episode may be felt within a day or two of use.
Adrenal/cortisol effects: These emerge over 2–4 weeks and are subtle — improved stress resilience and energy stability. These are also the effects most likely to become problematic with extended use.
Licorice root should generally be used for defined periods — 4–8 weeks is a common cycle — with a break before resuming.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
1. Using too much for too long. This is the key safety concern with licorice. Glycyrrhizin at high doses over extended periods raises blood pressure and causes potassium loss (pseudoaldosteronism). Most clinical cases of licorice toxicity involve large amounts of licorice candy eaten daily for months, but supplements with high glycyrrhizin content present the same risk if overused.
2. Choosing the wrong form. For stomach issues, DGL is the correct choice. For respiratory support, a standard extract may be preferred. Read labels carefully.
3. Combining with blood pressure medication. Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. If you take blood pressure medication, use DGL only and inform your prescribing doctor.
4. Using during pregnancy. Observational data suggest that high prenatal licorice exposure is associated with adverse developmental outcomes (Räikkönen et al., 2009). Pregnant women should avoid licorice root supplements entirely.
5. Ignoring potassium. Long-term use of full-spectrum licorice can deplete potassium. Monitoring potassium levels (or ensuring a potassium-rich diet) is prudent for anyone using standard licorice for more than a few weeks.
Choosing a Product
Key questions to ask:
- DGL or full-spectrum? DGL is safer for long-term digestive use. Full-spectrum is more appropriate for short-term immune/respiratory support.
- What is the glycyrrhizin content? A reputable product will state this. Lower glycyrrhizin means lower risk of blood pressure effects.
- Standardisation: Look for a product standardised to a defined percentage of glycyrrhizic acid.
OstroVit Licorice VEGE 90caps is available through the digestive health category at maxfit.ee. Its VEGE (vegetarian) capsule format makes it compatible with plant-based diets.
References
Raveendra, K. R., Jayachandra, Srinivasa, V., Sushma, K. R., Allan, J. J., Goudar, K. S., Shivaprasad, H. N., Venkateshwarlu, K., Geetharani, P., Sushma, G., & Agarwal, A. (2012). An extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 216970.
Raikkönen, K., Pesonen, A. K., Heinonen, K., Lahti, J., Komsi, N., Eriksson, J. G., Seckl, J. R., Jarvenpaa, A. L., & Strandberg, T. E. (2009). Maternal licorice consumption and detrimental cognitive and psychiatric outcomes in children. American Journal of Epidemiology, 170(9), 1137-1146.
Furuhashi, I., Inoue, T., Sugaya, K., Hatta, F., Miyazaki, S., Ohyama, T., Imamura, K., & Sowa, Y. (2005). Inhibition of insulin resistance by Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract. Phytotherapy Research, 19(4), 340-347.
FAQ
Can I eat licorice candy instead of taking supplements?
Most commercial licorice candy contains very little real licorice root — it is typically flavoured with anise. However, traditional European licorice products (common in the Netherlands and Scandinavia) do contain meaningful amounts of glycyrrhizin. These should be treated with the same caution as supplements when consumed in large amounts.
Does licorice root help with acid reflux?
DGL licorice is one of the better-studied herbal options for gastric comfort, including reflux. It supports the mucous lining of the oesophagus and stomach without blocking acid production. It is not a replacement for medical treatment of diagnosed GORD, but it may help with occasional mild symptoms.
How long can I take licorice root?
Full-spectrum (glycyrrhizin-containing) licorice is generally recommended for no more than 4–6 weeks at typical supplement doses. DGL is considered safer for longer-term use because the compound responsible for blood pressure effects has been removed. If you have any cardiovascular or kidney condition, consult a doctor before use.
