Licorice Root for Vegans and Vegetarians

Licorice Root for Vegans and Vegetarians

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis) has been used in traditional medicine across Asia and Europe for centuries. The active compounds — primarily glycyrrhizin and its metabolite glycyrrhetic acid — are derived entirely from plant material. This means licorice root vegan compatibility is excellent at the compound level. The practical question, as with all herbal capsules, is whether the full formulation (capsule material, binders, excipients) aligns with vegan requirements.

Why Plant-Based Diets May Fall Short

Vegans and vegetarians who are exploring digestive and adrenal support often look to herbal adaptogens. Licorice root has traditionally been used for its association with digestive comfort, and research has explored its role in gastrointestinal health. Plant-based diets rich in fibre may already support gut health, but individual variation in digestive resilience means that some plant-based eaters still experience bloating, occasional heartburn, or mucosal discomfort — areas where licorice root is commonly explored.

The glycyrrhizin component may support mucosal integrity in the gastrointestinal tract (Asl & Hosseinzadeh, 2008), which has relevance regardless of dietary pattern but may be of particular interest to vegans who rely on high-fibre diets that place ongoing demands on gut lining.

Vegan-Friendly Sources and Forms

Licorice root supplements are sourced from the dried root or root extract of Glycyrrhiza species — fully plant-derived. The forms available include:

• Standardised root extract capsules: The most common supplement form. Vegan status depends on the capsule shell (HPMC = vegan; gelatin = not vegan).
• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): A processed form with most of the glycyrrhizin removed. Used specifically for digestive support while reducing the blood-pressure and electrolyte concerns associated with regular licorice. DGL is equally available in plant-capsule or tablet form.
• Herbal teas and loose root: Entirely plant-based and vegan by nature.

For vegan shoppers, looking for an explicit vegan certification mark on the label or confirming "HPMC capsule" in the ingredient list are practical checks.

Dose Targets

Dose ranges in research vary considerably depending on the form (whole root, standardised extract, DGL) and the outcome studied. Regular licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, and daily amounts containing substantial glycyrrhizin over extended periods have been associated with elevated blood pressure and potassium lowering in some individuals (van Gelderen et al., 2000). For this reason, DGL formulations are preferred for longer-term digestive support, as the concern linked to glycyrrhizin is largely removed.

For supplemental use, following the manufacturer's serving guidance is appropriate. Limiting standard licorice extract use to occasional or short-term periods (a few weeks at a time) is a sensible precaution unless using DGL.

What to Combine

Licorice root is sometimes combined with other digestive-support herbs such as ginger or slippery elm in traditional herbalism. From a vegan lifestyle standpoint, combining it with gut-supporting probiotic supplements is a commonly discussed approach for overall digestive wellness.

Caution: licorice root (non-DGL) should not be combined with diuretics or medications for hypertension without medical guidance, due to its potential to affect aldosterone and blood pressure.

Choosing a Vegan Product

At maxfit.ee, OstroVit Licorice VEGE 90caps is specifically formulated for plant-based consumers — the VEGE designation confirms a vegetable capsule rather than gelatin. This is the type of explicit declaration to look for when choosing any herbal supplement as a vegan.

Beyond capsule material, check for standardisation percentage on the label (indicating extract potency), the absence of unnecessary animal-derived additives, and a clearly stated serving size.

FAQ

Is licorice root safe for long-term vegan use?

Regular licorice root (containing glycyrrhizin) should not be used long-term in high amounts, as it may affect blood pressure and electrolytes (van Gelderen et al., 2000). DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) removes most of the glycyrrhizin and is better suited for ongoing digestive use. Always follow label guidance.

Can licorice root interact with any supplements common in vegan diets?

Licorice root has few interactions with typical vegan supplements like B12, vitamin D, or omega-3s. The primary interactions are with conventional medications. If you take any prescription medication, consult your doctor first.

What does the VEGE label on licorice root capsules mean?

VEGE on a supplement label typically indicates that the capsule shell is made from a vegetable-derived material (commonly HPMC or pullulan) rather than gelatin, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

References

Asl, M. N., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its bioactive compounds. Phytotherapy Research, 22(6), 709-724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18446848/

van Gelderen, C. E., Bijlsma, J. A., van Dokkum, W., & Savelkoul, T. J. (2000). Glycyrrhizic acid: the assessment of a no effect level. Human and Experimental Toxicology, 19(8), 434-439.