Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra, family Fabaceae. Part discussed: Root.

Identity

Common name: Licorice
Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family: Fabaceae
Part or material: Root
Classification: Botanical
Educational category: Digestive Wellness

About

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., G. inflata Bat., G. uralensis Fisch., Fabaceae, root (radix).

Forms and distinctions

Different preparations of the same material are described separately, because what is recorded for one form does not carry to another.

Root only. NCCIH additionally distinguishes deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) as a separate preparation.

Safety considerations

Generally considered safe as a food ingredient; glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, especially in large or long-term amounts; even small amounts have been linked to severe effects in people who consume a lot of salt or have hypertension or heart or kidney conditions; DGL products might be safe for up to 4 months; topical use may cause skin irritation; large oral amounts in pregnancy are unsafe and can increase risk of delivery before 38 weeks gestation; little is known about breastfeeding; interactions with corticosteroids have been reported.

Part of this record is still being confirmed with its issuing authority. What is published is what the sources carry, and nothing more.

References

The authorities this entry draws on, named so you can weigh them yourself.

EMA HMPC Liquiritiae radix · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
NCCIH Licorice Root · US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

This entry is educational. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a statement about any Pam Oh Herbs Collection or its contents. It carries no dosage and no claim of effect.