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Title: Licorice Root: Traditional Uses and Modern Research
Background:
Licorice root is a versatile plant with origins in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It serves as a flavor enhancer in confectionery products like candies, beverages, foods, and tobacco items. While anise oil may sometimes replace actual licorice due to its similar aroma and taste, licorice has been employed historically across various cultures for treating diverse lments since ancient times.
Traditional Uses:
In Assyrian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian civilizations, licorice root was widely used for managing conditions related to the lungs, liver, circulatory system, kidneys, among others. Traditionally applied for a wide range of health issues, its therapeutic applications spanned digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, cough management, bacterialviral infections, post-surgical sore throat prevention and reduction.
Modern Research:
A plethora of studies on licorice root in participants has been conducted; however, solid evidence supporting its efficacy for any medical condition is still lacking. This uncertnty around the avlable data suggests that while it holds historical significance and continues to be used today, the scientific consensus remns inconclusive.
What We Know:
Certn combination products contning licorice root have been shown to alleviate digestive issues. Given these are mixed formulas, attributing specific effects solely to licorice is challenging.
Clinical Evidence for Sore Throat:
Limited studies suggest that licorice gargles or lozenges might d in preventing or reducing the severity of post-surgical sore throat. This potential application awts broader validation through further research.
Safety Concerns:
Though licorice root is generally safe as a culinary additive, its ingestion in large doses or over prolonged periods can lead to serious side effects including hypertension and hypokalemia low potassium levels. Licorice's safety profile varies deping on the product composition.
Glycyrrhizic Acid:
The majority of licorice’s adverse effects appear linked to its active component, glycyrrhizic acid, which can contribute to hypertensive conditions and electrolyte imbalances when taken in excessive amounts.
Regulatory Considerations:
Some countries restrict the use or limit doses for certn populations sensitive to licorice. For example, pregnant women are advised agnst consuming large quantities due to potential risks.
:
While licorice has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, the scientific community remns divided on its efficacy and safety when used beyond culinary purposes. Future research address these gaps by elucidating licorice's active components, their dosages, and mechanisms of action more clearly.
Key References
Armanini D., Fiore C., Bielenberg J., et al. Licorice. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed., New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010.
Kuriyama A., Maeda H. Topical application of licorice for prevention of postoperative sore throat in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia 2019.
Licorice Natural Medicines Database Accessed on March 5, 2020.
Nazari S., Rameshrad M., Hosseinzadeh H. Toxicological effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra licorice: a review. Phytotherapy Research 2017.
Penninkilampi R., Eslick EM, Eslick GD. The association between consistent licorice ingestion, hypertension and hypokalaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hypertension 2017.
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Traditional Uses of Licorice Root Modern Research on Licorice Efficacy Licorice Root and Digestive Issues Sore Throat Relief with Licorice Gargles Glycyrrhizic Acid Safety Concerns Regulation and Licorice Usage Guidelines