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Traditional Medicine Meets Cutting-Edge Health Science
For thousands of years, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has held a revered place in medicine.
From ancient Egypt, where it was brewed into healing drinks, to Chinese and Greek physicians who prescribed it for coughs and stomach ailments, licorice has always been valued for more than its sweet taste. In modern times, researchers have begun to confirm what traditional healers suspected all along: licorice contains powerful compounds with wide-ranging health effects.
Today, licorice root is studied for its impact on digestion, immunity, inflammation, cancer, and even oral health. Its potential is vast, but so too are the cautions that must be observed when using it.
The Biochemical Powerhouse Behind Licorice
Licorice root contains more than 300 bioactive compounds, the most famous being glycyrrhizin. This compound, along with others like liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and glabridin, is responsible for licorice’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
Scientists have found that these chemicals act on multiple systems in the body, making licorice one of the most versatile plants in natural medicine.
Digestive Health and Ulcer Protection
One of the best-documented uses of licorice is in digestive health. Licorice stimulates mucus production, shielding the stomach lining from acid irritation. It also suppresses gastrin, a hormone that drives acid release, while simultaneously improving blood flow to the stomach lining. Together, these effects protect against ulcers and promote healing.
Clinical research backs this up. Trials have shown that both licorice extract and its gentler form, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), speed ulcer recovery and reduce recurrence. In one study of 120 participants, adding licorice to conventional ulcer treatment improved eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers, and eased symptoms. For oral ulcers, licorice mouth rinses or topical gels significantly reduced pain and sped healing.
DGL, which has the glycyrrhizin removed, is particularly favored for long-term gastrointestinal use because it avoids many of the side effects tied to raw licorice.
Licorice and Cancer Research
Another promising area of study is cancer prevention and support. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, two compounds in licorice, trigger apoptosis—programmed cell death—in several cancer types including stomach, liver, skin, breast, and leukemia cells. Lab studies show these compounds also slow tumor growth and may enhance the effects of chemotherapy.
For patients undergoing chemotherapy, licorice has shown potential in reducing mucositis, the painful mouth ulcers caused by treatment. While human trials are still limited, ongoing studies are exploring licorice extracts in prostate and liver cancers, suggesting that this ancient root could find a modern role as an adjunct in cancer care.
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection
One of the most remarkable features of licorice root is its ability to fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Against bacteria, licorice shows activity even against antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus). It also inhibits Streptococcus species linked to oral infections, as well as Helicobacter pylori, the stomach bacteria behind ulcers. Studies further demonstrate its ability to slow or block the growth of E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella.
Against fungi, licorice compounds interfere with Candida albicans by preventing it from transitioning into invasive forms and disrupting biofilm growth. This makes it useful in oral thrush and other fungal infections.
Against viruses, licorice root is equally impressive. It has been shown to slow the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), inhibit the spread of HIV, and help block hepatitis C virus replication while improving liver enzyme levels. Laboratory studies also indicate antiviral activity against influenza, RSV, coxsackievirus, enteroviruses, and even coronaviruses. These findings point to licorice’s unique immunomodulatory effects, helping the body mount a more effective defense.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Modulation
Chronic inflammation is at the heart of many modern diseases, from arthritis and asthma to heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Licorice compounds help regulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing cytokines and prostaglandins, chemicals that drive pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
Because of this, licorice is being studied as a natural option for conditions such as eczema, acne, asthma, and seasonal allergies. Its ability to calm immune overreaction while supporting repair makes it valuable across multiple systems.
Support for Metabolism, Heart, and Liver
Beyond immunity and digestion, licorice also exerts effects on metabolism and organ health. Clinical research suggests that glycyrrhetinic acid may reduce body fat and influence hormones that regulate blood pressure. Early studies point to licorice helping with insulin sensitivity, offering potential support in diabetes.
In liver health, licorice has been shown to improve enzyme profiles in patients with hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its antioxidant properties may protect against liver inflammation and fibrosis.
For the heart, licorice flavonoids help reduce oxidative stress and slow the development of atherosclerosis. While more clinical trials are needed, the evidence suggests licorice could play a role in cardiovascular protection when used carefully.
Dental and Oral Health Benefits
Licorice is no stranger to dental applications. Its extracts reduce bacteria responsible for cavities, plaque, and gum disease. In clinical trials, licorice mouth rinses and gels improved healing of canker sores and reduced oral thrush.
Some dental care products are now incorporating licorice extract for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hormonal Balance and Menopausal Support
Another area of growing interest is licorice’s effect on hormones. Certain compounds in the root can mimic or influence estrogen activity.
This has made licorice a candidate for easing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss. Women with irregular cycles or hormonal imbalances sometimes turn to licorice as a natural aid, though more rigorous trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy.
Healing Burns and Wounds
Research also shows licorice helps heal external injuries. Clinical studies demonstrate that topical licorice promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and accelerates wound closure. Burn patients, in particular, have benefited from licorice-based ointments that support recovery and lessen discomfort.
Tradition Meets Innovation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice root is known as a “harmonizer”—an herb that balances and enhances the effects of others in multi-herb formulas. Historically, it has been used to relieve coughs, sore throats, fatigue, and irritation in the digestive or urinary tracts.
Today, licorice is available in capsules, teas, liquid extracts, powders, and topical preparations. Its dual role as both a traditional healer and a scientifically investigated herb highlights its enduring relevance.
Safety and Side Effects
Despite its benefits, licorice is not without risks. Glycyrrhizin can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, leading to elevated blood pressure and, in some cases, heart rhythm disturbances. For this reason, people with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart conditions should avoid high doses of raw licorice. Pregnant women are also advised against using licorice due to potential developmental risks for the baby.
Licorice can interact with medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners by altering potassium levels and drug metabolism. This makes medical guidance essential before using licorice supplements regularly.
A safer option for many people is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which removes glycyrrhizin but retains most of the therapeutic compounds. DGL is widely used for ulcers and long-term digestive support without the same blood pressure concerns.
The Research Road Ahead
While the evidence for licorice’s health benefits is strong in many areas, much of it comes from laboratory or small clinical studies. Larger, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its role in cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular protection, and immune modulation. Future research will also need to establish optimal dosages and delivery methods for different conditions.
Conclusion: A Root Worth Respecting
Licorice root is more than just a flavoring for candy or tea. It is a pharmacological powerhouse with centuries of traditional use now backed by modern science. Its protective effects on the stomach, its ability to fight infections, and its potential in cancer and chronic disease prevention make it one of the most versatile herbs in natural medicine.
At the same time, its potency demands respect. Used carelessly, licorice can raise blood pressure, disrupt electrolytes, and interfere with medications for some folks. That’s because it’s so powerful. Used wisely, though, especially in its DGL form, it offers a safe and effective way to support health.
As research continues, licorice root stands at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge medicine. For those seeking natural therapies, it remains one of the most promising botanicals—sweet in flavor, and potentially even sweeter in its health benefits.
