Licorice roots

Licorice roots, whose scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a plant product that is widely used in traditional medicine and cooking. Here are some key aspects of this plant:

1. Medicinal properties: Licorice roots have many medicinal properties. They have anti-inflammatory, cough suppressant, mucolytic (sputum thinning) and antispasmodic effects. Licorice roots are also used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach and duodenal ulcers.
2. Culinary uses: Licorice roots are also used in cooking as a spice and sweetener. They are used to make extracts and powder that are added to various dishes, candies, drinks and sweets. They impart a tangy sweet flavor.
3. Sweet candy production: Glycyrrhizin, one of the active ingredients of licorice root, is used in the food industry as a sweetener and flavoring agent for the production of sweet candies and chewing gum.
4. Caution when consuming: Although licorice roots have many health benefits, consuming large amounts can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, fluid retention in the body, hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood), and increased levels of the hormone aldosterone, which can increase sodium levels in the body. Therefore, it is important to consume licorice root in moderation and follow your doctor's recommendations if medically indicated.

Licorice roots have an ancient history of use in various cultures for their medicinal and culinary properties. They can be useful both for medicinal purposes and for creating delicious culinary dishes and beverages.

Indications Licorice root

1. Upper Respiratory Diseases: Licorice root can be used to relieve coughs, especially dry and irritating coughs, as well as throat and laryngeal diseases such as pharyngitis and laryngitis.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastric ulcers: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties, so it can be used to reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach andesophagus.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): In some cases, licorice may help reduce inflammation and decrease IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel motility.
4. Allergic Reactions: Licorice root extract may have anti-allergic properties and help reduce symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, runny nose and conjunctivitis.
5. Adaptogenic Properties: Licorice root can be used as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress and improving its adaptation to external adverse conditions.
6. Antiviral properties: Studies have shown that licorice root may have antiviral properties and help fight viruses such as herpes and influenza.
7. Support liver health: Licorice may help protect the liver from damage and improve liver function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Anti-inflammatory: Licorice root can be used to reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for a variety of diseases and conditions associated with inflammation.

Release form

1. Raw licorice root

• Form of release: Natural licorice root, dried and sliced for easy use.
• Uses: Can be used to make decoctions, tinctures or as a tea additive to ease coughs and improve digestion.

2. Licorice root powder

• Form of release: Finely ground powder, packed in bags or capsules.
• Use: The powder is convenient for adding to food or beverages, or in capsules for dosage adjustment in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Licorice root extract (liquid and dry)

• Form of release: Liquid extract is packed in bottles, dry extract can be in powder or tablets.
• Use: Licorice extracts are concentrated and used for precise dosage for therapeutic purposes, including support of the body's adaptogenic functions and treatment of upper respiratory diseases.

4. Tablets and capsules

• Form: Licorice root in the form of tablets or capsules for ease of administration and control of dosage.
• Use: Used to treat a variety of conditions such as arthritis, digestive problems and chronic inflammation.

5. Licorice root tea

• Form: Tea bags or loose tea containing crushed licorice root.
• Uses: The tea is popular for daily use, helps soothe the throat for colds, improves digestion and has tonic properties.

6. Pastilles and lollipops

• Form of release: lozenges or lollipops with licorice root extract for sucking.
• Use: Use to relieve sore throat, cough and other symptoms of colds and flu.

Pharmacodynamics

Licorice root contains active components such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrretinic acid and flavonoids. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrretinic acid have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. They help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that cause inflammation and suppressing the processes of the cytokine cascade. In addition, licorice has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

These properties make licorice useful in the treatment of various conditions associated with inflammation such as coughs, bronchitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and as a remedy to relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of licorice may vary depending on the form of the drug (e.g., tea, tincture, extract), route of administration (internal use, topical application), dose, and individual body characteristics.

General aspects of pharmacokinetics may include absorption of active ingredients through the gastrointestinal tract, their distribution in the body, metabolism (if applicable) and excretion.

Dosing and administration

1. Raw root or chopped licorice root

• Uses: Used to make decoctions or teas.
• Dosage: Usually 1-2 teaspoons of crushed root is poured with boiling water (about 200-250 ml), insist 10-15 minutes and drink 2-3 times a day. It is not recommended to exceed 4-6 grams of dry root per day.

2. Licorice root powder

• Use: Can be added to food or beverages.
• Dosage: The standard dose is 1 to 3 grams of powder per day, divided into several doses. May be encapsulated for easy dosing.

3. Licorice root extract (liquid and dry)

• Uses: The liquid extract can be added to tea or water, while the dry extract can be taken in tablet form or added to mixtures.
• Dosage: Liquid extract - usually 2-4 ml three times a day; dry extract - follow the directions on the package, as the concentration of active ingredients can vary considerably.

4. Licorice root tea

• Uses: As a drink for general body strengthening, to help with stomach disorders, and as a mild remedy for colds.
• Dosage: One tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea per cup of boiling water, infuse 10-15 minutes, drink 2-3 times a day.

5. Licorice extract lozenges and lollipops

• Use: To relieve sore throat and reduce coughing.
• Dosage: Suck one lozenge every 2-3 hours throughout the day as needed.

Use Licorice root during pregnancy

The use of licorice roots during pregnancy raises concerns due to the content of glycyrrhizinate, which can have a negative impact on fetal development and lead to a number of complications. This component can cause water retention in the body, increased blood pressure, and increased blood glucose levels.

Contraindications

1. Hypertension (high blood pressure): Licorice can cause sodium and water retention in the body, which can aggravate hypertension.
2. Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels): Licorice may increase potassium levels in the body and worsen hypokalemia.
3. Certain conditions such as kidney and liver disease, heart failure, hypertension, pregnancy and breastfeeding may also be contraindications to the use of licorice.
4. Patients with hypersensitivity to licorice or other plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) should also avoid its use.

Side effects Licorice root

1. Hypertension (increased blood pressure): Licorice root can increase blood pressure with prolonged use or in large doses. This is due to its ability to retain sodium and water in the body, as well as increased levels of the hormone aldosterone in the blood.
2. Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels): Prolonged use of licorice root can lead to a loss of potassium from the body, which can cause hypokalemia. This can lead to muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular problems.
3. Swellingand fluid retention in the body: Due to the retention of sodium and water in the body, swelling may occur when taking licorice root, especially in people with cardiovascular disease or hypertension.
4. Hormonal changes: Licorice roots contain glycyrrhizin, which can affect the hormonal balance in the body. In some people, this can lead to hormonal changes such as decreased levels of hormones that control water and salt balance.
5. Digestive side effects: Consumption of licorice root in large quantities may cause irritation of the gastric mucosa, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
6. Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to licorice root, manifested as itching, skin rash, hives, and swelling.

Overdose

Uncontrolled use of large doses of licorice over an extended period of time can cause:

1. Hypertension (increased blood pressure) due to sodium and water retention in the body.
2. Hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels in the blood), which can lead to heart rhythm disturbances.
3. Swelling and fluid retention due to sodium and water retention.
4. Disorientation and drowsiness.
5. Electrolyte balance disorders.
6. Deterioration of the liver.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Potassium-boosting drugs: Licorice may increase potassium retention in the body, which may lead to hyperkalemia when taken concomitantly with potassium-boosting drugs such as ACE-inhibitors (e.g., captopril) or anti-aldosterone agents (e.g., spironolactone).
2. Glucocorticosteroids: Licorice may enhance the effects of glucocorticosteroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects associated with hormonal imbalance.
3. Potassium-losing medications: Licorice may reduce the effectiveness of potassium-losing medications such as diuretics (e.g., furosemide), which may lead to hypokalemia.
4. Blood pressure medications: When taking licorice concomitantly with blood pressure medications, there may be a risk of an increase in blood pressure.
5. Drugs metabolized via cytochrome P450: Licorice may affect the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may alter the metabolism of other drugs such as warfarin, theophylline, and some antibiotics.

Storage conditions

Licorice roots should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Storage in a tightly sealed container will help prevent moisture and preserve the quality of the raw material. It is also important to avoid storing licorice near harsh chemicals or products with a strong odor to prevent possible contamination or alteration of the plant's taste.