Licorice comes in the form of candies, beverages, foods, and as a dietary supplement. When used as a supplement, it can help treat a variety of conditions, such as ulcers, heartburn, or indigestion. It can also decrease testosterone production in men and have estrogen-like effects in some situations. Licorice may cause certain side effects, such as heart failure, muscle damage, and changes in blood pressure.
Although it is most commonly known for its use in candies, beverages, and foods, licorice is also used as a dietary supplement for treating various medical conditions. It should be noted that many "licorice" candies and other products contain little or no licorice root; instead, they contain anise flavoring (which tastes much like licorice), but they do not have any of the effects of real licorice.
Licorice has many different effects on the human body, some desirable and some not.
One component in particular, known as glycyrrhizin, is responsible for many of the negative effects of licorice, such as
high blood pressure and low blood potassium.
On the other hand, licorice may work for treating ulcers or other similar problems, such as
heartburn or indigestion, by blocking the breakdown of prostaglandins, substances that help protect the stomach. This effect does not seem to be related to the glycyrrhizin component.
Licorice may also affect certain hormones and hormone receptors. It can have estrogen-like properties in some situations and anti-estrogen properties in other situations (this is possibly related to the dose of licorice). Licorice also decreases testosterone production in men.
In addition, licorice contains flavonoids (plant compounds), which may have many beneficial effects, such as
lowering cholesterol.
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