Licorice Extract

## The Definitive Guide to Licorice Extract and DGL

Licorice (*Glycyrrhiza glabra*) is one of the oldest and most widely used botanical medicines in human history. From ancient Assyrian and Egyptian cultures to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, the "sweet root" has been revered for its ability to soothe the lungs, heal the gut, and harmonize herbal formulas.

However, modern clinical biochemistry has revealed a dual nature to this ancient herb. While it possesses profound healing properties for the gastrointestinal tract and skin, its primary active compound—glycyrrhizin—acts as a potent endocrine disruptor that can cause severe, life-threatening cardiovascular side effects. This has led to the development of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), a safer alternative that retains the herb's healing benefits without the cardiovascular risks.

This comprehensive guide explores the PhD-level biochemistry of licorice extract, the critical differences between whole root and DGL, and how to safely utilize this powerful botanical for gut health, skin conditions, and beyond.

### The Glycyrrhizin Conundrum: Why Form Matters

To understand licorice, you must understand glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid). This triterpenoid saponin is responsible for the root's intense sweetness—roughly 50 times sweeter than sucrose—and many of its systemic physiological effects.

When you consume whole licorice root, gut bacteria convert glycyrrhizin into glycyrrhetinic acid. This metabolite enters the bloodstream and travels to the kidneys, where it performs a very specific and dangerous biochemical action: it competitively inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2).

The job of 11β-HSD2 is to deactivate cortisol by converting it into cortisone. This is crucial because cortisol can bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) just as easily as aldosterone (the hormone responsible for sodium retention). Because we have vastly more cortisol in our blood than aldosterone, 11β-HSD2 acts as a shield, preventing cortisol from overwhelming the kidneys.

When licorice inhibits this enzyme, the shield drops. Cortisol floods the mineralocorticoid receptors, tricking the kidneys into thinking there is a massive excess of aldosterone. The kidneys respond by aggressively retaining sodium and water while dumping potassium and hydrogen into the urine.

This condition, known as pseudoaldosteronism, leads to: * **Severe Hypertension:** Examine.com gives licorice an 'F' grade for blood pressure, noting a moderate-to-severe detriment across 5 studies and 137 participants. * **Hypokalemia:** Dangerously low blood potassium, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. * **Edema:** Swelling in the extremities due to fluid retention.

Because of these risks, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and WebMD explicitly warn that consuming 5 grams or more of whole licorice daily for several weeks can cause heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and severe kidney stress.

### The Solution: Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

If whole licorice is so dangerous, why is it still one of the most popular supplements for gut health? The answer is Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL).

Supplement manufacturers use a specialized extraction process to remove glycyrrhizin from the licorice root, bringing its concentration below detectable levels. What remains is a rich complex of flavonoids, chalcones, and polyphenols (like glabridin and licochalcone A) that provide the herb's localized healing benefits without affecting cortisol or blood pressure.

DGL is considered safe for long-term use (up to 4.5 grams daily for 4 months, according to WebMD) and is the preferred form for almost all oral supplementation outside of highly specific, short-term Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols.

### Clinical Applications of Licorice Extract

#### 1. Gastrointestinal Healing and Ulcer Defense DGL is a powerhouse for gut health. Unlike pharmaceutical proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that shut down stomach acid production, DGL works by enhancing the stomach's natural defenses. It acts as a demulcent, stimulating the proliferation of mucus-secreting goblet cells. This increases the production of mucin, creating a thick, protective gel layer over the gastric and duodenal epithelium.

Furthermore, DGL increases microcirculation to the gut lining, bringing oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues to accelerate cellular repair. This makes DGL highly effective for managing peptic ulcers, gastritis, and the esophageal burning associated with acid reflux (GERD).

#### 2. Dermatological Support (Eczema) Topical applications of licorice extract are highly effective for inflammatory skin conditions. The flavonoids in licorice, particularly licochalcone A, inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) inflammatory pathways.

Clinical data cited by WebMD shows that applying a 2% licorice root extract gel three times daily for two weeks significantly reduces the redness, swelling, and severe itching associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema).

#### 3. Oral and Respiratory Health Licorice has a long history of use for throat and mouth ailments. Modern research supports this: * **Canker Sores:** Using a licorice mouth rinse or applying a licorice patch reduces the size and pain of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) and speeds up healing time. * **Post-Surgical Sore Throat:** Gargling with a licorice fluid or sucking on a licorice lozenge prior to intubation for surgery has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence and severity of sore throats and coughing after the breathing tube is removed. * **Halitosis:** Preliminary evidence suggests licorice mouthwashes can reduce bad breath by neutralizing halitosis-causing bacteria.

#### 4. Cardiovascular Protection (LDL Oxidation) While whole licorice harms the cardiovascular system via blood pressure spikes, the specific polyphenol *glabridin* found in the root actually protects the heart. Examine.com notes a 'C' grade for licorice's ability to moderately improve LDL oxidation. Glabridin incorporates itself into LDL cholesterol particles, shielding them from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This effect is synergistic when combined with other antioxidants like lycopene.

### Synergies and Formulation Science

Licorice is rarely used in isolation in traditional medicine. Modern research has validated several of these synergistic combinations: * **Licorice + Lycopene:** As mentioned, these two compounds work together to provide robust protection against LDL oxidation, a primary driver of atherosclerosis. * **Licorice + Cranberry:** This combination confers synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, making it useful for both gastrointestinal (H. pylori) and urinary tract health. * **Licorice + Panax Ginseng:** A classic TCM combination used to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reduce stress-induced biomarker changes.

### Safety, Toxicity, and Contraindications

The safety profile of licorice depends entirely on the form used.

**DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)** is generally recognized as safe for most individuals when used at recommended doses (up to 4.5g/day).

**Whole Licorice Root Extract** carries severe contraindications: * **Hypertension and Heart Disease:** Will cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure and potential arrhythmias. * **Kidney Disease:** Exacerbates potassium wasting. * **Pregnancy:** The NCCIH warns that consuming large amounts of oral licorice extract (about 250 grams per week) during pregnancy is unsafe and increases the risk of premature delivery before 38 weeks gestation. * **Drug Interactions:** Licorice interacts dangerously with corticosteroids, amplifying their effects and side effects by preventing the breakdown of cortisol.

### Dosing Protocols

* **For Gut Health (Ulcers/Gastritis):** 400mg to 1,500mg of DGL taken 20-30 minutes before meals. * **For General Health (TCM):** 8–15 grams of whole extract (Note: This should only be done under the strict supervision of a qualified herbalist due to BP risks). * **Topical (Eczema):** 2% licorice root extract gel applied 3 times daily.

### The Bottom Line

Licorice extract is a tale of two supplements. In its whole form, it is a potent endocrine modulator that carries unacceptable cardiovascular risks for the average consumer. However, in its deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form, it is one of the safest, most effective natural interventions available for healing the gastrointestinal lining, soothing the throat, and supporting mucosal immunity. Always read your supplement labels carefully to ensure you are getting the right form for your specific health needs.