Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhiza (unspecified)
For the body system: Adrenal Glands

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycyrrhiza (typically referring to Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root) has a long history of traditional use in supporting adrenal health. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, licorice has been used as an adaptogen to help the body cope with stress and to support vitality, which are functions often associated with adrenal gland health. This is largely due to its perceived ability to "harmonize" other herbs and modulate the effects of stress.

From a scientific perspective, licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can inhibit the breakdown of cortisol, a key hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. This inhibition can lead to higher circulating cortisol levels, which is why licorice has been speculated to "support" adrenal function. However, clinical evidence directly supporting its use for adrenal health in humans is limited and mostly extrapolated from its known pharmacological effects and case studies of glycyrrhizin-induced pseudoaldosteronism (which can cause high blood pressure and other side effects).

Overall, while there is a plausible mechanism and a strong tradition of use for supporting the adrenal system, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, licorice's use for adrenal support is best characterized as traditional, with moderate evidence derived from historical practices and some pharmacology, but not strongly established by modern clinical science.

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