Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Appetite (deficient)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional medicine systems, where it is often included in herbal formulas intended to tonify the spleen and stomach. In TCM theory, licorice root is said to harmonize the actions of other herbs and support the digestive system, which includes addressing symptoms such as poor appetite (appetite deficiency). The root is believed to have a sweet and neutral property, making it suitable for use in formulas targeting spleen qi deficiency—a syndrome often associated with diminished appetite, fatigue, and digestive issues.
While there is a rich tradition of using licorice root as a supportive herb for appetite and digestion, direct scientific evidence for its efficacy in treating appetite deficiency is limited. Most modern research on licorice root focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastroprotective properties, rather than its appetite-stimulating effects. A few studies have explored its role in protecting the gastric mucosa and reducing symptoms of indigestion, but these do not directly address its impact on appetite. Thus, its use for appetite (deficient) is primarily grounded in traditional practices rather than robust clinical validation.
In summary, licorice root’s inclusion in herbal formulas for appetite support is justified by historical and traditional use, especially in Asian medical systems, but contemporary scientific evidence specifically for this indication remains minimal.
Other ingredients used for Appetite (deficient)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)acid protease
allspice
apricot
ashwagandha
bamboo
barberry
basil
beet
myrobalan
betel
black cumin
black pepper
radish
bovine liver
rice
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
carrot
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
citrus oil
clove
dandelion
dog rose
fennel
fenugreek
fu ling
garlic bulb
gentian root
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
onion
HCL
horseradish
Indian gum arabic tree
iron
quassia
jujube
l-tryptophan
lemon
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lovage
mango
marshmallow
milk
mint
orange
oregano
oregon grape
papain
parsley
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pineapple
platycodon root
plum fruit
pollen
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
rhizome
rosemary
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
vitamin B
watercress
zinc
chickweed
catnip
oryza
tangerine
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
blessed thistle
boxthorne
bile salt
prickly ash
lemongrass
myrrh
root tuber
flowering quince
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
caraway
aster root
yerba mate
peach
goji berry
hypothalamus
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
algae
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Aletris
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Animal protein
Buttermilk
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Baobab
Bupleurum
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Bird's nest
Cumin
Centaury
Coconut
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
Capsinoids
Codonopsis
Coriander
Chive
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Citron
Citrus
Capsaicin
Cannabinol
Cowherb
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Colombo
Chicken
Centipeda
Common madia
Cubeb
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Durian
Dill
Dopamine
Date
Dichrostachys glomerata
Egg
Endive
Embelia
Fig
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Orchid
Pistachio
Quince
Rose
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Wheat
Wormseed
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Products containing licorice root
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine C-X
Nature's Sunshine Combination CBG Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Energ-V Capsules
Nature's Sunshine Female Comfort
Nature's Sunshine Gastro Health
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine HY-C
Nature's Sunshine HY-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine IF-C
Nature's Sunshine IF-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine LB Extract
Nature's Sunshine Lower Bowel Stimulator (Formerly LBS II)
Nature's Sunshine LBS II
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root Extract
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Magnesium
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Pro-Pancreas Formula
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine Psyllium Hulls Combo
Nature's Sunshine Red Beet Root Formula
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SF
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Stomach Comfort (Chewable)
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief TCM
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C® TCM
Nature's Sunshine Women's X-Action
