Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a variety of health concerns, including inflammation and immune modulation. In TCM, licorice is often included in herbal formulas designed to harmonize and moderate the effects of other herbs, and it is sometimes prescribed for conditions with autoimmune features, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, to help "clear heat" and "detoxify." However, the traditional rationale is based on empirical observations and the energetics of herbs rather than on modern biomedical understanding of autoimmunity. From a scientific perspective, there is some preliminary evidence that glycyrrhizin and other compounds in licorice root exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro (test tube studies) and in animal models. These effects include suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of immune cell activity. However, robust clinical trials in humans with autoimmune diseases are lacking, and the available evidence is not strong enough to support its routine use for these conditions. Furthermore, licorice root can have significant side effects, especially with prolonged use, such as hypertension and hypokalemia. Thus, while traditional use exists and there are plausible mechanistic pathways, the current scientific evidence is limited and does not strongly validate its use for treating autoimmune disorders.

More about licorice root
More about Autoimmune Disorders

Other ingredients used for Autoimmune Disorders

Other health conditions supported by licorice root

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