Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a variety of health concerns, including those related to women's hormonal health. In these traditions, licorice root is sometimes used to support symptoms related to menopause, menstrual irregularities, and other conditions believed to involve estrogen or hormonal imbalances. The root contains phytoestrogens—plant-derived compounds that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body—which is the basis for its traditional use in supporting the "Estrogen body system."
However, the scientific evidence supporting licorice root's effect on estrogen is limited and mixed. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that components in licorice, such as glabridin, may have estrogen-like effects, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. A few small clinical studies have reported that licorice extract might help with menopausal symptoms, but these studies are not large or rigorous enough to draw definitive conclusions. Most of the support for licorice in this context remains rooted in tradition rather than strong scientific validation.
In summary, while licorice root is traditionally used for supporting estrogen-related health concerns, the scientific evidence is limited and warrants caution. Its use for this purpose should be informed by awareness of its potential side effects and contraindications, especially in individuals with hypertension or those on certain medications.
Other ingredients that support Estrogen
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)black cohosh
chaste tree
d-glucarate
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
fennel
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
ginseng
HMR lignan
hops
indole-3-carbinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
anise
yarrow
dioscorea
Equol (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
Bugbane
biochanin
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cruciferous
Casticin
Coumesterol
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Isoflavones
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by licorice root
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Blood
Cortisol
Digestive System
Estrogen
Eustachian Tubes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Gums
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Mucus Membranes
Ovaries
Pituitary
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Solar Plexus
Specific Hormones
Spleen
Stomach
Sympathetic Nervous System
Teeth
Thymus
Thyroid Gland
Tonsils
Uterus
Vagina
Vocal Cords
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