Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Gingivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for various inflammatory and infectious conditions. In recent years, its use for oral health, and specifically for gingivitis, has gained attention in scientific research.
The primary bioactive compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licoricidin, have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. Several in vitro studies have shown that licorice extracts can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens commonly associated with gingivitis, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. Additionally, licorice constituents have been found to reduce inflammatory responses in gum tissue models.
Clinical evidence, while still limited, is promising. Some small randomized controlled trials have evaluated licorice-containing mouthwashes or oral patches in patients with gingivitis. These studies have reported improvements in gingival inflammation, reduced bleeding on probing, and decreased microbial counts compared to placebo or standard controls.
Overall, the evidence supporting licorice root’s use for gingivitis can be considered moderate (3/5). While traditional use and preclinical data are strong, larger and more robust human trials are needed. Users should also be cautious, as chronic ingestion of licorice root can cause side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia.
Other ingredients used for Gingivitis
ajoenealoe vera
anthocyanins
basil
myrobalan
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black garlic
black pepper
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
cat's claw
catechins
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
monolaurin
moringa
mustard seed
orange
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
quercetin
raspberry
rutin
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
streptococcus thermophilus
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin E
xylitol
zinc
bentonite
typhonium
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
bee pollen
peony
myrrh
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
anthocyanidins
Acemannan
Ananain
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Costus
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Ellagic Acid
Empresstree
Elephant's Head
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Metal Salt
Sumac
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
