Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani. In these systems, licorice root is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and harmonizing properties. It has been topically applied or consumed to help with various skin and scalp conditions, including dandruff, scalp irritation, and, by extension, hair loss or thinning. The traditional rationale is that soothing scalp inflammation or irritation can improve the environment for hair growth, and the herb’s purported blood-circulating and anti-androgenic effects may indirectly support hair health.

However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. A few laboratory and animal studies have investigated licorice’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-androgenic properties. For example, glycyrrhizin (the active compound in licorice) has been shown to reduce inflammation in skin models, and some in vitro research suggests it may inhibit enzymes involved in androgen metabolism, which could theoretically play a role in androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Nevertheless, there are no well-designed human clinical trials directly linking licorice root (topical or oral) to prevention or treatment of hair loss or thinning.

In summary, while licorice root is traditionally used to support scalp and hair health, scientific evidence for its efficacy in treating hair loss or thinning is weak to nonexistent. Its use for this purpose is thus best characterized as “traditional,” with minimal scientific validation.

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