Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizic acid
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

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Synopsis

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

Glycyrrhizic acid, the primary active compound in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, licorice root is used to support the body's stress response and enhance vitality, which aligns with the contemporary (though unrecognized by mainstream medicine) concept of "adrenal fatigue." The rationale comes from glycyrrhizic acid's ability to inhibit the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, leading to increased levels of cortisol in the body by reducing its breakdown. This mechanism is sometimes cited in integrative and naturopathic circles as a way to "support" adrenal function in individuals believed to have suboptimal adrenal hormone production due to chronic stress.

However, "adrenal fatigue" is not recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis by the Endocrine Society or mainstream medical organizations, and there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials specifically evaluating glycyrrhizic acid or licorice root for this condition. While there is some preliminary evidence for licorice’s effects on cortisol metabolism and its potential use in managing Addison’s disease (true adrenal insufficiency), these findings should not be extrapolated to "adrenal fatigue." Therefore, while its use is grounded in traditional practices and some plausible biochemical mechanisms, direct scientific evidence for efficacy in "adrenal fatigue" is lacking, justifying a rating of 2.

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