Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, often as an ingredient in herbal formulas targeting respiratory ailments. In these traditions, licorice is believed to soothe the respiratory tract, reduce cough, and manage inflammation. In the context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), licorice is sometimes incorporated into herbal mixtures with the intention of alleviating symptoms such as cough and sputum production.

Modern scientific research has explored the pharmacological properties of licorice, identifying compounds like glycyrrhizin and liquiritin that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in laboratory and animal studies. These properties are theoretically relevant to COPD, which is characterized by airway inflammation and oxidative stress. However, clinical evidence directly supporting the use of licorice as a treatment for COPD in humans is limited and of low quality. Most available studies involve small sample sizes, use licorice as part of a multi-herb formula, or focus on general respiratory symptoms rather than COPD specifically.

In summary, licorice’s use in COPD is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. While there are plausible mechanisms based on preclinical findings, high-quality clinical trials are lacking. Caution is also warranted due to potential side effects of licorice, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalance, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.

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