Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for various liver ailments, including cirrhosis. In TCM, licorice root is believed to harmonize the actions of other herbs and is sometimes included in formulas to address liver inflammation or support detoxification. The main active compound, glycyrrhizin, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties in laboratory and animal studies. Some small clinical studies, primarily from Asia, have explored the potential for glycyrrhizin-containing preparations (such as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) to reduce liver enzyme levels and improve some clinical parameters in hepatitis and cirrhosis. However, these studies are limited by size, methodology, and lack of broad replication.

Despite this, licorice is not widely endorsed by Western medical guidelines for the treatment of cirrhosis, due to insufficient high-quality clinical evidence and concerns about side effects (notably, pseudoaldosteronism, hypertension, and hypokalemia from long-term or high-dose use). Thus, while there is some traditional and preliminary scientific support for its use, the overall evidence is weak and does not support licorice as a primary or stand-alone therapy for cirrhosis. Individuals with liver disease should consult healthcare professionals before using licorice supplements.

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