Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Duodenal Ulcers

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Licorice (specifically deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL) has a history of use in both traditional medicine and, more recently, in clinical settings for the management of duodenal ulcers. Scientific interest in licorice for ulcer treatment began in the 1940s and 1950s, when studies showed that licorice extract had anti-ulcer effects in animal models and humans. The mechanism is believed to involve increased secretion of mucus from the stomach lining, which helps protect against acid and promotes healing, as well as potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Several clinical trials (notably by Revers and others in the 1950s-1980s) demonstrated that DGL could promote the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers, with efficacy sometimes comparable to early antacid therapies. However, these studies are often small or older, and modern randomized controlled trials are limited. While licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause significant side effects, DGL products (with glycyrrhizin removed) are considered safer and are still used as adjunctive therapies. Major clinical guidelines do not generally recommend licorice as first-line therapy due to the availability of more effective and better-studied medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors), but DGL is sometimes used as an alternative or adjunct. In summary, there is scientific evidence for licorice’s role in duodenal ulcer management, but the quality and quantity of modern evidence is moderate, meriting a rating of 3 out of 5.

More about Licorice
More about Duodenal Ulcers

Products containing Licorice

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.