Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Gout

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history in traditional medicine, including systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Its use for gout is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, licorice root has been valued for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, and in some traditional formulations, it is used to support the body’s response to inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and gout. The proposed mechanism is that licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which may exert mild anti-inflammatory effects and modulate immune responses, theoretically providing relief from gout symptoms.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of licorice root for gout is limited and mostly indirect. While some laboratory studies suggest licorice components can inhibit certain pro-inflammatory pathways, there are no well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy for lowering uric acid levels or treating acute gout attacks. Most modern guidelines do not recommend licorice for gout management. Additionally, excessive use of licorice can lead to serious side effects, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalances, which outweigh any unproven benefits for gout. Therefore, its application for this condition remains primarily grounded in tradition, with minimal scientific backing.

More about licorice root
More about Gout

Other health conditions supported by licorice root

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Addictions (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Sore Throat
Ulcers

Products containing licorice root

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Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
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Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root Extract
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
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Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System
Nature's Sunshine SF
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Stomach Comfort (Chewable)
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
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Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
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