Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, to support liver and hepatic function. In TCM, licorice is considered to harmonize the effects of other herbs and is commonly used to "clear heat" and "detoxify" the liver. In Ayurveda, it is believed to have hepatoprotective properties and is used in formulations for liver health.

From a scientific standpoint, there is some evidence from animal and in vitro studies suggesting that compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, may have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, potentially helping to protect liver cells from damage. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited, and concerns exist regarding licorice's side effects, such as hypertension and hypokalemia, especially with prolonged use or high doses.

Overall, while licorice's use to support the hepatic system is grounded more in traditional practices than in strong clinical evidence, there is a moderate amount of preliminary scientific data that supports its potential hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, its use is justified primarily by tradition, with some emerging scientific backing.

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