Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in the Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine systems, for its purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. In the context of jock itch (tinea cruris), which is a fungal infection of the groin area, licorice root has been traditionally applied topically or used in preparations to help relieve itching and reduce inflammation. The rationale is largely based on licorice’s content of glycyrrhizin and related compounds, which exhibit antibacterial and antifungal effects in laboratory studies.

However, while in vitro (test-tube) studies have suggested that licorice root extracts can inhibit the growth of some fungi and bacteria, including species related to dermal infections, robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy specifically for tinea cruris are lacking. Most of the support for its use is therefore based on traditional knowledge and anecdotal experience rather than high-quality scientific validation. Some modern herbal creams contain licorice root as a supportive ingredient for skin irritations, but these are generally not first-line treatments and should not replace established antifungal medications when treating jock itch.

In summary, licorice root’s use for jock itch is primarily rooted in tradition, supported by limited laboratory data but little direct clinical evidence. It may provide some symptom relief, but its effectiveness compared to standard antifungal therapies remains unproven.

More about licorice root
More about Jock Itch

Other ingredients used for Jock Itch

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