Licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) in Health and Disease:  A Minireview of Traditional Uses and Therapeutic Activities

Elham  Mohammadkhanloo; Syed Mohd Abbas  Zaidi; Azadeh  Zarei; Suveerawan  Limsuvan; Pravit  Akarasereenont; Vahideh  Oveissi; Roodabeh  Bahramsoltani

doi:10.18502/tim.v10i3.19765

Elham Mohammadkhanloo Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Syed Mohd Abbas Zaidi Department of Moalajat (Internal Medicine), Hakim Syed Ziaul Hasan Government Unani Medical College, Bhopal, India
Azadeh Zarei Department of Traditional Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Suveerawan Limsuvan Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pravit Akarasereenont Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Vahideh Oveissi Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Roodabeh Bahramsoltani Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v10i3.19765

Keywords: Liquorice; Complementary and alternative medicine; Persian Medicine; Thai traditional medicine; Unani medicine

Abstract

Throughout history, human beings have utilized animals, minerals and plants for various purposes including use of them as foods and remedies. The distribution of plants, animals and minerals varies across different regions of the world; however, we can find same species or closely related varieties in different geographical areas. Based on distinct different historical and cultural circumstances, there plants exhibit diverse therapeutic applications. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) as an ancient plant with long history of therapeutic uses is noticeable among traditional medicine of various cultures. Respectively, licorice is found in traditional medicines of Iran, India, Thailand and Korea and is recommended to respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal problems. In modern medicine diverse beneficial effects of licorice has been shown by researches. Licorice effects on oral complications, dyspepsia, dental and gingival problems, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are examples of its positive role on human health. Considering the inhibitory effect of licorice on 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme type 2, pseudohyperaldosteronism may occur in case of long-term use of high doses and therefore, should be used with cautioun in susceptible patients. In spite of all the researches on licorice, it seems more clinical trials are needed to further confirm the therapeutic effects on this medicinal plant based on the traditional applications.