What Are the Health Benefits of Black Licorice?

Egypt's King Tutankhamen was buried 3,000 years ago with stores of licorice for his afterlife. Today it is used on every continent of the world. Modern studies have proven promising as to some of its beneficial effects, and the American Cancer Society calls for more clinical research into this ancient herb. One thing is certain: licorice has the powers to heal---and to harm--so it must be used with caution.

Health Benefits

• Licorice root is an herbal supplement said to be beneficial for eczema, peptic ulcers, inflammatory problems, menopausal symptoms, AIDS, cold sores, liver disease, skin infections, respiratory ailments, chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
  Licorice contains flavonoids which could lower cholesterol by decreasing total cholesterol, LDL levels and triglycerides, says the American Cancer Society.
  Research with deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) shows it may help heal stomach ulcers and heartburn by preventing the breakdown of prostaglandins, substances that help protect the stomach
  Preliminary research on hepatitis B and hepatitis C victims suggest glycyrrhizin from licorice may help.

Cancer

• Some licorice components have shown promise in cancer prevention or treatment, but clinical studies on humans are needed, says the American Cancer Society.
  The ACS says several substances in licorice may inhibit tumors, prevent DNA mutations or kill cancerous cells. Chemicals in licorice root have killed or stopped the growth of breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia cells. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid reduced breast, colon, skin, liver and uterine cancers in mice.
  A Japanese study found a lower risk of liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C who took glycyrrhizin, but more clinical studies are needed.

Dangers

• The American Cancer Society warns that consuming whole-herb licorice can alter the balance between the body's fluids and potassium, a condition that contributes to heart arrhythmias, low blood potassium, weak muscles and paralysis.
  The ACS says taking licorice supplements regularly has caused high blood pressure, lethargy, muscle weakness, headaches and water retention. In mega-doses, it has been linked to heart failure and paralysis. It decreases testosterone in men and affects estrogen levels.
  Licorice is not recommended for those with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, diseases of the kidney, liver or cardiovascular system or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

History

• Known as gan zao in China, licorice root was used by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians and written about in the Chinese book Shen nung Pen Tsao Ching in 2737 BCE.
  Licorice is an ingredient in many traditional Chinese herbal remedies. The American Cancer Society says the best known are products for prostate cancer treatment. Licorice is also used as a mild laxative and to help regulate the heartbeat. Traditional herbalists combine it with other herbs to aid their absorption.

Licorice's Roots

• Glycyrrhiza is a woody perennial that grows in Asia, the Mediterranean and Spain. The extract comes from the woody root, which is peeled, dried and has been used as a thirst quencher (by Roman legions), as a culinary spice, for liquor and beer flavoring and as an herbal remedy.
  Its name means "sweet root" in Greek. It has a compound 50 times sweeter than cane sugar and is used in candy and teas. Some modern confections substitute anise flavoring and possess none of the benefits of real licorice root. Glycyrrhizin from licorice roots is used in gum, cookies, beverages, cough syrup, drinks and tobacco.