Licorice and Inflammation

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and its primary active compound glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid) have a long history of use in traditional medicine for inflammatory conditions. Here's what the science says:

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

The primary anti-inflammatory compounds in licorice are:

• Glycyrrhizin / Glycyrrhetinic acid — These compounds have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes (such as COX-2 and phospholipase A2) and modulate inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Glycyrrhetinic acid also inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which amplifies the local anti-inflammatory action of cortisol.

Dosing Considerations

There is no well-established standard dose for licorice specifically for chronic inflammation in humans. Studies have used varying forms and amounts, but a few general ranges have appeared in the literature:

Form	Common Dosing Range
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)	200–600 mg, 2–3 times daily
Standardized glycyrrhizin extract	75–150 mg glycyrrhizin per day
Licorice root powder	1–5 g daily

⚠️ Important Safety Caveats

This is a critical consideration — licorice is not a benign herb and can be toxic at higher doses or with prolonged use due to glycyrrhizin:

• Side effects include elevated blood pressure, low potassium (hypokalemia), fluid retention, and edema.
• Toxic dose threshold: Chronic intake of more than 50–100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day (roughly equivalent to 25–50 g of actual licorice candy or high-dose extracts) can lead to adverse effects.
• People with hypertension, kidney disease, heart conditions, or who are pregnant should generally avoid licorice unless under medical supervision.

Bottom Line

Licorice does show genuine anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and some clinical settings, but the evidence for its use specifically for chronic inflammation in humans is limited and not robust enough to establish clear dosing guidelines. Additionally, the narrow therapeutic window (benefit vs. toxicity) makes self-dosing risky.

If you're considering licorice for inflammation, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a safer alternative — it has the glycyrrhizin largely removed (minimizing side effects) while still retaining some anti-inflammatory properties, though possibly with reduced potency.

For a more evidence-backed approach to reducing chronic inflammation, supplements like Vitamin D, certain probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92), and other anti-inflammatory nutrients (such as omega-3 fatty acids) have stronger human trial data supporting their use¹.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Footnotes

1. Pillser research database, Reduced Inflammation — Pillser's database shows multiple supplements with moderate-to-strong evidence for reducing inflammation. ↩