Licorice is a plant that grows in southern Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The dried roots and underground stems of the plant are used in herbal remedies. Licorice appears to have some use in the treatment of peptic ulcers; however, high doses over a prolonged period can cause a fluid imbalance in the body, involving salt, potassium, and water metabolism.

Licorice Root Extract- Deglycyrrhizinated - 380 mg
Planetary Formulas
Research has shown that deglycyrrhizinated licorice root supports and promotes healthy stomach lining and intestinal flora. Glycyrrhiznic and glycyrrhetinic acids, substances in licorice root associated with high blood pressure, have been removed. Planetary Formulas professional strength DGL lirorice extract reflects dosages and preparations used in clinical studies.
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Benefits of licorice
Licorice has compounds that can enhance the immune system, provide antioxidant support, reduce levels of cholesterol, and thin the blood. Licorice may even enhance brain power. Some herbal research has been done with licorice for hepatitis help. Licorice flavonoids have various physiological activities such as abdominal fat-lowering, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.

Licorice Caution
Licorice-associated hypertension is thought to be due to increased renal sodium retention. The active compound of licorice, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), inhibits renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) and by that mechanism increases access of cortisol to the mineralocorticoid receptor that causes renal sodium retention and potassium loss. Hypokalemic hypertension can be causes by licorice abuse.

Licorice Research Update
A compound derived from licorice root may help slow the effects of aging on the brain and keep mental skills sharp. Researchers found the compound, known as carbenoxolone, appears to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that is involved in making stress-related hormones, which have been associated with age-related mental decline. The study, published in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed daily supplementation with the compound improved verbal fluency in healthy elderly men and improved verbal memory in older adults with diabetes.

Licorice Questions
Q. I purchased Natures Energy and it has licorice extract 12.5mg. I wanted to take this vitamin but I am not sure if this herb will hurt me in anyway?
   A. Occasional use of licorice is healthy, daily use may cause problems as discussed above.

Q. How many weeks can i take licorice and how many weeks should i take a break before i can take licorice again?
   A. As a general rule, taking licorice 3 days a week is fine, or taking at least a week off each month is a good idea but these are general guidelines and much depends of the amount of licorice that is being consumed.

Q.  Does licorice influence blood clotting or does it have blood thinning properties?
   A. We did a Medline search in December 2007 and could not find any mention of any studies regarding the influence of black licorice on clotting factors. It is possible that certain herbs influence blood clotting but we don't know the effect of black licorice. One way to tell, if your doctor approves, is to stop the black licorice for a period of time, check the INR, and then resume the black licorice consumption and test the INR again.