Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice (various)
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it is believed to tonify the adrenal glands and help the body adapt to stress. In TCM, licorice is considered a harmonizing herb that can "strengthen Qi" and is often included in adaptogenic formulas intended for fatigue and weakness. The concept of "adrenal fatigue" itself, however, is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis. In contemporary herbalism, licorice is sometimes recommended as an "adaptogen" because one of its primary constituents, glycyrrhizin, can inhibit the breakdown of cortisol, potentially leading to higher circulating cortisol levels. This theoretical mechanism has provided a biochemical rationale for its inclusion in supplements targeting "adrenal fatigue." However, while licorice has been shown in some clinical studies to affect cortisol metabolism and may help in certain cases of adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison’s disease), there is a lack of robust, high-quality clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for the treatment of "adrenal fatigue" as it is popularly described. Most of the support for its use in this context is based on tradition, anecdote, and extrapolation from its effects on cortisol, rather than direct scientific validation. Caution is warranted, as prolonged use or high doses of licorice can cause serious side effects, including hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.

More about Licorice (various)
More about Adrenal Fatigue

Products containing Licorice (various)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.