Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizic acid
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glycyrrhizic acid, a major bioactive compound found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Licorice root preparations have been used for centuries to manage respiratory ailments such as cough, sore throat, and congestion. The rationale for its use in sinus congestion is largely based on its reputed anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are thought to help reduce mucous membrane irritation and swelling. While glycyrrhizic acid itself has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies, there is limited direct scientific evidence specifically validating its effectiveness for sinus congestion in humans. Most of the support for its use comes from traditional practices rather than robust clinical trials. Some herbal formulations containing licorice are used as adjuncts in respiratory tract infections, but well-designed studies focusing on glycyrrhizic acid for sinus congestion are lacking. Therefore, the evidence is primarily traditional and anecdotal, with a modest rating due to indirect support from its known biological activities.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
onion
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
lovage
mint
mustard seed
spruce
oregano
peppermint oil
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Bee hive
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Carvone
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Eugenol
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by glycyrrhizic acid
Adrenal FatigueAsthma
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Edema
Epstein Barr Virus
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Herpes
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Stress
Ulcers