Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizic acid
For the body system: Cortisol

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycyrrhizic acid, a major active constituent of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been used traditionally in various medicinal systems, but there is also scientific evidence supporting its effect on the cortisol system. Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which normally converts active cortisol to its inactive form, cortisone. By inhibiting this enzyme, glycyrrhizic acid increases cortisol levels in the body. This mechanism has been described in several clinical and preclinical studies, and is the basis for glycyrrhizic acid’s use in managing conditions associated with low cortisol or adrenal insufficiency. However, this same property can lead to side effects such as pseudoaldosteronism, hypertension, hypokalemia, and edema due to mineralocorticoid excess.

While traditional use of licorice is extensive for supporting adrenal and stress-related health, modern scientific studies have confirmed the compound’s biochemical effect on cortisol metabolism. Nevertheless, most of the evidence is mechanistic or from small clinical studies, and there are few large-scale, high-quality clinical trials directly demonstrating clinical benefit in relation to cortisol modulation. For this reason, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5): there is clear scientific justification for the mechanism, but less robust evidence for definitive clinical outcomes.

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