Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhiza (unspecified)
For the body system: Kidneys
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice root, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, licorice (Gan Cao) is considered a harmonizing herb, often used in combination with other herbs to "tonify" the kidneys and support overall vitality. The kidneys are viewed in TCM as foundational to health, governing water metabolism, and storing essential energy (jing). Licorice is sometimes included in formulas meant to address kidney weakness, fatigue, or fluid imbalances, though it is rarely the main herb for these purposes.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence supporting licorice root's effectiveness in promoting kidney health or treating kidney disease. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest that certain compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could theoretically benefit kidney tissue. However, clinical trials in humans for kidney-specific outcomes are lacking. Notably, excessive or prolonged use of licorice can cause fluid retention, hypertension, and exacerbate kidney problems due to its mineralocorticoid effects, which raises concerns about its safety for those with compromised kidney function.
In summary, licorice root's use for supporting the kidney system is primarily based on traditional herbal practices rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients that support Kidneys
alfalfaamino acids
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bamboo
basil
bearberry
black cumin
black garlic
radish
sesame
bovine
bovine kidney
broccoli
burdock
caterpillar mushroom
celery
chicory
cordyceps
dandelion
melon
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
garlic bulb
gokhru
gooseberry
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
horseradish
horsetail
l-glutathione
lemon
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
moringa
nettle
oleanolic acid
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
plantain
potassium
pumpkin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rhubarb root
scrophularia root
stevia
tribulus
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
jiaogulan
punarnava
smilax
rubia cordifolia
swertia
chaff flower
lingzhi
goldenrod
yarrow
morus
lemongrass
sodium salt
root tuber
juniper berries
solomon's seal
cistanche
dodder
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
morinda
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
anemarrhena asphodeloides
hydrangea
purslane
coix
polyporus
cleavers
noni
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
gravel root
akebia
Antler
Anamarrhena
Angelica
Arbutin
Agrimony
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Anemarrhena
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
bergenin
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Baicalein
Bean
Begonia fimbristipula
boldo
Black Gram
Bur-Reed
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Curculigo orchicides
Cowpea
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Catalpol
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Cyathula
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cornflower
Chinese Pond Turtle
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Corktree
Cranesbill
Cornus
Chiococca alba
Costus
Currant
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Dwarf Nettle
Dipsacus
Erigeron
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Eucommia ulmoides
Emodin
Flavonoids
Garlic
Lotus
Lily
Mallow
Orchid
Rhubarb