Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Liver Detoxification

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it is commonly included in formulas intended to support liver health and detoxification. In TCM, licorice is considered harmonizing and is thought to clear heat and toxins from the body, often used in combination with other herbs to treat conditions associated with liver dysfunction.

From a scientific perspective, licorice root contains active compounds such as glycyrrhizin, which have shown hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects in animal and some small human studies. These effects are thought to stem from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Some research suggests glycyrrhizin may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, viruses, or medications. However, the majority of clinical trials focus on specific liver conditions like hepatitis C or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, rather than “detoxification” per se.

Despite traditional use, robust scientific evidence supporting licorice root for general liver detoxification is limited. Most claims are extrapolated from animal studies or from its use in treating specific liver diseases. Thus, while licorice root has a strong foundation in traditional medicine for liver support, its use for detoxification is not thoroughly validated by current clinical research, and caution is warranted due to potential side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia with excessive use.

More about licorice root
More about Liver Detoxification

Other ingredients used for Liver Detoxification

alfalfa
aloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arjun tree
artichoke
asparagus
astragalus
barberry
barley
beet
myrobalan
berberine
beta caryophyllene
betel
black cumin
black garlic
radish
Indian frankincense
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
catalase
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chicory
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chokeberry
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
d-glucarate
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
gardenia
gentian root
ginger
gooseberry
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
indole-3-carbinol
honeysuckle
knotweed
jujube
kale
kudzu
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-ornithine
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
moringa
naringin
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
orange
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
pollen
pumpkin
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhubarb root
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
selenium
silymarin
spirulina
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
wasabia japonica
watercress
watermelon
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
cascara sagrada
typhonium
neem tree
enicostemma littorale
clerodendrum indicum
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
bile salt
morus
myrrh
root tuber
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
lotus seed
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
coix
polyporus
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
noni
biota seed
goji berry
algae
ashitaba
soursop
Arjuna
akebia
Ankaflavin
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Adzuki bean
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Allyl Sulfide
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Borotutu
Blackthorn
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Bael
Butternut
Basidiomycota
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Bignay
Bottle gourd
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
cholic acid
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Coriolus mushroom
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Celandine
Cinnamic Acid
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Copalchi
Corktree
C-Phycocyanin
Cabbage
Chirata
Calamus
Chebulinic acid
Corilagin
Coumaric acid
Cynaropicrin
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Diallyl sulfide
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Deoxyandrographolides
Dithiolthiones
Desmodium
Duckweed
Ellagic Acid
Erodium cicutarium
Emblicanin
Endive
Embelia
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Flavonones
Glycine
Little ironweed
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rhubarb
walnut

Other health conditions supported by licorice root

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers