Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Pain (general remedies for)

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Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a variety of ailments, including general pain relief. In these systems, licorice is often incorporated into formulations aimed at reducing inflammation and soothing pain, particularly in conditions like sore throat, muscle aches, and stomach pain. Its traditional use is based on its purported anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, not on modern clinical trials.

From a scientific standpoint, some laboratory studies have demonstrated that glycyrrhizin and other compounds in licorice may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically contribute to pain relief. However, there is a lack of robust human clinical trials specifically evaluating licorice for general pain management. Most scientific attention has focused on its effects on gastric issues and inflammation rather than direct analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Therefore, while there is a plausible biological rationale and extensive historical precedent for its use in pain relief, the scientific evidence remains limited.

In summary, licorice’s use for pain is primarily justified by traditional practices, with only modest support from preclinical studies and little direct clinical evidence. Its use should be approached with caution due to potential side effects, especially with prolonged consumption.

More about Licorice
More about Pain (general remedies for)

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Products containing Licorice

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