Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the body system: Specific Hormones

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has traditionally been used in various herbal medicine systems to support hormonal health, particularly within the adrenal and endocrine systems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice is considered a harmonizing herb that can help "tonify" Qi and is often included in formulas to support the body's response to stress, which is indirectly related to adrenal hormone production. In Western herbalism, licorice root has been described as an "adrenal tonic," believed to help with symptoms of adrenal fatigue, a controversial concept not widely recognized in mainstream medicine. The active compound glycyrrhizin can influence cortisol metabolism by inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, thereby increasing circulating cortisol levels. However, robust clinical trials demonstrating clear benefit for specific hormonal disorders (such as thyroid, gonadal, or pituitary dysfunction) are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use, with some preliminary scientific studies focusing on licorice’s effect on cortisol and stress responses. Due to potential side effects, such as hypertension and hypokalemia, licorice root’s use for hormonal support should be approached with caution. In summary, licorice root’s reputation for supporting the "Specific Hormones" body system is primarily rooted in traditional medicine with limited scientific validation.

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