📝 Common Names (6 Languages)
✅ Evidence-Based Benefits
Versatile herb with anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties. RCTs demonstrate efficacy for functional dyspepsia and GERD - reduces symptoms comparably to antacids (PMID: 15043514). Systematic review shows benefit for peptic ulcers (PMID: 23724116). May help chronic hepatitis C when combined with interferon. Topical formulations effective for eczema and canker sores. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) safer for long-term gastric use.
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🔬 Clinical Trials & Evidence
⚕️ Evidence-Based Research: Clinical trials provide the highest level of evidence for herbal efficacy and safety. The trials listed below represent peer-reviewed research registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each trial includes detailed protocols, patient populations, interventions tested, and measurable outcomes. Click links to access full trial details and published results.
RCT: Functional dyspepsia improvement
Review: Peptic ulcer benefits
🔍 Find More Clinical Trials
Search for additional ongoing and completed trials investigating this herb's therapeutic effects:
💡 Research Tip: Use both common name and scientific name when searching for comprehensive results. Filter by "Completed" trials to find published outcomes.
💊 Drug Interactions
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Herb-drug interactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbs, supplements, and medications you are taking. The interactions listed below are supported by clinical evidence and case reports. Citations link to peer-reviewed research on PubMed.
📚 Evidence-Based Interactions: Each interaction below includes research citations (PMID links) documenting the mechanism, clinical significance, and management recommendations. Click citations to access full studies.
⚠️ Diuretics (Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
Risk: SEVERE HYPOKALEMIA - dangerous cardiac arrhythmias
Mechanism: Both cause potassium loss
Action: AVOID combination. If must use, monitor potassium daily
⚠️ Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin)
Risk: Increased digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia
Action: AVOID. Hypokalemia increases sensitivity to digoxin
Antihypertensives (All classes)
Effect: Licorice increases blood pressure
Action: May reduce antihypertensive effectiveness. Monitor BP closely
Warfarin
Effect: May reduce warfarin effectiveness
Action: Monitor INR closely
📖 Key Interaction Databases & Resources
- Natural Medicines Database: Professional herb-drug interaction checker
- PubMed: Search for latest interaction research
- Drugs.com: Drug interaction checker
- Micromedex: Hospital-grade interaction database (subscription required)
💡 Clinical Tip: Show your healthcare provider this page and the linked research citations when discussing potential interactions.
⚠️ Safety Information
Adverse Events
CAUTION: Glycyrrhizin causes pseudoaldosteronism with chronic use (>6 weeks). Effects: hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, headache. Can be serious - monitor blood pressure and potassium. Short-term use (<4 weeks) generally safe. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form avoids these effects. Not for daily long-term use at therapeutic doses.
⛔ Contraindications
AVOID in hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, hypokalemia, pregnancy. Contraindicated with diuretics and cardiac glycosides. Do not use >4-6 weeks continuously. Not for children. May interact with numerous medications. Use DGL for long-term gastric issues.
🧬 Mechanism of Action
Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, causing mineralocorticoid effects (aldosterone-like activity). Anti-inflammatory via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and phospholipase A2. Antiviral effects. Demulcent properties soothe mucous membranes. DGL retains therapeutic benefits without hormonal effects.
💊 Dosage & Administration
For gastric use: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) 380-760mg chewed 20 minutes before meals. For other uses: 200-600mg glycyrrhizin daily (equivalent to 5-15g root) for maximum 4-6 weeks. Monitor blood pressure and potassium if using more than 2 weeks.
⚕️ Note: Consult healthcare provider for appropriate dosing, especially if taking medications.
📖 Additional Resources
🌐 WHO Monograph
Available in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
🔬 PubMed Search
🧪 ClinicalTrials.gov
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Data Retrieval Date: November 29, 2025
Compiled by: Sheraz Ahmed
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Citation: Ahmed, S. (2025). Medicinal Herbs Database. Clinical Corner. https://welovelmc.com/medical-tools.htm