When you think of licorice what comes to your mind? I think of real licorice strands from a local candy store around the corner from PS #4 in Yonkers New York. Licorice known botanically as Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used for centuries. You can date it back to 2000 BC It was known as Scythian root. Glycyrrhizin sweeter than sugar cane
It has been found in cardiovascualr research to be beneficial to lowering of the low density lipoprotein otherwise known as the bad cholesterol. There are four isoflavans and two chalcones is a important in LDL oxidation and thus can prevent the formation of early plaque.
Although I use licorice a lot in my practice I am aware of the side effects. It can increase blood pressure. Other side effects you must be aware of : headache, edema weight gain and even electrolyte imbalance.
The many flavinoid glycosides that are in licorice need to be more extensively studied
Until tomorrow…