A clinical trial (Hajiaghamohammadi et al., 2012) was published in Phytotherapy Research this month addressing the beneficial effect of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on liver health. Liquorice is a root that is used widely in the practice of herbal medicine around the world and has many beneficial actions for use in inflammatory, hormonal, respiratory and digestive conditions. One of its uses is as a ‘hepatoprotective’, helping to support good liver health. This randomised controlled trial on 66 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found that 2g liquorice root extract administered for 2 months was associated with a significant decrease in enzymes that indicate liver cell damage.
References
Hajiaghamohammadi AA, Ziaee A, Samimi R. (2012) ‘The Efficacy of Licorice Root Extract in Decreasing Transaminase Activities in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial’. Phytother Res. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:22308054
Caution: Although liquorice has many benefits in small doses, large amounts may be harmful, increasing hypertension and sodium retention; use with caution.
