Licorice:Glycyrrhiza Glabra,Licorice Root Extract.
Article Content:
- .Botanical Basic Data of Licorice.Glycyrrhiza Glabra.
- .Narrative History and Description of licorice root.
- .Phytochemicals and constituents of licorice root.
- .Application and functionality of Licorice root.Glycyrrhiza Glabra.
- .Therapeutics and Pharmacology:Glycyrrhiza from Licorice root stimulate endocrine system..
- .Therapeutics and Pharmacology:super antibiotics,anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic,anti-arthritic.
- .Nutrients,Uses,Acations and Indications of licorice root.
- .Precautions and Possible Interactions of licorice root.
- .Dosage and Safety of licorice root.
- .Property and Applications of Licorice flavonoid.
- .Estrogen of Licorice and Apply.
- .How search engine think about Licorice.
- .Research Update:Licorice.
Application and functionality of Licorice root.Glycyrrhiza Glabra.
Chinese Licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza, is one of the greatest herbs known to mankind. Licorice root builds energy and is an excellent digestive tonic. It is the most broad spectrum natural detoxifying agent known, ridding the body of over 1200 known toxins without any distressful side-effects. It also helps regulate the blood sugar level, helping counteract hypoglycemia, a very common imbalance.
Licorice root Anti-viral effect:Glycyrrhizin, an active component of Gan Cao, inhibits the proliferation of AIDS virus. In-vitro experiments show that Gan Cao polysaccharides inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus, adenovirus II, herpes simplex virus I, and vaccinia virus.
Licorice root Anti-bacterial effect:Used in combination with Huang Lian and Huang Qin, Gan Cao enhances the combination's inhibitory effect on bacteria.At a certain concentration, Gan Cao alone has an inhibitory effect on Helicobacterium.
Licorice root Dilating trachea:Gan Cao can inhibit the tracheal constriction induced by histamine and acetylcholine.
Licorice root Anti-aging effect:Administered to senile rats, water-based decoction of Gan Cao can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase, lower the lactoperoxidase level, and decrease the activity of MAO-B (p less than 0.01).
Licorice root Effects on the digestive system:Administered to mice at the dosage of 6g/kg, Gan Cao can inhibit immersion-induced stress ulcer and hydrochloride acid-induced ulcer. Administered to rats at the dosage of 1.2g/kg, Gan Cao can increase the bile volume.
Licorice root Effects on the cardiovascular system:Gan Cao can improve the heart function, decrease myocardial oxygen consumption, and improve the general condition of blood vessels.
Licorice root Anti-arrhythmia effect:Gan Cao can counteract aconitine-induced arrhythmia.
Licorice root Anti-arrhythmia effect:Gan Cao extract inhibits the reductive metabolism of fluothane, decreasing the intermediate products. Gan Cao also inhibits lipid peroxidation, decreasing the occurrence of fluothane-caused hepatitis
Licorice root Anti-oxidation effect:Licorice root stands next to ginseng in importance in Chinese herbalism. It is the most widely used of all Chinese herbs. It is used as a harmonizing ingredient in a large number of Chinese herbal recipes and is itself an excellent tonic and longevity.herb.
Licorice root(Glycyrrhiza) act as immune stimulator:Enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon:
Research on Licorice has shown that it improves phagocytic activity of cells of the immune system. Many hospitals in China has undergone various clinical trials using Licorice against various virus infections such as the common cold, HIV and AIDS, viral hepatitis, vaccinia, herpes simplex, Newcastle disease, and vesicular stomatitis.
Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can perform some of the functions of the body's natural estrogens; very helpful during the menopause. Glycyrrhizinic acid also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A.
In the respiratory system it has a similarly soothing and healing action, reducing irritation and inflammation and has an expectorant effect, useful in irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections.
Licorice root as natural muscle relaxer and muscle builder:
Licorice root provides basic nutrients to the adrenal glands. Licorice helps build and strengthen muscle, and it is a natural muscle relaxer. It is very sweet and adds a delicious flavor to herbal teas. Licorice is included in most Chinese herbal teas and formulations because it is said to harmonize all the ingredients in an herbal formula. Licorice root is very powerful and should be used in small quantities
Licorice Root acts blood concentrations of electrolytes (ions) balancer:
Licorice Root acts to balance blood concentrations of electrolytes (ions), necessary for proper electrical conduction in neural impulse transmission, muscle contraction, kidney and other vital organ function. Licorice root assists in blood purification by protecting the liver, which detoxifies blood, from disease. It works in conjunction with other immune stimulators by potentiating, modulating and augmenting their activity and effectiveness. Licorice root is an excellent anti-inflammatory; as such, it protects and heals distressed mucous membranes of the lungs and intestinal tract, thereby relieving asthma and ulcers respectively. It has also been used successfully in treating skin infection or damage, as well as to reduce the symptoms of aching, sore muscles and inflamed joints.
licorice root.grandfather of herbs:
Chinese licorice root, or "Gan Cao," has been popular for 5,000 years in China, where it is sometimes called "the grandfather of herbs." Chinese licorice root is said to revitalize the "Center" referring to the "middle burning space." It is believed to drive out all poisons and toxins from the system and to eliminate side-effects from other herbs used with it. Gan Cao is said to aid all other herbs in entering their respective meridians and is thus of tremendous importance in the Chinese tonic herbal system. It is also believed that licorice root will clean the meridians and allow Qi to flow smoothly.
Licorice root build energy:
Licorice root is also used throughout the Orient simply because it builds energy. It is now known that this is at least partly due to its remarkable power to regulate blood sugar balance. It is also widely used to sharpen the power of concentration. Licorice root relieves abdominal pain and congestion and benefits the functions of the abdominal organs. It has been used successfully for a thousand years in cases of anorexia, a symptom now a growing health problem in the West.
Excellent anti-depressant:
Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John's Wort. As a herbal medicine it has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders. Licorice is useful for many ailments including asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis.
Treating a host of ailments:adjust hormones
Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the body.
It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative.
Aspirin-like action:relieving fevers and soothing pain
It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Possibly by its action on the adrenal glands, licorice has the ability to improve resistance to stress. It should be thought of during times of both physical and emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired and run down.
Application of Licorice with glycyrrhizin.:
Control respiratory problems and sore throat:
Licorice eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways; this makes a cough more "productive," bringing up phlegm and other mucus bits. Licorice also helps to relax bronchial spasms. The herb also soothes soreness in the throat and fights viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and an overproduction of mucus.
Lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia:
By enhancing cortisol activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, ease stress and reduce the symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylagia.
Combat hepatitis:
Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital organ. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the liver.
Treat PMS and menstrual problems:
The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic effect, making the herb potentially useful in easing certain symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), such as irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. Although the glycyrrhizin in licorice actually inhibits the effect of the body's own estrogens, the mild estrogenic effect produced by licorice's phytoestrogens manages to override this inhibiting action.
Prevent heart disease.:
Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from LDL ("bad") cholesterol, licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. Research indicates that modest doses of licorice (100 mg a day) have this effect.
Notes of Use Cautions:
Do not confuse with licorice confectionery which contains very little, if any, licorice and is in fact flavoured by anise.Can cause water retention and raised blood pressure. Prolonged use should be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure.Can cause mild adrenal stimulation.
What is Glcyrrhizin from Chinese licorice root:
Chinese licorice root is a very different herb from the Western variety of licorice. The western variety can cause nervousness, an obviously undesirable side-effect. To the contrary, Chinese licorice, is energizing but calming, and does not have the side - effects associated with Western licorice. So be sure to get the Chinese licorice root. Licorice grows widely in northern China. Larger roots with smooth pulpy texture are most desirable. If the root, when cut in cross sections, is a rich yellow, it is of high quality. The sweeter the taste the more effective the herb, since the sweetness reflects the quantity of its most important active ingredient, glycyrrhizin.
In pharmaceutical tests, it has been found that glycyrrhizin has a function similar to that of adrenal cortical hormones. It is almost identical to the adrenal steroids. Laboratory tests in China have demonstrated that extracts of Radix Glcyrrhizin can help to eliminate or detoxify over 1,200 known toxins.This remarkable capacity as a detoxifying agent is virtually unparalleled in the realm of pharmacology.
Licorice root act as sexual enhancement:
Human clinical studies have demonstrated that the hormone-like actions of Licorice root are therapeutically useful, strengthening resistance, enhancing adrenocortical function, improving the regulatory function of hormones drugs, reducing the dependence of patients on the steroidal hormones and mitigating the withdrawal symptoms from steroidal hormones.
Licorice root's anti-inflammatory action:
Licorice root has anti-inflammatory action similar to hydrocortisone. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are believed to be the components responsible for this activity.
Liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin, found in the alcohol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, have been found to be MAO inhibitors, that is, they inhibit monoamine oxidase in the liver. Synthetic MAO inhibitors have been used in the treatment of psychotic patients who have mild or severe depression. Both Liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin are spasmolytic agents, that is, they relieve spasms (they are muscle relaxants). Isoliquiritigenin is 5 times as potent as liquiritigenin. It is being examined as a natural substitute for the synthetic MAO drugs used in clinical practice for depression.
Licorice root's powerful anti-HIV action in vivo:
Licorice root has been demonstrated to have powerful anti-HIV action in vivo. An herbal drug utilizing Licorice root is being tested in China. In addition, Licorice root has been found to induce the production in human beings of g-interferon.
Licorice root as an anti-ulcer agent:
Numerous reports confirm Licorice root's traditional use as an anti-ulcer agent. It has shown significant inhibition on experimental ulcers as well as in human clinical settings. It protects the mucosa against damage. One mechanism is by inhibiting abnormal gastric secretion by the gastric mucosal cells. FM 100 is the primary component involved in this action.
Licorice root has a well-known antispasmotic action:
The flavonoids in licorice root are responsible for this action. This antispasmotic effect plays an important role in the herbs anti-ulcer by relieving spasm of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. The removal of glycyrrhizin from the extract both improves this action and reduces the side effects, including primarily edema. De-glycyrrhinated licorice root is available for those who cannot use normal licorice due to the edemic side effects. FM 100, the anti-ulcer component of Licorice root, has also been shown to have mild anticonvulsant, anti-spasmotic and analgesic actions. When Licorice root is combined with Paeonia albiflora, or when FM 100 is used with paeonin (the active component of Paeonia albiflora), the antispasmotic, anticonvulsant and analgesic actions are greatly increased, confirming the famous combination in traditional Chinese herbalism.
The detoxicant action of Licorice root:
The detoxicant action that has classically been attributed to Licorice root has also been verified. The administration of Licorice root, its extract or of glycyrrhizine have all demonstrated powerful detoxicant actions against toxins such as cocaine, chloral hydrate, strychnine, urethane, arsenobenzene and mercurous chloride. It has also been shown to have detoxicant action against caffeine, nicotine and barbiturates. It has also been used to detoxify snake and spider venom. Given along with snake antiserum, the results were better than snake antiserum alone. However, Licorice root is not effective in detoxifying morphine, ephedrine and epinephrine toxicity. Various Licorice root preparations are now being experimentally used with antineoplastic (cancer) drugs to reduce their toxicity and to improve their effects. Excellent results have been reported in China. All this detoxifying activity is now believed to be due to the improvement of the regulative activity of the adrenal-pituitary system, and to direct adrenocorticomimetic actions of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, among other mechanisms.
Glycyrrhetinic acid has an antitussive (anti-cough) action similar in action to codeine, but without the drowsiness. Licorice root extract or an herbal tea containing sufficient quantity of the herb, can relieve irritation of inflamed pharyngeal mucosa. Licorice root also promotes pharyngeal and bronchial secretion, which in turn promotes expectoration.
Licorice root extract Protect liver:
Licorice root extract has been shown in laboratory animals to significantly protect the liver from damage due to strong liver toxins.
Licorice root has a significant antidiuretic action, due to the action of glycyrrhizin. This action produces the one overt side effect of Licorice root---edema.
Licorice root as good female hormone estrogen:
Licorice is a good source of the female hormone estrogen and contains estrogenic activity. It is used for female problems relating to menopause and menstrual cramps. One study, showed successful treatment for women who were not ovulating.
Licorice may also be useful for protecting against and healing ulcers as well as a treatment for hepatitis.
Studies are underway regarding licorice as a treatment for Addison's disease, which involve inadequate adrenal function.
The glycyrrhizin in licorice stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce aldosterone.
Normalizes ovulation in women experiencing infrequent menstruation.
Contains a natural hormone that will replace cortisone.
Stimulates adrenal functions without depleting them (Addison's disease).
It soothes and heals inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Digestive aid, protection against ulcers.
Licorice helps in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers:
Licorice helps stimulate the defenses that prevent ulcers from forming. It seems to stimulate the increase of cells that protect the lining of the gastrointestinal system.
Licorice has been given many remedial applications:
Coughs, colds, wheezing, lung complaints, hoarseness, mucus congestion, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, food poisoning, fevers, fluid retention, edema, burning urine and kidney, bladder ailments, gall stones, allergies, cancers and melanomas, conjunctivitis, earache, toothache, age spots, senility, hyperglycemia, menstrual discomforts, vaginal thrush, endometriosis, infertility, candida, ankylosing spondylitis, muscular dystrophy, skin allergies, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, nervous tension, insomnia and anxiety, depression, hysteria, indigestion and gastritis, diabetes, drug withdrawal, malaria, inflammations, cramps, Addison's and Parkinson's diseases, epilepsy, poor circulation, to lower cholesterol, headaches, earache, herpes, wounds, burns, cold sores, psoriasis, carbuncles, syphilis, abscesses, shingles, and to fight staphylococci. Licorice infusion as a wash has been used on acne scars.
The intricate, multiplex chemistry in licorice gives it a wide-spectrum of properties and actions. Large numbers of studies have been carried out on its therapeutic benefits particularly for duodenal, and peptic ulcers, hormonal imbalances, respiratory and liver diseases.
Research shows its usefulness as an expectorant and a cough suppressant, with action resembling codeine. Doubleblind trials showed glycyrrhizin an effective means of treating viral hepatitis. Licorice has been found to heal mouth ulcers, as an infusion to gargle. Clinical trials reported in the 'Townsend newsletter for doctors' of using glycyrrhizin intravenously for the treatment of AIDS, which gave significantly marked improvement for patients. Glycyrrhiza in licorice has valuable anti-inflammatory properties, which many people find effective for arthritic and rheumatic pain. A folk remedy is made by dissolving over low heat, 1/2 a stick of licorice (break into small pieces with a hammer, this must be the pure licorice extract), 1 tablesp. celery seed, 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Strain liquid off and bottle. Refrigerate. Take 1 tablesp. three times a day until relief is obtained; then cease taking the mixture until pains in the joints return. If mixture is very thick, a little more water can be added.
Licorice root helps prevent adrenal failure by maintaining electrolyte balance. Research shows benefits for Addison's disease sufferers. Rather than contributing to adrenal atrophy, as synthetics do, licorice helps to preserve adrenal integrity. Licorice is a herb that can have marked effect upon the endocrine system. The glycosides in the plant have a structure that is similar to the natural steroids of the body. Overworked adrenals in hypoglycaemic cases with nervousness, irritability, stress, fatigue, and depression can be helped with licorice. Many who have taken licorice to support the adrenals find stress, worry and negative attitudes fall away, and that they have strength and energy to cope with daily life, and without the doped out sensations caused by tranquilizers and drugs. A lady called at the farm, and shared that she found licorice helped her to keep hyperglycaemia under control. She also said it helped calm her grandchildren who came to stay, as they tended to be rather hyperactive.
It is the opinion of La Dean Griffin, the American author of a number of natural health books, 'that many who suffer in mental institutions could be helped with this wonderful herb'.
Licorice has been found to assist the pancreas by stimulating exocrine secretions. Another valuable action of licorice is oestrogen support. This hormone helps to build the endocrine glands, and has been found to be especially helpful in post hysterectomy cases, and the discomforts of menopause. One research report stated that when oestrogen levels are too high, licorice will inhibit oestrogen action, and when oestrogen are too low, it will potentiate oestrogen action, and that administration of glycyrrhiza during the midluteal phase may reduce PMS symptomatology.
Maria had pernicious anemia. She started eating licorice root and colour quickly returned to her cheeks and she returned to health. Licorice together with alfalfa, dandelion, gotu kola, red clover and sheep sorrel has been used as a blood purifying tea. Licorice combined with barley and couch grass has been brewed in a drink called cure-all. As a metabolic mix for weight loss, licorice, dandelion and fennel are used as a tea.
Reference:
1.Licorice:Glycyrrhiza Glabra,Licorice Root Extract.
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