Medicinal Uses
gastric ulcers
duodenal ulcers
peptic ulcers
heartburn
colic
inflammation of stomach lining
hepatitis
dry cough
sore throat
bronchitis
cough
asthma
all pectoral diseases (chest)
hepatitis B and C
liver disorders
kidney stones
diabetes
herpes simplex virus
Addison's disease
menopausal symptoms
osteoporosis
osteoarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
liver disorders
malaria
tuberculosis
high potassium levels in the blood
food poisoning
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
hypertonia
abscesses
recovery after surgery
rash
high cholesterol
polycystic ovary syndrome
muscle cramps
prostate cancer
estrogen imbalances
food poisoning
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Glycyrrhiza contains steroidal saponins credited with many of the supportive effects on the adrenal glands and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Many adaptogenic plants possess steroidal saponins shown to exert immunomodulating and anabolic activities and promote neurogenesis, restore monoaminergic tone, enhance neurotrophic factors, and protect the HPA axis from acute and long-term stress.
According to the Chinese pharmacopeia, licorice, either aqueous dry extract or hydro-alcoholic fluid extract, has an abirritant (soothing effect), often used in combination with expectorants and antitussives to diminish irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and it is used as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, expectorant, and analgesic in gastrointestinal disorders.
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Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of licorice root are used in many bronchial, gastrointestinal, liver and bile, and urological preparations. In the United States, licorice root is often a component of demulcent, expectorant, or laxative preparations.
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Studies have investigated its effects in traditional context as a component of multi-herb formulas, on testosterone secretion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, on treating anxiety, and on gastric and duodenal ulcers. Licorice root has also been shown to normalize estrogen levels.
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The Commission E approved the internal use of licorice root for catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
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The World Health Organization recognizes the following uses: demulcent for sore throats; expectorant in treatment of coughs and bronchial catarrh; prophylaxis and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers; used in dyspepsia; anti-inflammatory in treating allergic reactions, rheumatism, and arthritis; to prevent liver toxicity; and to treat tuberculosis and adrenocorticoid insufficiency (WHO, 1999).
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A mixture of dried powdered slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran, and licorice root significantly improved both bowel habit and IBS symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant IBS.
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Anti-cancer
Results of one study showed that Glycyrrhiza glabra inhibited proliferation of cancer cells and down-regulation of gene expression which implied an ability of Glycyrrhiza glabra to induce cancer cell death confirming its anticancer property.
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Historical data shows it was used in prehistoric era by ancient Greek, Egyptians, Chinese for either sweetening and or medicinal uses for treatment of several indication like cough, heart burn, kidney stones, skin ulcers, fever and pain (Fiore et al., 2005).
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In Japan, intravenously, licorice components are used for treating hepatitis B and C (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2016).
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The antitussive effect of water extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on guinea pigs was more effective than codeine (Saha et al., 2011)
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Within the body, the adrenal glands produce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Licorice helps regulate the production of these hormones, buffeting the body’s defenses against stress and reducing anxiety symptoms. Licorice root can also soothe gastrointestinal upset, which is common in many people with anxiety.
Common Names
Licorice root, sweetwood, sweet licorice, and liquorice, alcacuz, alcazuz, bois doux, bois sucré, can cao, chinese licorice, deglycyrrhized licorice, gan cao, gan zao, glabra
Botanical Name
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis
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Family
Fabaceae or Leguminosae [ The Pea Family ]
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Parts Used
The dried rhizome and roots
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Therapeutic Actions
adrenal agent
analgesic (for digestion)
antiallergic
antihepatitis
anti-inflammatory
antiviral
antiulcer
antitumor
antimutagenic
antihepatotoxic
antitussive
adrenalcorticotropic
antihepatotoxic
anti-diabetic
antiangiogenic
carminative
chemoprotective
hormone regulator
immunomodulator
mucolytic
spasmolytic
neuro-protective
cardio-protective​
Proper Use
Mix the herb with a skin-friendly gel, such as aloe vera gel, to help eczema.
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Steep loose herbs in hot water to make tea for a sore throat.
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Add liquid licorice extract/ tincture to a beverage or take it under the tongue as a treatment for ulcers or stomach problems.
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Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is the safest and most effective variety of medicinal licorice root available. DGL is sold in capsule, powder, tea and chewable tablet forms.
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Licorice is sometimes taken by mouth along with the herbs Panax ginseng and Bupleurum falcatum to improve the function of the adrenal glands, especially in people who have taken steroid drugs long-term. which suppress the activity of the adrenal glands.
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Licorice is also taken in combination with andrographis, Siberian ginseng, and schisandra to treat familial Mediterranean fever. This hereditary condition is characterized by recurrent and painful swelling in the chest, stomach, or joints.
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A formulation containing licorice root along with slippery elm bark, lactulose, and oat bran has been used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Some people use licorice as a shampoo to reduce oiliness in their hair.
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It is also applied as a gel for itchy, inflamed skin (eczema), as a solution to stop bleeding, as a patch in the mouth or as a gargle for canker sores, as a cream for psoriasis, weight loss, or a skin condition characterized by brown spots (melisma), as a gargle for recovery after surgery, and as a paste for dental plaque.
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Licorice is used intravenously to treat hepatitis B and C, as well as mouth sores (lichen planus) in people with hepatitis C.
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Licorice is available in the form of chewable tablets, a liquid extract, capsules, a powder, and a loose herb.
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Dosage
About 5-15 g per day of cut or powdered root, or dry extracts equivalent to 200-600 mg of glycyrrhizin.
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Liquid extract (2 to 4 ml, 3 times a day), after meals.
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Native dry extract 5-6:1 (w/w): 0.33-0.8 g, after meals three times daily.
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Duration of administration: Not longer than four to six weeks without medical advice. There is no objection to using licorice root as a flavoring agent up to a maximum daily dosage equivalent to 100 mg glycyrrhizin.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) state that a limit of 100 milligrams per dayTrusted Source of glycyrrhizic acid would be "unlikely to cause adverse effects in the majority of adults."
Constituents
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Glycyrrhiza contains steroidal saponins credited with many of the supportive effects on the adrenal glands and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.
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Licorice contains more than 20 triterpenoids
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300 flavonoids; glycyrrhizin (GL), 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), liquiritigenin (LTG), licochalcone A (LCA), licochalcone E (LCE) and glabridin (GLD) are the main active components which possess antiviral and antimicrobial activities.
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Energetics/ Organoleptics
Sweet, warm and moist
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Contraindictions
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Toxicological studies indicate that excessive amounts of licorice can produce a mineralocorticoid-like effect leading to hypertension, hypokalemia, sodium retention, edema, and weight gain.
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Withdrawal of the licorice reverses these symptoms. It is advised to eat a potassium rich, low sodium diet for those on therapeutic doses of licorice.
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The use of licorice is contraindicated for patients with hypertension, hypokalemia, cirrhosis of the liver, pregnancy, cholestatic liver disorders, and those on thiazide diuretics. (Snow, 1998)
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Cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertonia, hypokalemia, severe kidney insufficiency.
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People who have high blood pressure or low potassium levels should avoid licorice candy and glycyrrhizin supplements.
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Consuming too much licorice can cause potassium levels to drop.
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Pregnant women should not consume large quantities of licorice or take licorice root as a supplement.
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One study found that the glycyrrhiza in licorice could harm the developing brain of the fetus, leading to cognitive problems later in life.
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Another study found that heavy licorice consumption during pregnancy led to preterm birth.
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No restrictions known during lactation.
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Liquorice medication is not recommended to be used in patients affected by hypertension, kidney diseases, liver or cardiovascular disorders or hypokalemia, as they are more sensitive to the adverse effects of liquorice.
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Concomitant use with diuretics, cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives or other medications which may aggravate electrolyte imbalance is not recommended.
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Not to be used concomitantly with diuretics, cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives or other medications which may aggravate electrolyte imbalance
Medications that interact with licorice include:
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drugs that lower potassium
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blood pressure medications
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diuretics, also called water pills
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heart rhythm medications
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blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
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estrogen, hormone therapy, and birth control pills
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corticosteroids
Reports in the literature of adverse effects of the consumption of excessive amounts of licorice (more than 20 g per day) have raised concerns about the potential for glycyrrhizin in licorice to produce pseudoaldesteronism (excessive levels of aldesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenalcortex) and resulting risks (headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention, hypertension, potassium loss that upsets the sodium-potassium balance, possibly resulting in cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest).
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On prolonged use and with higher doses, sodium and water retention and potassium loss may occur, accompanied by hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, and, in rare cases, myoglobinuria.
History
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Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and is found in numerous traditional formulas (Leung and Foster, 1996).
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Glycyrrhiza is derived from the ancient Greek term glykos, meaning sweet, and rhiza, meaning root.
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Licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar.
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Most modern-day drinks and candies that claim to contain licorice only contain licorice flavoring, which doesn’t provide the same nutritional benefits as licorice root. It’s best to consume licorice in an extracted, purified form.
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Glycyrrhiza glabra or licorice is a perennial herb found in temperate regions. Commercial licorice is cultivated primarily in Turkey, Greece, and other parts of Asia Minor.​
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Its use is first documented in Assyrian clay tablets (ca. 2500 B.C.E.) and Egyptian papyri.
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The stoloniferous root has been used as a medicine and flavoring agent for over 3,000 years.​
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Licorice is also used to flavor foods, beverages, and tobacco products.
Cultivation
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The licorice shrub is a member of the pea family and grows in subtropical climates in rich soil up to a height of four or five feet. It has oval leaflets, white to purplish flower clusters, and flat pods.
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Below ground, the licorice plant has an extensive root system with a main taproot and numerous runners. The main taproot, which is harvested for medicinal use, is soft, fibrous, and has a bright yellow interior.
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This shrub grows best on the Eastern areas of North America.
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It can be cultivated if it is protected from cold temperatures for the first couple of years.
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Cultivated roots are harvested after three to four years of growth.
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Propagating licorice is easy. It can be propagated from cuttings, division or seeds.
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Soak the seeds for at least 24 hours in lukewarm water and then sow seeds in seed starting mix.
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Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch.
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Cover the seeds with soil and keep it evenly moist until the seeds germinate.
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Germination occurs within two weeks.
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Optimum germination ranges around 68 F (20 C).
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Leave space of 2 feet between each plant.
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Divide the licorice plant in spring or fall. Every division must have about one growth bud. If are dividing the plant in the fall (autumn), divisions must be replanted immediately or you can also store them in clamps for spring planting.
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Licorice should be planted in the spring or summer. In warm subtropical or tropical climate growing licorice is possible year around except peak summer.
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This shrub needs to be in a location that is sunny to grow properly but if you’re growing licorice in tropics, plant it in on a location that receives shade in the afternoon.
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A soil that is light and rich in humus facilitates the harvesting of the roots and maintains moisture. It prefers slightly sandy soil that is well draining but retains moisture with neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels.
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Growing licorice requires regular and abundant watering during the growing period. Regular and deep watering is required to keep the soil slightly moist all the time. In winter, watering should be reduced.
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It prefers average temperature around 60 – 85 F (15 to 30 C). Frost, high winds or too warm temperature can damage the plant.
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Licorice roots are ready for harvest after two years of planting. Harvest the plant in fall. Extract the horizontal roots with a sharp spade and replant the plant so that it will regrow again. Preserve the main roots so as not to damage the plant.
Once dried, the licorice roots can be kept for several months.
Good companions — Marjoram, rosemary, and marigold.
Bad companions — Garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onion and leek.
Research & References
Al-Dujaili EA, Kenyon CJ, Nicol MR, et al. (2011). Liquorice and glycyrrhetinic acid increase DHEA and deoxycorticosterone levels in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting adrenal SULT2A1 activity. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2011;336(1–2):102–9.
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Al-Qarawi AA, Abdel-Rahman HA, et al. (2002). Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and the adrenal-kidney-pituitary axis in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2002;40(10):1525–7
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Armanini D, Mattarello MJ, Fiore C, et al. (2004). Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women. Steroids. 69(11–12):763–6.
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Choi JS, Han JY, Ahn HK, et al. (2013). Fetal and neonatal outcomes in women reporting ingestion of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) during pregnancy. Planta Med. 2013;79(2):97–101.
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Duax WL, Ghosh D. (1997). Structure and function of steroid dehydrogenases involved in hypertension, fertility, and cancer. Steroids. 1997;62 (1):95–100.
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Epstein MT, Espiner EA, Donald RA, et al. (1978). Licorice raises urinary cortisol in man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1978;47(2):397–400.
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Isbrucker RA, Burdock GA. (2006). Risk and safety assessment on the consumption of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), its extract and powder as a food ingredient, with emphasis on the pharmacology and toxicology of glycyrrhizin. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2006;46 (3):167–92.
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Jia J, Li Y, Lei Z, et al. (2013). Relaxative effect of core licorice aqueous extract on mouse isolated uterine horns. Pharm Biol. 2013;51(6):744–8
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Josephs RA, Guinn JS, Harper ML, et al. (2001). Liquorice consumption and salivary testosterone concentrations. Lancet. 2001; 358(9293):1613–4.
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Lei CC, Tang CC. (1973). Successful treatment of postpartum hypopituitarism with decoction of Radix glycyrrhizae and Radix ginseng:
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Methlie P, Husebye EE, Hustad S, et al. (2011). Grapefruit juice and licorice increase cortisol availability in patients with Addison's disease. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011;165(5):761–9.
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Miettinen HE, Piippo K, Hannila-Handelberg T, et al. (2010). Licorice-induced hypertension and common variants of genes regulating renal sodium reabsorption. Ann Med. 2010;42(6):465–74.
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Räikkönen K, Pesonen AK, Heinonen K, et al. (2009). Maternal licorice consumption and detrimental cognitive and psychiatric outcomes in children. Am J Epidemiol. 2009;170(9):1137–46.
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Sigurjonsdottir HA, Axelson M, Johannsson G, et al. (2006). Liquorice in moderate doses does not affect sex steroid hormones of biological importance although the effect differs between the genders. Horm Res. 2006;65(2):106–10.
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Shibata S. (2000). A drug over the millennia: pharmacognosy, chemistry, and pharmacology of licorice. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2000;120(10):849–62.
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Strandberg TE, Andersson S, Järvenpää AL, et al. (2002). Preterm birth and licorice consumption during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;156(9):803–5.
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Whorwood CB, Sheppard MC, Stewart PM. (1993). Licorice inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase messenger ribonucleic acid levels and potentiates glucocorticoid hormone action. Endocrinology. 1993;132(6):2287–92.
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