History of The Endocrine Effects of Licorice

D. Armanini; C. Fiore; M. J. Mattarello; J. Bielenberg; M. Palermo

doi:10.1055/s-2002-34587

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, Table of Contents

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2002; 110(6): 257-261
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-34587

Review

History of The Endocrine Effects of Licorice

D. Armanini, C. Fiore, M. J. Mattarello, J. Bielenberg, M. Palermo

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences -Endocrinology University of Padua
*Endocrinology University of Sassari Italy

Abstract

Summary

The history of licorice as an officinal plant dates back thousands of years, and licorice is still appreciated as a medicinal root. Many of its endocrine properties can be derived from observations of Authors of the ancient world, when hormones were not known. Inappropriate use of licorice can produce pseudoaldosteronism, by inactivating 11β-hydroxysteroiod-dehydrogenase and by binding to mineralocorticoid receptors. Licorice possesses many other therapeutic properties as to potentiate the action of cortisol, to reduce testosterone synthesis, especially in women, to exert an estrogen-like activity and to reduce body fat mass. The chronological development of research on these effects is described.

Key words:

Licorice - Glycyrrhetinic acid - Endocrine properties - History

Full Text

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