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Protocols: Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Psychoactive

Description: Chewy black confection extracted from the plant root. Licorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar and thus has found widespread use as a sweetener, especially in candies. Used for over 5000 years

Method of Action: The hemisuccinate derivative of glycyrrhetamic acid is carbenoxolone which is used allopathically for duodenal and gastric ulcers. Licorice renders the patient unable to convert 11-deoxycortisol of deoxycorticosterone into the active glucocorticoids, cortisol and corticosterone, respectively.

Indications and Usage: Useful in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with neuroally mediated hypotension. Has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory use in gastris and peptic ulcer disease. Should be used with caution and on a limited basis due to contraindications and interactive effects. Licorice is also a gentle laxative and has been found to have strong antioxidant and antihepatotoxic potentiastes.

Contraindications: Generally, it is unwise to use this product if you are pregnant or lactating. Licorice use also is not recommended in patients with hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes (may affect blood glucose levels), glaucoma, or depression. The 11-B-hydrox-vlase deficiency acquired through licorice ingestion results in sodium retention, hypertension and hypokalemia. May interfere with digoxm pharmacodynamically or with digoxin monitoring. Can offset the pharmacological effect of spirolactone. Within ten days of discontinuation of licorice regimen the blood pressure will return to baseline and spironolactone may be employed in the treatment of licorice-induced hypertension. Licorice use has been associated with potassium loss resulting in acute flassic tetraparesis and hypokalemian and increased sensitivity to digoxin treatment. Licorice may also adversely interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and relevant dietary precautions should be taken.

Dosage and Administration: Use only deglycyrrhizic licorice (DGL), as side-effect profile is somewhat lower. For gastric complaints should be used in conjunction with OCT antacids. Take as directed on bottle.

Clinical Effect In: No literature available.

Adverse Reactions: Hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, renal potassium wasting, metabolic alkalosis, sodium retention and depressed renin, muscle weakness. Liver and human peripheral blood mononucler toxicity has been found for this product during in vitro testing. If you suspect that an herb or other supplement is making you sick, call the FDA's MedWatch hotline at 800-332-1088 or contact the agency via its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Known Interactive Effects: This product may stimulate higher levels of estrogen in the body and should not be used concomitantly with estrogen replacement therapies unless under medical supervision. Electrolyte imbalances may occur if used concurrently with corticosteroids. May interact negatively with oral contraceptives and thiazide diuretics (which promote potassium depletion).

Additional Considerations: Can raise blood cortisol levels. Individual should be monitored for low potassium, which can lead to cardiac arrest. After adrenal insufficiency is corrected, herbal adaptogens can be used for long-term support of normal pituitary and adrenal gland functioning.

Warnings: The information above is provided for educational purposes and may not be construed as a medical prescription or as a substitute for the advice of your physician Do not use this product without first consulting your physician especially if you are pregnant or lactating. Be advised that some herbs and dietary supplements can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals and may also have an adverse result in conjunction with other medication& or treatments. You should regularly consult your physician in matters regarding your health and particularly in respect to symptoms and conditions which may require diagnosis or medical attention. Reevaluate use of this product after 6 months.

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