| Glycyrrhiza glabra (Jasthi Madhu) |
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| The medicinally used part of licorice is the root and dried rhizome of the low-growing shrub Glycyrrhiza glabra. Currently, most licorice is produced in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice has been used as a flavoring agent, valued for sweetness (glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice, is 50 times sweeter than table sugar). The generic name "glycyrrhiza" stems from ancient Greek, meaning "sweet root." |
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| Major chemical constituent of licorice is Glycyrrhizin. Its medical and Pharmacological Activities Include: |
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| Antiinflammatory activity: licorice can affect the metabolism of steroids, licorice is sometimes used to help decrease inflammation. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation. |
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| Expectorant and anti-tussive activity: Licorice has been used for its expectorant and anti tussive effect. |
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| Safety Profile |
| Since licorice has been used as part of food, it is considered safe. |
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| Herb Drug interactions |
| In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before licorice or two hours after licorice because licorice may increase the absorption of many drugs. |
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| Diuretics: Licorice may reduce the effects of blood pressure or diuretic (urine-producing) drugs, including hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. Use of licorice with the diuretics hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide may cause potassium levels to fall very low and lead to dangerous complications. |
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| Anti Platelet: licorice may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. |
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| Licorice may also interact with glucocorticoids, ulcer medications, interferon, or lithium. |
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| Selected relevant published references |
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Cancer 1997;79(8):1494-1500. |
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Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007 Mar;131(1):61-7. |
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Arch Intern Med 2000;160(6):870-871.] |
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Lancet 2003;361(9374):2045-2046. |
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Eur J Pharmacol 2003;469(1-3):159-163. |
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