Symptom → Plant Sources
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as a tool for helping with Skin irritation
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
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Full Licorice root monograph →All plants for skin irritation →
Liquorice root has been used in Europe since prehistoric times, and is well documented in written form starting with the ancient Greeks. In this review we compare the independent development of medical uses of this botanical drug in several ancient cultures, attempting to show the rationality of specific indications across different ethnic groups with different cultural backgrounds. Identical specific indications in different cultures highlight universally reproducible therapeutic effects that are beyond those of a mere placebo. In the first part of the review, historical sources dealing with liquorice (Scythian, Greek, Roman, and from the Middle Ages in Germany, Italy, Spain, England) have been considered. In the second part, the historical records of diseases treated with liquorice have been presented. Finally, a comparison between traditional use in and outside Europe, with the most important recent scientific studies concerning its use, is presented.
3 sources supporting Licorice root for Skin irritation. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
This comprehensive review of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) covers its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence and toxicology, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of its flavonoids.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) contains phytocompounds such as glycyrrhizin, 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, glabrin A and B and isoflavones. Pharmacological experiments show extracts and pure compounds exhibit a broad range of biological properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The review provides a critical, updated overview of liquorice composition and biological activities and its therapeutic potential.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) has been traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, fever, stomach ulcers, rheumatism, skin diseases and jaundice. Chemical analysis revealed liquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizin, isoangustone A and many other constituents. Pharmacological activities include antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. The review covers its phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity.
Flavanones from Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf phytocomplexes showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with licoflavanone modulating the NF-kB/MAPK pathway, supporting the anti-inflammatory use of licorice.
This review summarises the botany, constituents and pharmacological uses of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), including anti-inflammatory, expectorant and gastroprotective activities.