Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

[Matthew Capowski]

This thread will be used to organize information about licorice root.

A sensationalized report on the dangers of licorice root for the uncommon cases of frequent and prolonged use not under the care of a herbalist:

http://news.nationalpost.com/health...y-ill-and-highlighted-the-dangers-of-licorice

Of course licorice root does have contraindications and like any herb potential for side effect and harm, but this is a very frequently used herb with known properties.
Still, it's good to be aware of this possibility.

A study of mold/mycotoxins on medicinal plants from Pakistan produced some troubling findings, including for licorice root. This once again shows the importance of using quality sources who understand and adhere to best practices. Evaluation of mycotoxins, mycobiota, and toxigenic fungi in selected medicinal plants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25209636

Opium poppy, licorice root, and Indian rennet were most contaminated samples.

Glycyrrhizin, an active component of liquorice roots, and replication of SARS-associated coronavirus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12814717

Of all the compounds, glycyrrhizin was the most active in inhibiting replication of the SARS-associated virus. Our findings suggest that glycyrrhizin should be assessed for treatment of SARS.

Is Licorice anti-viral? by Paul Bergner

https://c1c17220-5aa6-46c5-a11f-1b9...d/ee530d_db6177c0160d448ab8802ef92f263e17.pdf (I don't know why this link looks so strange but it works)