Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Endocrinology, University of Padua, Via Ospedale 105, 35100 Padua, Italy. decio.armanini@unipd.it
Licorice has been considered a medicinal plant for thousands of years. The most common side effect is hypokalemic hypertension, which is secondary to a block of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 at the level of the kidney, leading to an enhanced mineralocorticoid effect of cortisol. We have investigated the effect of licorice on androgen metabolism in nine healthy women 22-26 years old, in the luteal phase of the cycle. They were given 3.5 g of a commercial preparation of licorice (containing 7.6% W.W. of glycyrrhizic acid) daily for two cycles. They were not on any other treatment. Plasma renin activity, serum adrenal and gonadal androgens, aldosterone, and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Total serum testosterone decreased from 27.8+/-8.2 to 19.0+/-9.4 in the first month and to 17.5+/-6.4 ng/dL in the second month of therapy (p<0.05). It returned to pre-treatment levels after discontinuation. Androstenedione, 17OH-progesterone, and LH levels did not change significantly during treatment. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone were depressed during therapy, while blood pressure and cortisol remained unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS: Licorice can reduce serum testosterone probably due to the block of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase.
Licorice could be considered an adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.
PMID: 15579328 [PubMed - in process]
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Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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I was reading about licorice the other day and trying to decide whether to try it.
There were some contraindications though which put me off. I shall have to do a search and come back with them!
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I had been researching a lot on the net recently and had found something - but I've just done a search and can't find the site again! BUT I have to say I found lots of other, quite positive information I had missed before that licorice is also good for the adrenal glands and high levels of cortisol.
I am reviewing my herbal treatment plan at the moment and am considering adding in licorice and black cohosh but think I have some more reading to do yet!
Edited to add: I just read Kat's link and I think the info there was what had caused some initial concern - low potassium levels; potential risk of stroke etc.
Still researching at the moment to weigh up the pros and cons.
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Eating licorice or the supplement?
Didn't see if it said red or black, I always heard black can give you hedaches? Isn't there something called licorice root herb? Confused as to this article is about eating licorice to help or taking the herb/supplement?
Interesting article, better go get me some licorice. This is cool
Wow! What an interesting article Kat! Thanks so much. Now, I will have to give it a try. Of course, I hope it doesn't taste or smell like licorice candy, because that stuff gags me LOL!
Stacie
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Ok so what type of Licorice?? And where would I get it ??? Thnks!!! :p
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Carey(31) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Paul(43)
Married 7-25-02
PCOS Diagnosed Nov 02'
Bi Polar Diagnosed Feb 08'
Current meds~ Lithium&Celexa
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LOL!! YOU are so funny! Sitting here laughing cuz I read your posts and you're always smiling luv it, I think you're great LOL
keep it up!
Right Back at cha BABE!!! Now I am blushing!! :p
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Carey(31) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Paul(43)
Married 7-25-02
PCOS Diagnosed Nov 02'
Bi Polar Diagnosed Feb 08'
Current meds~ Lithium&Celexa
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I started licorice a week ago - I'll come and post how I find it!
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I got the ok from my doctor about taking licorice root. I was concerned because you are not supposed to take it if you have high blood pressure. Mine isn't high, but I was still concerned. I will be stopping into the docs office every 2 weeks to have it checked just the same.
Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women - treats hirsutism 
Ok so what type of Licorice?? And where would I get it ??? Thnks!!! :p 
Right Back at cha BABE!!! 
Now I am blushing!! :p 
