description
Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
Holistic management of acid peptic disease
Yashtimadhu
(Licorice/Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for sweetening candies for
generations. It is also one of the world's most widely researched herbs
for its role in supporting the body’s normal digestive function.
Researchers
at the Department of Experimental Pharmacology, the University of
Naples, Italy, name Licorice as a digestive herb that ‘has been used
extensively and had its clinical efficacy documented.’ They also suggest
the use of Licorice as a dietary adjunct to existing therapies
(Phytotherapy Research, December 2000, 14(8):581-91).
Scientists
at the Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Materials, Tokyo, Japan, point
out that Licorice features in Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Chinese
systems of medicine as one of their most frequently used plants. In
Japan, the oldest specimen of Licorice, brought from China in the 8th
century, still exists in the Imperial Storehouse in Shosoin (Yakugaku
Zasshi. October 2000, 120(10):849-62).
Licorice grows in the subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world, chiefly in the Mediterranean and China.
Active constituents:
The
principal constituent of Licorice and the component that gives Licorice
its characteristically sweet taste, is called glycyrrhizin (also known
as glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizinic acid), a saponin glycoside that
is 50 times as sweet as sucrose. Its flavonoid constituents include
liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin. Glycyrrhizin is a gastroprotective
and increases the rate of mucus secretion by the gastric mucosa.
Glycyrrhizin is also responsible for the demulcent, expectorant and
antitussive properties of Licorice and is beneficial in reducing
inflammation in the body.
Herb functions:
Anti-ulcer:
Licorice is beneficial in treating acid peptic disease. Scientific
studies have shown that its extract reduces gastric acid secretion and
inhibits the formation of peptic ulcers. Licorice treats ulcers by
accelerating mucin excretion by increasing the synthesis of glycoprotein
at the gastric mucosa, prolonging the life of the epithelial cells and
antipepsin activity. It is also beneficial in the management of aphthous
ulcers or mouth sores.
Anti-arthritic: Licorice has been used in
traditional systems of medicine to treat rheumatism and arthritis
because of its anti-inflammatory activity.
Anti-allergic: The
anti-allergic properties of Licorice have been attributed to the
corticosteroid-like activity of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, also
known as enoxolone.
Indications:
Hyperacidity
Peptic ulcer
Arthiritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Contraindications:
None
Recommended dose:
One capsule, twice a day or as directed by your physician
Composition:
Each capsule contains 250mg extract of Licorice
Note:
Since Himalaya’s Pure Herbs are in capsule form, some children below 14
years may find it difficult to swallow them. For this reason, Pure
Herbs are recommended for children ages 14 and above.
The
information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or
treat your problem without consulting your doctor.