Licorice … Candy or Health Food?

Today is going to be a good day because I learned something new. A few weeks back I was on a golf trip, and decided to treat myself to some licorice. I was feeling a little bit guilty about it because if my wife saw me she would say that it was bad for me due to raised your blood pressure. I wish I knew then what I know now about licorice.

Licorice is a flowering perennial native to southern and central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years by Greek, Roman, Chinese and European herbalists. Licorice is probably best known today as a spicy flavor used in candies and beverages, but it offers a number of health benefits also. It’s a liver tonic that supports detoxification, and it’s flavonoids and phytosterols support healthy immune system function.

I just read in an article written by Greg Arnold. He wrote about a component in licorice called glycyrrhizic acid (GA for short) that may help colorectal health. There was a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that reported on it.

Colorectal cancer is right behind lung cancer in the United States, in causing deaths claiming more than 55,000 Americans each year. One out of four or 80 to 90 million people in the US are at risk because of age or other factors and, contrary to what most people believe, both men and women are equally affected.

Research found that a COX-2 enzyme promotes colorectal cancer by increasing levels of an inflammatory protein called PGE2. This can be reduced by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, but they also have long-term side effects that include ulcers and cardiovascular risk, so alternative treatments to NSAIDs for colorectal health are a priority.

Now a new study has found that a component of licorice called glycyrrhizic acid (GA) may help with colorectal health. In this study researchers showed that GA directly stopped the activity of a protein in the colon cells, thereby stopping the progression of colorectal cancer. It is also possible that GA also plays a role in kidney health. About 3 mg per kg of bodyweight per day of GA was considered safe in long-term human studies.

Not only did researchers show that GA stops direct tumor growth, it also prevented the spread of cancer (metastasis) to a new location. This was an important because metastasis is the major cause of death in colorectal cancer. The researchers found that GA “dramatically reduced” a protein called VEGF, which is central to the diffusion of tumor growth in colorectal cancer.

I didn’t know that! So instead of feeling guilty the next time I indulge in some licorice, I can boldly state that it is for medicinal purposes and I am protecting my colon.

BTW I found a place to get "licorice" Lozenges from NOW Foods. If you need a fix, go to supplementstogo.com and pick some up for yourself.