Licorice/Mulethi: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More

Mulethi Benefits

Mulethi powder, derived from the root of the licorice plant, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese practices.

Known for its distinct sweet flavor and numerous health benefits, mulethi powder is often considered a natural remedy for various ailments.

In this blog, we will explore the diverse benefits of mulethi, its uses in daily life, and how you can incorporate it into your wellness routine.

What is Mulethi?

Mulethi, or licorice, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb belongs to the Leguminosae family.

Mulethi is found throughout Asia, and in some parts of Europe.

The root of the plant is harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder, which is then used for its medicinal properties.

Mulethi is not only celebrated for its health benefits but also for its culinary uses. Its sweet flavor makes it a popular ingredient in candies, herbal teas, and traditional sweets.

Licorice has been widely used as an antidote to counteract the toxicity caused by certain drug therapies in Traditional medicine.

In Ayurveda, it is classified as a “Rasayana,” symbolizing its nourishing, rejuvenating, and strengthening properties.

The rhizomes and roots of licorice are commonly used to address various health issues, including renal, liver, gastric, and respiratory disorders.

Health Benefits

below are the various health benefits offered by mulethi, also known as licorice.

1. Rich in Antioxidants 

Mulethi is a rich source of various antioxidants, which contribute to its various health benefits.

Antioxidants are the compounds that neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and damage to cells. They help protect the body from various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and aging-related conditions by supporting overall health and well-being.

One of the most prominent compounds present in licorice roots is glycyrrhizin, along with the flavonoid liquiritin apioside.

Mulethi is also rich in saponins, chalcones, coumarins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds like liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and glabridin.

Mulethi has shown antioxidative activity in cellular and animal studies.

A study found that a licorice phenolic extract at a concentration of 0.54 μM provided the best protection against oxidative stress, maintaining 72% cell viability in Caco-2 cells.

In an animal study, feeding Mulethi polysaccharides orally improved immune system activity and reduced oxidative stress in mice fed on a high-fat diet by enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes.

These antioxidants work together to combat oxidative damage and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. May Soothe Respiratory Problems

One of the most well-known benefits of mulethi powder is its ability to soothe respiratory conditions.

It has been traditionally used to alleviate coughs, bronchitis, sore throats and upper respiratory infections.

The World Health Organization notes that licorice is used as a soothing agent for sore throats and as an expectorant to help relieve bronchial congestion and coughs.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes airflow blockage, breathing difficulty, and symptoms like coughing and wheezing.

Licorice has been traditionally used to help treat ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Studies suggest that licorice extract can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria often responsible for peptic ulcers.

In a study with 120 participants, one group received a triple treatment of clarithromycin, while the other group was given licorice. After six weeks, results showed that combining licorice with clarithromycin significantly improves the eradication of H. pylori in people with peptic ulcers.

Another study found that the licorice group had an 83.3% success rate in treatment, while the control group had 62.5%. It was concluded that the licorice fights H. pylori by blocking a key enzyme and preventing the bacteria from attaching to the stomach lining.

Overall, these findings suggest that licorice may be particularly effective in treating ulcers related to H. pylori rather than being a general remedy for all ulcer types, indicating the need for further research on mulethi’s effects on various ulcers.

4. May Have Anti-inflammatory Properties 

Mulethi has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis or muscle pain.

Conversely, in another study with 96 patients who had gastric ulcers, some were treated with a placebo and others with deglycyrrhizinated licorice, but after four weeks, no differences were found between the treatment groups in ulcer size or symptoms.

Glycyrrhizin, a triterpene and other compounds in mulethi inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances, providing relief from pain and swelling.

Animal studies suggest that mulethi has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

5. May Have Liver-protecting Properties 

As a rich source of antioxidants, mulethi may support liver health by assisting in detoxification and protecting the liver from damage.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver condition where excess fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol.

A study with 66 NAFLD patients tested licorice’s effects. Divided into licorice and placebo groups, the licorice group showed a significant drop in liver enzymes AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), from 58.18 to 49.45 and 64.09 to 51.27 (U/L).

High levels of AST and ALT in the blood indicate liver damage or inflammation, as these enzymes are released when liver cells are injured. And U/L (units per liter) is a measurement that indicates enzyme activity in a liter of blood.

Studies suggest glycyrrhizin therapy may slow the progression of liver disease to liver cancer in chronic hepatitis C patients.

For instance, in a study, patients received glycyrrhizin through injections either three or six times a week. Results showed that six weekly treatments were more effective, reducing serum ALT levels by 47%, compared to 26% with three weekly treatments.

Although the exact mechanism of glycyrrhizin’s antiviral action isn’t fully understood, one theory suggests it helps lower serum ALT levels by stabilizing liver cell membranes.

Another study found that glycyrrhizin therapy affects T cell activity and interferon production, which is crucial for fighting infections.

A look-back study found that the long-term injections of glycyrrhizin may lower liver cancer risk in interferon-resistant hepatitis C patients, but more research on the treatment schedule is needed.

Interferon is a protein that inhibits multiplication of virus and strengthens the immune response.

It’s also important to note that this study is  focused on glycyrrhizin, which may be present in lower concentrations in mulethi.

6. May Help with Dental Problems

Licorice may offer significant dental benefits due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to its active compound, glycyrrhizin.

To explore these benefits further, a laboratory study suggests that glycyrrhizin helps reduce tooth enamel breakdown by lowering acid production in dental plaque.

Additionally, a small study involving 21 dental students tested the effects of glycyrrhizin on plaque buildup. Using a split-mouth method, glycyrrhizin was applied to one side of the participants’ mouths while they refrained from all dental hygiene practices.

After three days, the side treated with glycyrrhizin showed significantly less plaque on the upper central incisors. By the fourth day, this treated side continued to show lower plaque levels, confirming that glycyrrhizin may help reduce tooth plaque.

Dental caries, or tooth decay, occurs when  harmful bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that damage tooth structure. The main bacteria responsible for this process are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, along with other species.

These bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid, which gradually breaks down the tooth structure over time. This condition can lead to cavities if not properly managed.

A small-scale study was done with young children to see if sugar-free lollipops made with licorice extract could reduce the levels of Streptococcus mutans. The lollipops were given twice daily for three weeks. Results showed that high-risk children had lower bacterial counts after treatment, indicating that the lollipops were effective.

Another study found that glycyrrhizin reduces the activity of Streptococcus mutans, which forms harmful dental plaque. Additionally, an acidulated phosphate-fluoride solution with glycyrrhizin helps lower enamel damage and improves fluoride absorption.

These studies open the door for future clinical trials that explore different ways to use licorice, such as in herbal lollipops.

7. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Mulethi shows promising anti-cancer potential due to its rich bioactive compounds.

Cellular and animal studies reveal licorice’s ability to inhibit the growth and promote the death of various cancer cells, including cervical, breast, liver, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer cells. The compound isoliquiritigenin is notably effective across many studies, while licochalcone A shows specific promise against pancreatic cancer cells.

Licorice has also shown potential against colon cancer, especially when combined with cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) in animal studies and with ginger in both animal and cellular studies.

Additionally, glycyrrhizin from licorice may help inhibit fibrosarcoma and lung cancer.

With promising results, these findings pave the way for human studies to uncover mulethi’s full potential as an anti-cancer treatment.

8. May Have Neuroprotective Properties

Natural medicine options have limitations in treating acute ischemic stroke.

Licorice root contains several neuroprotective compounds that may help protect the brain.

Test-tube studies show that isoliquiritin and liquiritin protect brain cells from glutamate-induced damage after hypoxic damage to brain tissue.

Licorice extract was tested in 75 patients with severe ischemic stroke to see if it could help their neurological condition. Patients received either 450 mg or 900 mg capsules three times a day for seven days. The study showed impressive results in relieving the neurological symptoms in stroke patients.

This indicates that licorice could be a beneficial treatment option for those experiencing acute ischemic stroke.

Another clinical trial involving 90 menopausal women tested the effects of licorice root extract on hot flashes. Participants consumed three capsules daily, each containing 330 mg of the extract. The results showed a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of hot flashes experienced by the women.

While these results are promising, more research on larger number of patients is needed.

9. May Boost Immunity in HIV and AIDS Patients 

Licorice, particularly its active compound glycyrrhizin, has shown potential in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

In a study, glycyrrhizin, derived from Mulethi was given through veins to three hemophiliacs with AIDS at doses of 400–1600 mg daily for over a month. This treatment helped stop HIV-1 from multiplying in their bodies. The patients also showed an increase in CD4 lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio after receiving SNMC (5 mg glycyrrhizin/kg) through veins.

Increase in CD4 lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio indicate increased immunity.

Stronger Neo Minophagen-C (SNMC) is a medication that acts as an interferon stimulator (inhibition of multiplication of virus), derived from the root of Mulethi.

Another study found that glycyrrhizin increased the number of CD4-positive T-lymphocytes in HIV-positive hemophilia patients. Additionally, using glycyrrhizinic acid for 12 months achieved positive results, with a 30–40% success rate in treating chronic hepatitis B patients.

Although the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of licorice as a complementary treatment for HIV/AIDS. It is crucial for individuals to consult healthcare providers before incorporating it into their treatment plans.

10. Aids in Skin Health

Mulethi is not only beneficial for internal health but also for skin health. Its extract is renowned for skin-lightening properties, primarily due to the active compound glabridin.

Glabridin is a water-resistant substance derived from licorice root that helps reduce skin pigmentation.

A laboratory study tested glabridin on a human skin model using a special carrier (Glabridin/PMCP-PM) to enhance its absorption into the skin and evaluate its ability to prevent dark spots. This method showed promise for treating skin hyperpigmentation.

Due to its effects on pigmentation, glabridin is widely used in cosmetics.

Another study found that licorice extract was more effective at reducing tyrosinase activity than glabridin extract. Consequently, researchers explored other components that might contribute to this strong effect.

The results showed that glabrene and isoliquiritigenin in licorice extract block both mono- and diphenolase activities of tyrosinase.

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that induces melanin production, influencing skin pigmentation. Inhibition of tyrosinase activity lightens skin tone.

Additionally, isoflavones and chalcones were also identified as potential skin-lightening agents.

In an animal study, the application of an ointment with 0.5% glabridin was found to reduce UVB-induced pigmentation on the skin of guinea pigs.

In a clinical study, a cream containing 20% liquiritin (a licorice compound) was applied at a dose of 1 gram per day for four weeks and showed positive results in treating melasma.

However, the study indicated that liquiritin likely did not work by affecting the enzyme tyrosinase, suggesting it might lighten the skin through other mechanisms

Several clinical studies have shown Mulethi’s potential against Atopic Dermatitis, photo damage and rosacea, with its active compounds glycyrrhetinic acid and licochalcone A being effective in latter cases.

Mulethi may also provide anti-aging benefits due to its antioxidative and photo protective properties.

In a study, licorice extract, created using a gentle, eco-friendly extraction method with a glycerol and water mix, has strong antioxidant, tyrosinase-inhibiting, and elastase-blocking properties. These qualities contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects and make it an effective anti-aging ingredient.

Moreover, mulethi has shown to have potential anti-acne properties.

11. Keeps Your Hair Healthy

Not only does mulethi offer numerous benefits for the skin, but it also has potential advantages for your hair.

A recent study on rabbits has shown that licorice has ability to promote hair growth. The study tested the safety, stability, and hair growth effects of ethanol extract of licorice. The hair tonic containing this extract showed hair growth results similar to control (minoxidil). It was also found to be stable and safe for topical use on the scalp.

Additionally, other formulations with licorice have been found to be effective in reducing hair fall, making it a valuable ingredient in hair care.

Benefits of licorice for hair are not just limited to this, it has also been clinically proven to fight dandruff, which is a sign of flaky and inflamed skin.

In a clinical trial with 102 participants suffering from moderate to severe dandruff, a combination of piroctone, olamine and licochalcone A (a licorice compound) was tested.

The results showed a significant decrease in inflammation markers linked to dandruff. Additionally, the anti-dandruff shampoo effectively reduced Malassezia fungus colonies on the scalp, which are often linked to dandruff.

This effectiveness is primarily attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of licochalcone A, highlighting its potential as a key ingredient in dandruff treatments.

Similarly, in a recent lab study, silver nanoparticles containing Mulethi extract showed strong antimicrobial effects against dandruff-causing germs. Analysis revealed that this formulation disrupted the stability of the germs’ cell membranes, leading to protein leakage and weakening the pathogens.

What more to think of licorice can be your next best beauty regimen, just give it a try, but use it in moderation and consult a dermatologist before use to ensure it’s safe for you!

How to Use Mulethi

Integrating mulethi into your lifestyle is easy and can be done in several ways:

• For Health: You can use mulethi powder in various ways like brewing tea, mix it with warm water or milk or you may just add it to smoothies. Licorice is also available in various forms like capsules, tinctures and in skincare products for topical application.
• Face Mask: Create a soothing face mask by mixing mulethi powder with yogurt, honey, or aloe vera gel. Apply to your face, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off.
• Hair Treatments: For healthy hair, mix mulethi powder with coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it out. This treatment can help reduce dandruff and promote hair growth.

Precautions and Side Effects

Overdose

While mulethi powder offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to use it in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Low potassium levels
• Kidney failure
• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmia (Irregular heartbeats)
• Pulmonary edema (Fluid in the lungs)

Always consult your doctor for optimal dosage before starting licorice or licorice supplements.

Who Should Avoid?

Individuals with certain health conditions, including hypertension, kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or lactating,  should consult a healthcare professional before using mulethi.

If you fall into any of these categories, it’s best to avoid mulethi or consult your doctor before use.

Drug Interactions

Licorice has been shown to interact with several medications, such as:

• Blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Diuretics
• Estrogen-based contraceptives
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you’re on any of these medications, avoid using mulethi unless prescribed by your doctor.

Takeaways

Mulethi powder is a remarkable herbal remedy with a wide range of benefits for health, skin, and hair.

From soothing respiratory issues to treating ulcers and enhancing skin radiance, mulethi is a versatile addition to your wellness toolkit.

By incorporating mulethi powder into your daily routine, you can harness its numerous benefits and support your overall well-being.

While some benefits of licorice are backed by solid research, others still need more studies to confirm their effects.

Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions before adding new supplements to your diet.

Embrace the goodness of mulethi powder and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life!

 

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