Ure by White Heron Pharm

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Constipation. Although there has been interest in using oral dandelion for constipation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of dandelion for this purpose.
• Dyspepsia. Although there has been interest in using oral dandelion for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of dandelion for this purpose.
• Flatulence. Although there has been interest in using oral dandelion for flatulence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of dandelion for this purpose.
• Heart failure. Although there has been interest in using oral dandelion for its diuretic effects in patients with heart failure, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of dandelion for this purpose.
• Joint pain. Although there has been interest in using oral or topical dandelion for joint pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of dandelion for this purpose.
• Tonsillitis. It is unclear if oral dandelion is beneficial in patients with tonsillitis. Details: One small clinical study in patients with acute purulent tonsillitis shows that eating soup containing dandelion (pugongying soup) daily for 3 days along with benzylpenicillin sodium 640,000 units daily improves recovery when compared with placebo plus benzylpenicillin sodium. Recovery rates were 36% with the dandelion-containing soup compared to 10% with placebo (18292).
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Oral dandelion has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in females with recurrent UTIs shows that taking a specific combination of dandelion root and uva ursi leaf extracts three times daily for 1 month reduces the risk of UTI recurrence when compared with placebo at 12-month's follow-up. For every 5 patients treated with this combination over placebo, one additional UTI was prevented (1932). In this combination, uva ursi is used for its antibacterial properties and dandelion is used to increase urination. However, this combination is not recommended for extended use because uva ursi may be unsafe when used long-term. Another small clinical study in premenopausal females with acute, uncomplicated lower UTIs shows that taking a combination product containing dandelion extract 50 mg, D-mannose, prebiotics, arabinogalactan, and astragalus root extract twice daily for five days, along with phenazopyridine and alkylating agents as conventional therapy, improves UTI symptoms and bacteriuria when compared with placebo plus conventional therapy (111757). It is unclear if these effects are due to dandelion, other ingredients, or the combination. More evidence is needed to rate dandelion for these uses.

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INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Anxiety. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Dementia. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for dementia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Hypertension. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Influenza. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Insomnia. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose.
• Stroke. Although there has been interest in using oral gardenia for stroke, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gardenia for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate gardenia for these uses.

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INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Burns. It is unclear if topical great plantain is beneficial for burns. Details: A very small clinical study in hospitalized adults with bilateral second degree burns shows that applying great plantain extract 10% ointment to burns on one side of the body is similarly effective to applying silver sulfadiazine 1% ointment daily to burns on the other side of the body in relation to healing time, pain intensity, and rate of wound infections (110088). Due to its small size, this study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Cough. Oral great plantain has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small study in children 3-6 years of age with acute cough shows that taking a specific syrup (KalobaTUSS, Schwabe Pharma Italia Srl) based on acacia honey with extracts of great plantain, elecampane, mallow, and sandy everlasting, as 5 mL four times daily for 8 days, produces rapid and sustained reductions in both nighttime and daytime cough scores when compared with placebo (105734). It is unclear if these findings are due to great plantain, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Diabetic foot ulcers. It is unclear if topical great plantain is beneficial for diabetic foot ulcers. Details: A small unblinded clinical study in hospitalized adults in Iran with Wagner's stage 1 or 2 diabetic foot ulcers or stage 2 or 3 pressure ulcers based on the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel system shows that applying great plantain extract 10% gel for 14 days reduces wound size and erythema when compared to treatment with various standard wound dressings. Complete wound healing may also occur more frequently at 2 weeks with topical great plantain extract (110090). Poor study methodology and a lack of sub-analysis by ulcer type limits the reliability of these findings. Another small clinical study in patients with a Wagner's stage 1 or 2 diabetic foot ulcer receiving oral antibiotics shows that applying a topical product containing great plantain and aloe twice daily for 4 weeks reduces ulcer surface area and healing time when compared with antibiotics alone. However, the combination product has no effect on ulcer depth (97323). It is unclear if these findings are due to great plantain, aloe, or the combination.
• Menorrhagia. It is unclear if oral great plantain leaf extract is beneficial in patients with menorrhagia. Details: A small clinical trial in adults with abnormal uterine bleeding shows that taking a syrup containing great plantain leaf 12% extract 3 times a day for the first 5 days of menstruation and repeating over 3 cycles reduces bleeding severity, but not bleeding duration, similarly to mefenamic acid 250 mg taken every 8 hours (104214).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral great plantain seed is beneficial in patients with NAFLD. Details: One small clinical trial in patients with NAFLD shows that taking great plantain seed 1000 mg twice daily for 12 weeks improves fatty liver grade on ultrasound and reduces levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and triglycerides when compared with placebo (106645).
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral great plantain leaf is beneficial in patients with obesity. Details: One small clinical trial in females with obesity shows that taking powdered great plantain leaf 400 mg daily for 12 weeks does not reduce body weight or body mass index when compared with placebo (106642).
• Oral mucositis. Small clinical studies suggest that oral great plantain extract might reduce the severity of oral mucositis, but rinsing with great plantain solution does not seem to be superior to sodium bicarbonate or chlorhexidine for improving healing time. Details: A small clinical study in adults undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer shows that taking a syrup containing great plantain extract 7.5 mL three times daily for 7 weeks reduces the severity of oral mucositis when compared with placebo. Patients taking great plantain syrup also reported lower pain scores as measured on a visual analogue scale when compared with those taking placebo (104213). However, a small clinical trial in cancer patients with oral mucositis shows that there is no difference in the healing time of lesions for patients rinsing with either sodium bicarbonate 5%, great plantain 5%, or chlorhexidine 0.12% solutions. All three solutions were used as a rinse for 2 minutes every 6 hours for up to 2 weeks (98209).
• Pressure ulcers. It is unclear if topical great plantain is beneficial in patients with pressure ulcers. Details: One small clinical trial in patients with pressure ulcers being treated with topical phenytoin cream shows that application of great plantain 10% cream 12 hours after application of phenytoin daily for 2 weeks improves healing rate when compared with phenytoin and placebo (106643). Another small, unblinded clinical study in hospitalized adults in Iran with stage 2 or 3 pressure ulcers based on the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel system or Wagner's stage 1 or 2 diabetic foot ulcers shows that applying great plantain extract 10% gel for 14 days reduces wound size and erythema when compared to a treatment with various standard wound dressings. Complete wound healing may also occur more frequently at 2 weeks with topical great plantain extract (110090). Poor study methodology and a lack of sub-analysis by ulcer type limits the reliability of these findings.
• Ulcerative colitis. It is unclear if oral great plantain seed is beneficial in patients with ulcerative colitis. Details: One small clinical trial in patients with ulcerative colitis shows that taking roasted great plantain seed 1200 mg three times daily for 8 weeks reduces abdominal tenderness, gastroesophageal reflux, and gastric pain when compared with placebo (106644). More evidence is needed to rate great plantain for these uses.

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INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Gingivitis. Preliminary clinical research shows that using a mouth rinse containing 1 mg/mL of a knotweed root extract twice daily for 14 days, without any brushing, might reduce bleeding and inflammation of the gums associated with gingivitis, and make plaque easier to remove (9347). More evidence is needed to rate knotweed for this use.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Some clinical research suggests that topical licorice seems to improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Details: Applying gel formulations containing 1% or 2% licorice root extract three times daily for 2 weeks seems to reduce erythema by 35% to 61%, edema by 57% to 84%, and itching by 44% to 73%. The 2% gel seems to be more effective than the 1% gel (59732).
• Canker sores. Some clinical research suggests that topical licorice patches and mouth rinses seems to reduce ulcer size and pain in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Details: Clinical research shows that applying an oral patch containing licorice 0.015-0.229 mg/kg for 16 hours each day for 8 days does not affect ulcer healing time, but reduces ulcer size and post-stimulus pain, when compared with placebo (59769). A small clinical study also shows that applying bioadhesive hydrogel patches containing 1% licorice extract reduces the pain, as well as the diameter of necrosis and inflammatory halo of recurrent canker sores, when compared to baseline (59781). Mouth rinses containing licorice have also been used. One clinical study shows that swishing a diphenhydramine and 5% licorice extract solution around the mouth for about 3 minutes four times daily until the sores have healed reduces the average time to healing by 1.5 days when compared to a solution containing diphenhydramine alone. Pain was reduced by up to 69% more in those using licorice extract (104564). Another small clinical study shows that gargling with licorice extract four times daily for 2 days has a large beneficial effect on pain and ulcer size when compared with using a placebo gargle. The licorice extract was made by boiling licorice root 40 grams in one liter of water for 30 minutes and cooled (110319). In addition, preliminary clinical research shows that gargling with warm water containing deglycyrrhizinated licorice powder 200 mg four times daily for 7 days improves pain in 75% of patients by day one and results in complete healing in 75% of patients by day three (59857).
• Endotracheal intubation-related adverse effects. Some clinical research suggests that using licorice as a gargle or lozenge prior to endotracheal intubation can reduce adverse effects like sore throat and cough. Details: A meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures shows that topical use of licorice, either as a gargle or lozenge, prior to endotracheal intubation reduces the risk for sore throat by 56% and reduces the risk for cough by 39% when compared with a control group at 24 hours post-extubation (100985). One clinical study included in this analysis shows that sucking on a single lozenge (Sualin, Hamdard Pharma) containing licorice extract 97 mg beginning 30 minutes prior to intubation reduces the risk for cough immediately after extubation by 56% when compared with a sugar candy lozenge. However, it doesn't seem to reduce cough at 30 minutes, 12 hours, or 24 hours post-extubation. This lozenge also appears to reduce the risk for sore throat by about 32% at 12 and 24 hours post-extubation, but not immediately or 30 minutes after extubation (25670). Additional clinical studies included in the meta-analysis show that gargling with fluid prepared with licorice 0.5 grams for at least one minute beginning 5 minutes prior to endotracheal intubation reduces the incidence and severity of post-extubation sore throat and coughing when compared with a water control (26464,59793).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Topical licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research in patients with mild to moderate acne associated with mask wearing shows that topical application of a combination of licorice root extract 0.3%, calendula 4%, and snail secretion filtrate 40% (AI complex) to the face twice daily for 12 weeks modestly reduces inflammatory, but not non-inflammatory or total, acne lesions when compared with placebo. There was no difference in overall treatment success, defined as at least almost clear skin or a large improvement (110322). It is unclear if any benefits are due to licorice, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Addison disease. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for Addison disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Adrenal insufficiency. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for adrenal insufficiency, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is unclear if using a licorice-containing nasal irrigation suspension improves symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. Details: A clinical study in patients with allergic rhinitis shows that using a nasal irrigation suspension containing licorice extract 900 mg daily for 1 month improves symptoms such as nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, sneezing, postnasal discharge, and olfactory disturbance when compared with baseline (108569). Although the study also utilized mometasone 2 mg nasal spray and isotonic saline nasal irrigation as comparators, symptom improvement was observed in all three groups, and there was no statistical comparison of outcomes between groups.
• Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in females with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia shows that taking a combination of licorice and peony (Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction; PGD) 45 grams daily for 4 weeks reduces prolactin levels to a similar extent as bromocriptine (59775). However, another study shows that taking the same product at the same dose for 16 weeks has no effect on prolactin levels in females with antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia when compared with placebo. Although the prolactin-related adverse event questionnaire total score was moderately improved, there was no effect on clinically meaningful symptoms or menstrual resumption (97219). Both studies show no effect on psychotic symptoms (59775,97219). Preliminary clinical research in male patients with antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia shows that taking an herbal extract containing licorice and peony (shakuyaku-kanzo-to) 2.5 grams three times daily reduces prolactin levels after 4 weeks, but does not have a significant effect on prolactin levels 4 weeks after treatment cessation (59907).
• Bleeding. Topical licorice might reduce bleeding when used in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Some preliminary clinical research shows that topically applying 4 mL of a specific product (Ankaferd Blood Stopper, Mefar Ilaç Sanayi A.S.) containing licorice, Alpinia, thyme, stinging nettle, and common grape vine reduces bleeding, but does not improve the surgical time for episiotomy repair, when compared with saline (31010). Other preliminary clinical research shows that ampules of this same product placed in empty alveolus for up to 20 minutes reduces bleeding in postsurgical dental patients with increased bleeding tendency (31002).
• Cancer-related pain. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for pain in patients with cancer. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a 1:1 combination of licorice root and peony root, along with a Taiwanese tonic vegetable soup comprised of lily bulb, lotus seed, and jujube fruit, reduces pain levels in terminal cancer patients when compared with patients consuming only the soup or the regular hospital diet (59770).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Colic. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for colic, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in patients hospitalized in Egypt with moderate COVID-19 shows that administering oral licorice extract 300 mg (standardized to contain glycyrrhizin 60 mg) once daily and Boswellia serrata extract 300 mg twice daily for 14 days, along with following an institution-based COVID-19 treatment protocol, may modestly improve mortality and time to recovery when compared with patients receiving the standard protocol alone. The standard treatment protocol included acetaminophen, azithromycin, vitamin C, zinc, and enoxaparin (108579). It is unclear if any effect is due to licorice, Boswellia serrata, or the combination.
• Dental caries. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for the prevention of dental caries. Details: One clinical study in adults shows that swishing 15 mL of a solution containing licorice extract 1% once nightly before bed for 5 days may reduce the acid production of cavity-causing bacteria, which may modestly reduce cavity risk, when compared with using a saline solution (108567). The validity of this study is limited by the short duration of treatment and follow-up.
• Dental plaque. It is unclear if licorice toothpaste or mouthwash is beneficial for reducing plaque. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that using 0.25% or 0.50% glycyrrhizin-containing toothpaste twice daily does not reduce the amount of plaque, gingivitis, or bleeding in patients with proper dental hygienic measures when compared with the same toothpaste without glycyrrhizin (59812). Also, other preliminary clinical research shows that using glycyrrhizin-containing mouthwash for 3 days does not significantly reduce plaque levels (59855).
• Depression. It is unclear if adding oral licorice to standard treatment is beneficial for improving depression. Details: A very small, nonblinded clinical study in hospitalized adults with major depressive disorder shows that adding licorice extract 1400 mg daily, standardized to glycyrrhizin 7% to 8%, to standard treatment for 2 weeks improves depression rating scores when compared with baseline, although these improvements were numerically similar to those seen with standard treatment alone. Patients in the treatment group also took oral magnesium citrate 300 mg daily to prevent magnesium depletion. The validity of this finding is limited due to the small size of the study, short duration of treatment, and unclear reporting (108575).
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Dry mouth. It is unclear if rinsing the mouth with licorice is beneficial for dry mouth in people on hemodialysis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in hemodialysis patients with dry mouth shows that rinsing with a licorice mouthwash containing 8.34 grams of licorice concentrate per 500 mL of water with every meal for 10 days does not affect salivary flow rate, but reduces subjective feelings of dry mouth by about 28%, when compared with a water-based mouthwash and control group (97220).
• Dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for reducing pain. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a syrup providing licorice extract 750 mg twice daily for the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle reduces pain as effectively as ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours in patients with moderate or severe dysmenorrhea (104558).
• Dyspepsia. Oral licorice might improve symptoms of dyspepsia when used in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Various combination products manufactured by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH have been evaluated for dyspepsia. Two specific combination products containing licorice root (Iberogast; STW-5-S) seem to improve symptoms of dyspepsia. The combinations include licorice plus milk thistle, peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, celandine, angelica, and lemon balm either with (Iberogast) or without clown's mustard plant (STW-5-S) 1 mL three times daily for 4 weeks (19532). A meta-analysis of studies using the Iberogast product shows that taking 1 mL orally three times daily over a period of 4 weeks reduces severity of acid reflux, epigastric pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting when compared with placebo (13089). Also, using a preparation containing clown's mustard plant, German chamomile, peppermint, caraway, licorice, and lemon balm (STW 5-II) 1 mL three times daily for up to 12 weeks improves dyspepsia symptoms in 40% more patients when compared with placebo (12724).
• Familial Mediterranean fever. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for familial Mediterranean fever. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of licorice, andrographis, Siberian ginseng, and schisandra (ImmunoGuard, Inspired Nutritionals) four tablets three times daily for one month reduces the duration, frequency, and severity of attacks of familial Mediterranean fever in children when compared with placebo (12382). It is unclear if these effects are due to licorice, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Helicobacter pylori. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Details: Some preliminary clinical research shows that adding licorice (D-Reglis, Iran Darouk Pharmaceutical Co.) 380 mg twice daily to conventional clarithromycin-based triple therapy for 14 days improves eradication rate by an additional 21% when compared with conventional treatment alone. However, any additional benefit might be limited to patients with peptic ulcer disease (97221). Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of licorice extract 100 mg and Lactobacillus paracasei HP7 in 150 mL of fermented milk daily for 8 weeks does not increase eradication rates when compared with fermented milk alone, although it may improve gastrointestinal symptom scores, decrease the gastric load of Helicobacter pylori, and improve some measures of inflammation when compared to baseline (100984).
• Hepatitis. Evidence for the use of intravenous licorice in the management of hepatitis B and C is mixed. Details: In some preliminary clinical research, a specific glycyrrhizin-containing intravenous preparation (Stronger Neominophagen C, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) appears to reduce mortality due to viral hepatitis by about 50% (3250). Other clinical research suggests that this same product reduces serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in hepatitis C patients but does not improve hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels (3247,59712,59721,59920). When used long-term, this preparation seems to reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C patients when compared to long-term use of other supplements, such as vitamin K (59905). This product has been used in various doses: 40 or 100 mL, containing 2 mg glycyrrhizin, 1 mg cysteine, and 20 mg of glycine per mL of solution, administered daily for 4-8 weeks, followed by 40 or 100 mL 2-7 times weekly for 2-16 weeks, has been used (3250,59905,59915); 40-120 mL diluted in 100 mL of 5% glucose solution and administered three times weekly for 4 weeks (59712,59721); 100 mL, which contained 200 mg glycyrrhizin, administered undiluted six times weekly for 4 weeks (59721); or 60 mL administered three times weekly for 16 weeks (59920). Other research shows that this preparation reduces ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in patients with hepatitis B virus (59915). Oral licorice has not been evaluated for this purpose.
• Hypercholesterolemia. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for improving cholesterol. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking licorice root extract 0.1 grams daily for one month reduces plasma total cholesterol levels by 5%, plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 9%, and plasma triglyceride levels by 14% when compared with baseline in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia (59725). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Hyperkalemia. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for reducing potassium levels. Details: Some clinical research in adults with diabetes and hypoaldosteronism suggests that taking glycyrrhizin 150 mg daily decreases potassium levels when compared with calcium polystyrene sulfonate (59897). Also, one very small clinical study in patients with anuria shows that taking glycyrrhetinic acid 1 gram daily for 2 weeks seems to decrease plasma potassium, but does not improve blood pressure, when compared with placebo (59723).
• IgA vasculitis. Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small retrospective study in patients aged 5-36 years with newly diagnosed IgA vasculitis shows that taking compound glycyrrhizin (Eisai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd) three times daily along with loratadine, calcium, vitamin C, rutin, and other unspecified conventional treatments is associated with an improvement in cutaneous purpura symptoms and time to symptom regression when compared with placebo. After 1 month, the rate of complete resolution and time to regression in the treatment group was 82% and 5 days, respectively, compared with 65% and 8 days, respectively, in the placebo group. Compound glycyrrhizin contained glycyrrhizin, glycine, and methionine and was dosed by age, with a dose of 25 mg daily in those 12 years or younger and 50 mg daily in those over 12 years (108580).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that a formulation containing licorice root, slippery elm bark, lactulose, and oat bran daily for 2 weeks improves stool consistency and increases bowel movement frequency by 20% in individuals with constipation-predominant IBS when compared to baseline. Symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, straining, and global severity might also be reduced (35462). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Additionally, it is unclear if any benefits are due to licorice, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Lichen planus. It is unclear if intravenous licorice is beneficial for lichen planus. Details: A very small clinical study shows that intravenous administration of 0.2% glycyrrhizin solution, 40 mL daily for 4 weeks, improves clinical symptoms of oral lichen planus in a greater percentage of patients with chronic hepatitis C when compared with dental cleaning (59903). There is no evidence suggesting that oral licorice is beneficial.
• Liver cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral or intravenous licorice preparations for liver cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Melasma. Topical licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a topical cream (Clariderm Clear, Stiefel Laboratories Inc.) containing 7% licorice, emblica, and belides twice daily for 60 days is as effective as a cream containing 2% hydroquinone for lightening the skin in patients with melasma (59824). It is unclear if this effect is due to licorice, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Menopausal symptoms. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for reducing hot flash frequency or severity. Details: In one preliminary clinical study, taking licorice root extract 330 mg orally three times daily for 8 weeks modestly reduces the frequency of hot flashes by about 1.3 per day and the severity of hot flashes by about 40% when compared with placebo (94659). However, another preliminary clinical study shows that taking a specific licorice root extract (D-Reglis, Iran Darouk Pharmaceutical Co.) 650 mg orally daily for 90 days does not reduce the number or severity of hot flashes when compared to baseline (25694).
• Muscle cramps. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for muscle cramps due to cirrhosis or hemodialysis. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combination of licorice and peony (shakuyaku-kanzo-to) might reduce muscle cramps in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or in patients undergoing hemodialysis when compared to baseline (13550,13551,13552). This combination was taken as 6-7.5 grams daily in up to three divided doses for 2-4 weeks in two studies (13550,13552). In a third study, the combination was taken as 2.5 grams during hemodialysis with self-administration at the onset of muscle cramping (13551).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for NAFLD. Details: A small clinical trial in females with NAFLD shows that taking licorice extract (Shirin Darou Company, Shiraz, Iran) 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks improves some measures of liver health and glycemic control when compared with placebo. Modest improvements occurred in levels of alanine aminotransferase, as well as in measures of insulin resistance and severity of liver steatosis based on ultrasonographic evaluation. There were no effects on body mass index (BMI), plasma lipids, fasting blood glucose, or other liver enzymes. All patients were also given weight loss and healthy lifestyle advice (110320). Preliminary clinical research shows that taking licorice root extract 2 grams daily for 2 months reduces liver function enzyme levels in patients with NAFLD when compared to pre-treatment (59841). It is unclear if this reduction is clinically significant.
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for weight loss. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific licorice flavonoid oil (Glavonoid) 300 mg daily for 8 weeks has no effect on weight or body fat when compared with placebo in obese patients (17727).
• Oral mucositis. It is unclear if oral or topical licorice is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of chemotherapy- or radiation-induced oral mucositis. Details: In patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation, preliminary clinical research shows that using oral and topical licorice powder twice daily in addition to conventional treatments for 6 weeks reduces the overall incidence of mucositis and also reduces the risk of developing severe oral mucositis to 15.5%, compared with 20% in those using topical honey and 43% in those using conventional treatments alone. Licorice treatment consisted of yastimadhu powder 5 grams mixed in honey for topical application in the mouth, as well as yastimadhu capsule 500 mg twice daily orally (104562). A small clinical trial in patients with head and neck cancer and oral mucositis currently undergoing radiation therapy shows that applying a mucoadhesive film containing licorice to the upper lip mucosal surface four times daily for 4 weeks, in conjunction with standard oral care, improves pain scores, mucositis grading, and ulcer size when compared with placebo film (108572). The validity of this finding is limited due to the short duration of treatment and exclusion of patients with severe mucositis.
• Osteoarthritis. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for osteoarthritis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Osteoporosis. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for osteoporosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Parkinson disease. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for improving Parkinson disease symptoms. Details: A small clinical study in patients with Parkinson disease shows that taking licorice extract 136 mg (containing glycyrrhizin 12.14 mg, polyphenols 136 mcg, and flavonoids 2.6 mcg) in a 5 mL syrup twice daily for 6 months improves Parkinson symptoms, tremor, and overall daily activities when compared with placebo (102961).
• Peptic ulcers. Evidence for the use of oral licorice for peptic ulcers is mixed. Details: There is some evidence that taking 6-12 tablets each containing deglycyrrhizinated licorice 380 mg, bismuth subnitrate 100 mg, aluminum hydroxide gel 100 mg, magnesium carbonate 200 mg, sodium bicarbonate 100 mg, and powdered alder buckthorn bark 30 mg (Caved-S, Cedona) in up to three divided doses daily for 4-16 weeks might accelerate the healing of peptic ulcers (11312,11313). Some clinical research also shows that this product is as effective as carbenoxolone sodium (Biogastrone) when taken at doses of two tablets three times daily after meals for 4 weeks (59871). In contrast, taking deglycyrrhizinated licorice (Ulcedal, Cedona, and others) 450-1000 mg three to five times daily for 4-8 weeks or glycyrrhizinic acid-reduced licorice 760 mg three times daily for 6 weeks does not seem to reduce the need for medication, pain, burning, or other discomfort in patients with peptic ulcers when compared with placebo (59864,59865,59873,59874).
• Physical performance. It is unclear if oral licorice is beneficial for improving physical performance in older females. Details: A small clinical trial in healthy females 59 years and older shows that taking licorice flavonoid oil 300 mg orally daily for 16 weeks in addition to strength training does not improve walking speed or other measures of functional mobility when compared with strength training alone (102960).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research shows that taking licorice root extract 2250 mg daily along with Ceylon cinnamon, levant berry, St. John's Wort, peony, and tribulus for 3 months with lifestyle modification improves symptoms of PCOS, including a reduction in oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea by 33% and the number of days between menstrual cycles by 43 days when compared with lifestyle modification alone. Although conception rate increased 4-fold in the intervention group, live birth rate was similar between groups (97216). The effect of licorice alone for the treatment of PCOS is unknown.
• Prostate cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for prostate cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Psoriasis. It is unclear if topical licorice is beneficial for improving psoriasis symptoms. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that using a topical cream containing licorice extract and milk proteins twice daily for 4 weeks does not reduce the duration of corticosteroid cream therapy in patients with palmar and/or plantar psoriasis, but may improve skin peeling, the area of skin affected, and some subjective symptoms, when compared with corticosteroid cream alone (59823).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for SLE, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Tuberculosis. Although there has been interest in using oral licorice for tuberculosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of licorice for this condition.
• Urticaria. Oral licorice has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical research in adults with chronic urticaria shows that taking compound glycyrrhizin, containing glycyrrhizin, N-acetyl cysteine, and glycine, as 50-75 mg three times daily along with desloratadine 5-8.8 mg daily for 4 weeks improves response rate, cure rate, and recurrence rate when compared with desloratadine alone (108571). However, most studies included in the meta-analysis were low quality, and all studies were conducted in China. Higher quality studies in other geographic locations are needed to confirm these findings.
• Vitiligo. It is unclear if the licorice constituent compound glycyrrhizin is beneficial for vitiligo. Details: A meta-analysis of 14 clinical studies in patients aged 3-68 years old with vitiligo shows that taking licorice constituent compound glycyrrhizin 25-75 mg 3 times daily for 2-6 months with standard treatment improves effectiveness, cure rate, and immune-mediated inflammatory markers when compared with standard treatment alone (112232). More evidence is needed to rate licorice for these uses.

(Read more about LICORICE)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Dandelion has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts (12).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those in foods.

(Read more about DANDELION)

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of gardenia.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about GARDENIA)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when great plantain seed is used orally, short-term. Great plantain seed has been used with apparent safety at doses up to 3600 mg daily for up to 8 weeks and 2000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks (106644,106645). ...when used topically, short-term. Topical great plantain 10% has been used with apparent safety for up to 2 weeks (106643,110088,110090). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of great plantain leaf or leaf extract when used orally.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally because it can increase uterine tone (4).

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about GREAT PLANTAIN)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when knotweed is used as a tea in doses up to 6 grams daily of dried plant (2,18) . ...when used topically twice daily for 14 days as a dental rinse containing 1mg/mL knotweed root extract (9347).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

(Read more about KNOTWEED)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Licorice has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when licorice products that do not contain glycyrrhizin (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are used orally and appropriately for medicinal purposes. Licorice flavonoid oil 300 mg daily for 16 weeks, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice products in doses of up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 16 weeks, have been used with apparent safety (6196,11312,11313,17727,100984,102960). ...when licorice products containing glycyrrhizin are used orally in low doses, short-term. Licorice extract 272 mg, containing glycyrrhizin 24.3 mg, has been used daily with apparent safety for 6 months (102961). A licorice extract 1000 mg, containing monoammonium glycyrrhizinate 240 mg, has been used daily with apparent safety for 12 weeks (110320). In addition, a syrup providing licorice extract 750 mg has been used twice daily with apparent safety for 5 days (104558). ...when applied topically. A gel containing 2% licorice root extract has been applied to the skin with apparent safety for up to 2 weeks. (59732). A mouth rinse containing 5% licorice extract has been used with apparent safety four times daily for up to one week (104564).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when licorice products containing glycyrrhizin are used orally in large amounts for several weeks, or in smaller amounts for longer periods of time. The European Scientific Committee on Food recommends that a safe average daily intake of glycyrrhizin should not exceed 10 mg (108577). In otherwise healthy people, consuming glycyrrhizin daily for several weeks or longer can cause severe adverse effects including pseudohyperaldosteronism, hypertensive crisis, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Doses of 20 grams or more of licorice products, containing at least 400 mg glycyrrhizin, are more likely to cause these effects; however, smaller amounts have also caused hypokalemia and associated symptoms when taken for months to years (781,3252,15590,15592,15594,15596,15597,15599,15600,16058)(59731,59740,59752,59785,59786,59787,59792,59795,59805,59811)(59816,59818,59820,59822,59826,59828,59849,59850,59851,59867)(59882,59885,59888,59889,59895,59900,59906,97213,110305). In patients with hypertension, cardiovascular or kidney conditions, or a high salt intake, as little as 5 grams of licorice product or 100 mg glycyrrhizin daily can cause severe adverse effects (15589,15593,15598,15600,59726).

PREGNANCY: UNSAFE
when used orally. Licorice has abortifacient, estrogenic, and steroid effects. It can also cause uterine stimulation. Heavy consumption of licorice, equivalent to 500 mg of glycyrrhizin per week (about 250 grams of licorice per week), during pregnancy seems to increase the risk of delivery before gestational age of 38 weeks (7619,10618). Furthermore, high intake of glycyrrhizin, at least 500 mg per week, during pregnancy is associated with increased salivary cortisol levels in the child by the age of 8 years. This suggests that high intake of licorice during pregnancy may increase hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activity in the child (26434); avoid using.

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about LICORICE)

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking dandelion root along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.  Details In vitro research suggests that dandelion root inhibits platelet aggregation (18291).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Laboratory research suggests that dandelion extract may have moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity and might also increase insulin secretion (13474,90926). Also, in a case report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemia 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion (46960).

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, dandelion might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.  Details Laboratory research suggests that dandelion might inhibit CYP1A2 (12734). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, until more is known, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking dandelion.

GLUCURONIDATED DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, dandelion might increase the clearance of drugs that are UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.  Details There is some preliminary evidence that dandelion might induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a phase II enzyme (12734).

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, through diuretic effects, dandelion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.  Details Animal research suggests that dandelion has diuretic properties (13475). As diuretics can increase serum lithium levels, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when taken with dandelion.

POTASSIUM-SPARING DIURETICS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.  Details Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium (13465).

QUINOLONE ANTIBIOTICS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, dandelion might lower fluoroquinolone levels.  Details Animal research shows that dandelion reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin and can lower levels by 73% (13477). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

(Read more about DANDELION)

STIMULANT LAXATIVES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, gardenia might increase the effects and adverse effects of stimulant laxatives.  Details Animal research shows that geniposide, a glucoside found in gardenia fruit, may function as a laxative and cause diarrhea when taken orally (26534).

(Read more about GARDENIA)

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, consuming large amounts of great plantain leaves, which contain vitamin K, might decrease the clinical effects of warfarin.  Details Great plantain leaves contain relatively high concentrations of vitamin K (19,97741), which might interfere with the activity of warfarin.

(Read more about GREAT PLANTAIN)

(Read more about KNOTWEED)

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.  Details In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner (1372,7620,59877).

CISPLATIN (Platinol-AQ) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.  Details In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin (59763).

CORTICOSTEROIDS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.  Details Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids (3252,12672,20040,20042,48429,59756). Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice (108568).

CYTOCHROME P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.  Details In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes (10300,94822). Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro (94822). Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.  Details In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro (94822). Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.  Details In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes (94822). Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.  Details There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes (10300,94822). However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity (14441). Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity (59808). Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity (14441). However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species (10300,94822). Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

DIGOXIN (Lanoxin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.  Details Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss (10393).

DIURETIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.  Details Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss (10393,20045,20046,59812). In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month (108577).

ESTROGENS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.  Details Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects (7860,16058).

LOOP DIURETICS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.  Details Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect (3255).

METHOTREXATE (Trexall, others) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.  Details Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin (108570). This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

MIDAZOLAM (Versed) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.  Details In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam (59808). This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity (104561).

PACLITAXEL (Abraxane, Onxol) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.  Details Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel (102959).

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.  Details Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice (14441). Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

(Read more about LICORICE)

General ...Orally, dandelion seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort.
Topically: Dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

Cardiovascular ...In one report, a 39-year-old obese woman developed palpitations and syncope after taking a weight loss supplement containing a combination of dandelion, bladderwrack, and boldo for 3 weeks. The patient was found to have prolonged QT-interval on ECG and frequent episodes of sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (14321). It is not clear whether dandelion, another ingredient, or the combination of ingredients is responsible for this adverse effect. The product was not analyzed to determine the presence of any potential toxic contaminants.

Dermatologic ...Topically, dandelion can cause contact dermatitis and erythema multiforme in sensitive individuals. Dandelion can cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (13478,13481,42893,46945,46977). Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.

Endocrine ...In one report, a 56-year-old man with renal impairment developed hyperoxalaemia and peripheral gangrene after ingesting large amounts of dandelion tea (10 to 15 cups daily for 6 months). The adverse effect was attributed to the high oxalate content of dandelion tea (258 mcmol/L) and reduced renal oxalate clearance caused by renal impairment (90639). In another report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemic symptoms 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion (46960). The hypoglycemic effect was attributed to the potential alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of dandelion.

Gastrointestinal ...Gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and heartburn, have been reported following oral use of dandelion (19146,36931). A case of intestinal blockage has been reported for a patient who ingested a large amount of dandelion greens three weeks after undergoing a stomach operation (46981). Also, a case of hemorrhagic cystitis has been reported for a 33-year-old woman who took a specific herbal product (Slim-Kombu, Balestra and Mech, Vicenza, Italy) containing 20 herbal extracts, including dandelion extract. Symptoms resolved after the patient discontinued using the product, and symptoms resumed when the patient began taking the supplement again four months later. While various ingredients in the supplement may have contributed to the symptoms, it is possible that dandelion extract may have contributed to the effect due to its diurectic, laxative, cholagogue, and antirheumatic properties (46959).

Other ...Orally, products containing dandelion pollen can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (13479,13480). Also, rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma have been reported after handling products such as bird feed containing dandelion and other herbs, with reported positive skin tests for dandelion hypersensitivity (46948). Dandelion pollen may cause pollinosis, such as allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (18065,46951,46964,46966,46972).

(Read more about DANDELION)

General ...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of gardenia.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Dermatologic ...Topically, exposure to gardenia fruit extract or the whole plant has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis (26518,49078).
Orally, there is a case report of blue-gray skin pigmentation associated with taking a product containing the extracts of gardenia fruit, phellodendron bark, and licorice for 7 years in a 77-year-old female. The pigmentation was thought to be due to melanin deposition enhanced by genipin, a constituent of gardenia. The patient gradually improved over 9 months after stopping this treatment (102698).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, there are case reports of mesenteric phlebosclerosis, a thickening of the walls of the intestine and mesenteric veins, which can lead to obstruction and occlusion. Typical presenting symptoms are paroxysmal abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, and imaging studies reveal thickening and stiffening of the walls of the ascending and transverse colon, with dark purple discoloration of the colonic and rectal mucosa, and linear calcification of the mesenteric veins. Treatment is supportive and conservative, leading to a slow resolution of signs and symptoms. In one case a 61-year-old female had been taking a Chinese herbal combination containing extracts of gardenia fruit, Baikal skullcap root, goldthread, phellodendron bark, honeysuckle, rhubarb, anemarrhenae, and trichosanthis root for 8 years (112954). In another case, a 77-year-old female took a product containing extracts of gardenia fruit, phellodendron bark, and licorice for 7 years. Mesenteric phlebosclerosis is thought to be caused by genipin, formed from geniposide after hydrolysis by intestinal bacteria. It is absorbed from the intestine, reacting with proteins in mesenteric veins, leading to progressive fibrosis, calcification, and venous occlusion (102698,112954).

Immunologic ...Topically, exposure to gardenia fruit extract or the whole plant has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis (26518,49078).

(Read more about GARDENIA)

General ...Orally and topically, great plantain seems to be well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Dermatologic ...Topically, application can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals (4).

Gastrointestinal ...Theoretically, great plantain may have laxative effects when used orally in excessive amounts (4).

(Read more about GREAT PLANTAIN)

General ...No adverse effects have been reported. However, a high-quality assessment of safety has not been conducted.

(Read more about KNOTWEED)

General ...Orally, licorice is generally well tolerated when used in amounts commonly found in foods. It seems to be well tolerated when licorice products that do not contain glycyrrhizin (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are used orally and appropriately for medicinal purposes or when used topically, short-term.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Topically: Contact dermatitis.
Intravenously: Diarrhea, itching, nausea, and rash.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Case reports have raised concerns about acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, hypokalemia, muscle weakness, paralysis, pseudohyperaldosteronism, and seizure associated with long-term use or large amounts of licorice containing glycyrrhizin.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, excessive licorice ingestion can lead to pseudohyperaldosteronism, which can precipitate cardiovascular complications such as hypertension and hypertensive crisis, ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, sinus pause, and cardiac arrest. These effects are due to the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin and usually occur when 20-30 grams or more of licorice product is consumed daily for several weeks (781,15590,15592,15594,15596,15597,15599,15600,16835,97213) (104563,108574,108576,110305,112234). In one case report, an 89-year-old female taking an herbal medicine containing licorice experienced a fatal arrhythmia secondary to licorice-induced hypokalemia. The patient presented to the hospital with recurrent syncope, weakness, and fatigue for 5 days after taking an herbal medicine containing licorice for 2 months. Upon admission to the hospital, the patient developed seizures, QT prolongation, and ventricular arrhythmia requiring multiple defibrillations. Laboratory tests confirmed hypokalemia and pseudohyperaldosteronism (112234).
However, people with cardiovascular or kidney conditions may be more sensitive, so these adverse events may occur with doses as low as 5 grams of licorice product or glycyrrhizin 100 mg daily (15589,15593,15598,15600,59726). A case report in a 54-year-old male suggests that malnutrition might increase the risk of severe adverse effects with excessive licorice consumption. This patient presented to the emergency room with cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation after excessive daily consumption of licorice for about 3 weeks. This caused pseudohyperaldosteronism and then hypokalemia, leading to cardiovascular manifestations. In spite of resuscitative treatment, the patient progressed to kidney failure, refused dialysis, and died shortly thereafter (103791).

Dermatologic ...There have been reports of contact allergy, resulting in an itchy reddish eruption, occurring in patients that applied cosmetic products containing oil-soluble licorice extracts (59912). There have also been at least 3 cases of allergic contact dermatitis reported with the topical application of glycyrrhizin-containing products to damaged skin. In one case report, a 31-year-old female with acne presented with a 2-year history of pruritic erythematous-scaly plaques located predominantly on the face and neck after the use of a cosmetic product containing licorice root extract 1%. The patient had a positive skin patch test to licorice root extract, leading the clinicians to hypothesize that the use of benzoyl peroxide, a strong irritant, might have sensitized the patient to licorice (108578). Burning sensation, itching, redness, and scaling were reported rarely in patients applying a combination of licorice, calendula, and snail secretion filtrate to the face. The specific role of licorice is unclear (110322).
In rare cases, the glycyrrhizin constituent of licorice has caused rash and itching when administered intravenously (59712).

Endocrine ...Orally, excessive licorice ingestion can cause a syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, or pseudohyperaldosteronism, with sodium and water retention, increased urinary potassium loss, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis due to its glycyrrhizin content (781,10619,15591,15592,15593,15594,15595,15596,15597,15598)(15600,16057,16835,25659,25660,25673,25719,26439,59818,59822)(59832,59864,91722,104563,108568,108574,110305,112234). These metabolic abnormalities can lead to hypertension, edema, EKG changes, fatigue, syncope, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, headache, lethargy, muscle weakness, dropped head syndrome (DHS), rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, paralysis, encephalopathy, respiratory impairment, hyperparathyroidism, and acute kidney failure (10393,10619,15589,15590,15593,15594,15596,15597,15599)(15600,16057,16835,25660,25673,25719,26439,31562,59709,59716)(59720,59740,59787,59820,59826,59882,59889,59900,91722,97214,100522) (104563,108576,108577). These effects are most likely to occur when 20-30 grams of licorice products containing glycyrrhizin 400 mg or more is consumed daily for several weeks (781,15590,15592,15594,15596,15597,15599,15600,16835,108574). However, some people may be more sensitive, especially those with hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, or kidney problems (15589,15593,15598,15600,59726,108576,108577) and even low or moderate consumption of licorice may cause hypertensive crisis or hypertension in normotensive individuals (1372,97213). The use of certain medications with licorice may also increase the risk of these adverse effects (108568,108577). One case report determined that the use of large doses of licorice in an elderly female stabilized on fludrocortisone precipitated hypokalemia and hypertension, requiring inpatient treatment (108568). Another case report describes severe hypokalemia necessitating intensive care treatment due to co-ingestion of an oral glycyrrhizin-specific product and hydrochlorothiazide for 1 month (108577). Glycyrrhetinic acid has a long half-life, a large volume of distribution, and extensive enterohepatic recirculation. Therefore, it may take 1-2 weeks before hypokalemia resolves (781,15595,15596,15597,15600). Normalization of the renin-aldosterone axis and blood pressure can take up to several months (781,15595,108568). Treatment typically includes the discontinuation of licorice, oral and intravenous potassium supplementation, and short-term use of aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone (108574,108577).
Chewing tobacco flavored with licorice has also been associated with toxicity. Chewing licorice-flavored tobacco, drinking licorice tea, or ingesting large amounts of black licorice flavored jelly beans or lozenges has been associated with hypertension and suppressed renin and aldosterone levels (12671,12837,97214,97215,97217,108574). One case report suggests that taking a combination product containing about 100 mg of licorice and other ingredients (Jintan, Morishita Jintan Co.) for many decades may be associated with hypoaldosteronism, even up to 5 months after discontinuation of the product (100522). In another case report, licorice ingestion led to hyperprolactinemia in a female (59901). Licorice-associated hypercalcemia has also been noted in a case report (59766).

Gastrointestinal ...Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely following oral use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (25694,59871). Intravenously, the glycyrrhizin constituent of licorice has rarely caused gastric discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea (59712,59915).

Immunologic ...There have been reports of contact allergy, resulting in an itchy reddish eruption, occurring in patients that applied cosmetic products containing oil-soluble licorice extracts (59912). There have also been at least 3 cases of allergic contact dermatitis reported with the topical application of glycyrrhizin-containing products to damaged skin. In one case report, a 31-year-old female with acne presented with a 2-year history of pruritic erythematous-scaly plaques located predominantly on the face and neck after the use of a cosmetic product containing licorice root extract 1%. The patient had a positive skin patch test to licorice root extract, leading the clinicians to hypothesize that the use of benzoyl peroxide, a strong irritant, might have sensitized the patient to licorice (108578).

Musculoskeletal ...In a case report, excessive glycyrrhizin-containing licorice consumption led to water retention and was thought to trigger neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome (59791).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, licorice containing larger amounts of glycyrrhizin may cause headaches. A healthy woman taking glycyrrhizin 380 mg daily for 2 weeks experienced a headache (59892). Intravenously, the glycyrrhizin constituent of licorice has rarely caused headaches or fatigue (59721). In a case report, licorice candy ingestion was associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome accompanied by a tonic-clonic seizure (97218).

Ocular/Otic ...Orally, consuming glycyrrhizin-containing licorice 114-909 grams has been associated with transient visual loss (59714).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, large amounts of licorice might lead to pulmonary edema. In one case report, a 64-year old male consumed 1020 grams of black licorice (Hershey Twizzlers) containing glycyrrhizin 3.6 grams over 3 days, which resulted in pulmonary edema secondary to pseudohyperaldosteronism (31561). Intravenously, the glycyrrhizin constituent of licorice has caused cold or flu-like symptoms, although these events are not common (59712,59721).

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