What it does: Licorice extract supports digestive tract comfort by helping to soothe and protect mucous membranes, is involved in supporting throat and respiratory comfort, and influences the body's stress response through its effects on adrenal function.
How it is used: It is commonly used in supplements for digestive support, throat and respiratory health, and for helping the body adapt to stress. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often used when a reduced glycyrrhizin content is preferred.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Naturally found in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice extract is available in root powders, liquid extracts, and standardized DGL forms.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: It is valued in formulas for its ability to soothe the digestive tract, maintain healthy mucous membranes, and its traditional use as a plant-based adaptogen for stress support.
What to know before use: Licorice extract containing glycyrrhizin may raise blood pressure or affect potassium levels, so consult a healthcare professional if you have hypertension or take related medications.
Interesting Fact
Licorice Root: A Plant with a Sweet Secret
Licorice extract comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and is prized for its naturally sweet flavor—about 30–50 times sweeter than table sugar, thanks to a compound called glycyrrhizin. Beyond its taste, licorice extract is often included in supplement blends and herbal teas, where it supports diverse plant-based formulations with its unique profile of phytochemicals.
