Does licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) cure cancer?

Licorice Does Not Cure Cancer

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) does not cure cancer and should not be used as a cancer treatment outside of clinical trials. While licorice contains bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties in laboratory studies, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support its use as a cancer treatment 1.

Current Evidence on Licorice and Cancer

Laboratory Research

• Licorice contains various bioactive compounds including:

  • Triterpenoids (glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid)
  • Polyphenols
  • Flavonoids 2

• Laboratory studies suggest these compounds may have:

  • Antiproliferative effects
  • Antiangiogenic properties
  • Antimetastatic potential
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects 3

• Potential molecular mechanisms observed in laboratory settings:

  • Inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase
  • Downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor
  • Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells
  • Targeting multiple signaling pathways (B-cell lymphoma 2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, PI3K, JNK) 2, 3

Clinical Evidence

• Despite promising laboratory findings, there are no high-quality clinical trials demonstrating that licorice cures cancer in humans 4.
• Current clinical research primarily focuses on licorice as a potential adjunct to conventional cancer treatments, not as a standalone cure 4.

Potential Role in Supportive Cancer Care

While not curative, licorice-containing preparations may have a limited role in supportive cancer care:

• Some studies suggest licorice-containing herbs might help alleviate certain side effects of conventional cancer treatments:

  • May reduce adverse reactions to chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  • May improve quality of life during cancer treatment 4

• However, these findings require further validation through high-quality clinical trials 4.

Important Safety Considerations

Licorice has significant potential side effects and drug interactions that must be considered:

• Long-term use of licorice at high doses can cause:

  • Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium)
  • Secondary disorders related to these conditions 1, 5

• Drug interactions:

  • Licorice can interact with CYP3A-metabolized drugs (e.g., cyclosporine A)
  • Concurrent use with methotrexate or cilostazol is not recommended
  • Can interact with oral contraceptives 1
  • May interact with immune drugs 1

• Specific populations at risk:

  • Patients with cirrhosis should avoid licorice juice due to its mineralocorticoid activity 1
  • Can exacerbate edema, cause sodium retention, and worsen hypertension 1

Clinical Recommendation

For cancer patients interested in licorice:

1. Do not use licorice as a cancer treatment - Rely on evidence-based conventional therapies
2. Consult healthcare providers - Discuss any interest in complementary approaches
3. Be aware of drug interactions - Particularly important for patients on chemotherapy
4. Consider contraindications - Especially for patients with:
   • Hypertension
   • Liver disease
   • Hypokalemia
   • Certain medication regimens

Bottom Line

While licorice contains compounds with interesting biological activities in laboratory settings, there is no clinical evidence supporting its use as a cancer cure. Patients should rely on evidence-based conventional cancer treatments and discuss any complementary approaches with their healthcare providers. The potential risks of licorice, including significant drug interactions and side effects, outweigh any unproven benefits for cancer treatment.