licorice, an herb that grows in shrub form in many subtropical areas. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used for allergies, arthritis, asthma, constipation, esophagitis, gastritis, hepatitis, inflammatory conditions, peptic ulcers, poor adrenal function, and poor appetite. Its efficacy for these indications is not proven, but its active ingredients (glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid) alter prostaglandin synthesis, are agonists at mineralocorticoid receptors, and prolong the half-life of cortisol. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Licorice should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children, or in those with known hypersensitivity. It is also contraindicated in people with liver disease, renal disease, hypokalemia, hypertension, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.
