Envoy at 14:45, 22 October 2007

2007-10-22T14:45:08Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Liquorice
| image = Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Fabales]]
| familia = [[Fabaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Faboideae]]
| tribus = [[Galegeae]]
| genus = ''[[Glycyrrhiza]]''
| species = '''''G. glabra'''''
| binomial = ''Glycyrrhiza glabra''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''Liquorice''' or '''licorice''' (see [[American and British English spelling differences|spelling differences]]) ({{IPAEng|ˈlɪkərɪʃ, ˈlɪkərɪs, ˈlɪkrɪʃ}}, or {{IPA|/ˈlɪkrɪs/}}) is the root of ''Glycyrrhiza glabra'', from which a sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a [[legume]] (related to beans and [[pea]]s) and native to southern Europe and parts of [[Asia]]. It is a [[herbaceous]] [[perennial plant|perennial]], growing to 1 [[metre|m]] in height, with [[pinnate]] [[leaf|leaves]] about 7–15 [[centimetre]]s (3–6 [[inch]]es) long, with 9–17 leaflets. The [[flower]]s are 0.8–1.2 cm (1/3 to 1/2 inch) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose [[inflorescence]]. The [[fruit]] is an oblong [[legume|pod]], 2–3 centimetres (about 1 inch) long, containing several [[seed]]s.<ref name=rhs>Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. ISBN 0-333-47494-5</ref>

==Cultivation and uses==
Liquorice is grown as a [[root]] crop mainly in southern Europe. Historically, it is also linked with [[Pontefract]] in Yorkshire, England, which has an annual liquorice festival. Very little commercial liquorice is grown in [[North America]], where it is replaced by a related native species, [[American Licorice]] (''G. lepidota''), which has similar uses. In northern China, the related [[Chinese Liquorice]] (''G. uralensis'') is cultivated for use in [[traditional Chinese medicine]].

Liquorice grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils, with full sun, and is harvested in the [[autumn]] two to three years after planting.<ref name=rhs/>

Liquorice extract is produced by boiling liquorice root and subsequently evaporating most of the water (in fact, the word 'liquorice' is derived from the [[Ancient Greek]] words for 'sweet root'). Liquorice extract is traded both in solid and syrup form. Its active principle is [[glycyrrhizin]], a [[sweetener]] more than 50 times as sweet as [[sucrose]] which also has pharmaceutical effects. ''G. uralensis'' contains this chemical in much greater concentration.

===Culinary use===
{{mainarticle|Liquorice candy}}
Liquorice flavour is found in a wide variety of [[Licorice candy|liquorice candies]]. The most popular in the [[United Kingdom]] are [[Liquorice allsorts]]. In continental [[Europe]], however, far stronger, [[sodium chloride|saltier]] candies are preferred. It should be noted, though, that in most of these candies the taste is reinforced by [[aniseed]] oil, and the actual content of liquorice is quite low.

In the Netherlands Liquorice candy is called "Drop", (and it is actually one of the most popular forms of candy) but only a few of the many forms that are sold contain aniseed, although mixing it with [[mint]], [[menthol]] or with [[Bay Laurel|laurel]] is popular, and mixing it with [[Ammonium chloride]] creates the very popular [[Salty liquorice|salty liquorice]]. <ref>[http://www.food-info.net/uk/products/sweets/liquorice.htm] Dutch website of [[Wageningen University]] with English information about "Drop"</ref>

Liquorice is also found in some [[soft drink]]s (such as [[root beer]]), and is in some herbal teas where it provides a sweet aftertaste. The flavor is common in medicines to disguise unpleasant flavors.

Liquorice is popular in Italy, particularly in the South, in its natural form. The root of the plant is simply dug up, washed and chewed as mouth-freshener. Throughout Italy unsweetened liquorice is consumed in the form of small black pieces made only from 100% pure liquorice extract; the taste is bitter and intense. Liquorice is also very popular in Syria where it is sold as a drink. Dried [[liquorice root]] can be chewed as a sweet. According to the US Department of Agriculture Food [[Database]], black licorice contains approximately 100 [[calories]] per ounce (28g).<ref>[http://www.annecollins.com/calories/calories-licorice.htm Licorice Calories]</ref>

[[Chinese cuisine]] uses liquorice as a culinary [[spice]] for savoury foods. It is often employed to flavour [[broth]]s and foods simmered in [[soy sauce]].

Other [[herb]]s and [[spice]]s of similar flavour include [[Anise]], [[star anise]], [[tarragon]], and [[fennel]].

===Medicinal use===
[[image:Koeh-207.jpg|thumb|''Glycyrrhiza glabra'' from Koehler's ''Medicinal-Plants'']]
Powdered liquorice root is an effective [[expectorant]], and has been used for this purpose since ancient times, especially in [[Ayurvedic medicine]] where it is also used in [[tooth powder]]s. Modern [[cough syrup]]s often include liquorice extract as an ingredient. Additionally, liquorice may be useful in conventional and naturopathic medicine for both [[mouth ulcer]]s<ref>{{cite journal |title = Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers
|last = Das|first = S.K. |coauthors = Das V, Gulati AK & Singh VP |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2632514&query_hl=3 |journal = The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India | publisher = Association of Physicians of India | volume = 37 | issue = 10 | pages = 647}}</ref> and [[peptic ulcer]]s.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy |year =2004 |volume = 54 |issue = 1 |pages = 243-246 |title = In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Extractum liquiritiae, glycyrrhizin and its metabolites|last = Krausse |first = R. |coauthors = Bielenberg J. Blaschek W. & Ullmann U. |url= http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15190039&query_hl=3| publisher = Oxford University Press}}</ref> Non-prescription aphthous ulcer treatment [[CankerMelts]] incorporates glycyrrhiza in a dissolving adherant troche. Liquorice is also a mild [[laxative]] and may be used as a topical antiviral agent for shingles, ophthalmic, oral or genital herpes.

Liquorice affects the body's [[endocrine system]] as it contains [[isoflavones]] ([[phytoestrogens]]). It can lower the amount of serum testosterone,<ref>[http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/Glycyrrhiza_-_Licorice_root_and_testosterone.htm ''Materia Medica'', retrieved 24 May 2007]</ref> but whether it affects the amount of free testosterone is unclear. Large doses of [[Glycyrrhizin|glycyrrhizinic acid]] and [[glycyrrhetinic acid]] in liquorice extract can lead to [[hypokalemia]] and serious increases in [[blood pressure]], a syndrome known as [[apparent mineralocorticoid excess]]. These side effects stem from the inhibition of the enzyme [[11Beta Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase|11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase]] (type 2) and subsequent increase in activity of [[cortisol]] on the kidney. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney; thus, liquorice's inhibition of this enzyme makes the concentration of cortisol appear to increase. Cortisol acts at the same receptor as the hormone [[aldosterone]] in the kidney and the effects mimic aldosterone excess, although aldosterone remains low or normal during liquorice overdose. To decrease the chances of these serious side effects, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice preparations are available. The disabling of similar enzymes in the gut by [[glycyrrhizinic acid]] and [[glycyrrhetinic acid]] also causes increased mucus and decreased acid secretion. It inhibits [[Helicobacter pylori]], is used as an aid for healing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in moderate amounts may soothe an upset stomach. Liquorice can be used to treat [[ileitis]], [[leaky gut syndrome]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]] and [[Crohn's disease]] as it is antispasmodic in the bowels.<ref name="Winston">{{cite book| last = Winston| first = David |coauthors = Steven Maimes|title = Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief| publisher = Healing Arts Press|date= 2007}}</ref>

Liquorice is an [[adaptogen]] which helps reregulate the [[Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis]]. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies.<ref name="Winston"/>

In [[traditional Chinese medicine]], liquorice is commonly used in herbal formulae to "harmonize" the other ingredients in the formula and to carry the formula into all 12 of the regular meridians<ref>{{cite book | last = Bensky | first = Dan |coauthors = et al.| title = Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition |publisher = Eastland Press |date = 2004| isbn= 0939616424}}</ref> and to relieve a spasmodic cough.
Liquorice is used as an important ingredient in Fu zheng anti-cancer formulas where it is an anti-inflammatory compound . In traditional American herbalism it is used in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula.

=== Toxicity ===
Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be [[Toxicity|toxic]] to the [[liver]]<ref>[http://www.salisbury.edu/nursing/herbalremedies/Toxic%20herbs.htm ''The Nurse's Guide To Herbal Remedies'' from Salisbury University]</ref> and [[Circulatory system|cardiovascular system]], and may produce [[hypertension]] and [[oedema]].<ref>[http://www.umdnj.edu/umcweb/marketing_and_communications/publications/umdnj_magazine/hstate/wntr00/pulse/pulse7.htm ''A Guide to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants'' from Purdue University]</ref> There have been occasional cases where blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn.<ref>[http://www.itmonline.org/arts/hypertension.htm Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., ''Safety Issues Affecting Herbs: Herbs that May Increase Blood Pressue'', retrieved 24 May 2007]</ref> Most cases of hypertension from licorice were caused by overeating concentrated liquorice candy.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Glycyrrhiza glabra (chip of Spanish wood).jpg|Sliver of licorice root
Image:Glycyrrhiza glabra (Pile of Spanish wood chips).jpg|Various licorice root slivers
</gallery>

== Notes ==
<references/>

==External links==
{{commons|Glycyrrhiza glabra|Liquorice}}
*[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-licorice.html National Institute of Health - Medline]
*[http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/deg_0092.shtml PDRhealth.com] - Profile of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
*[[Chemical & Engineering News]] [http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8032licorice.html article on Licorice]
*[http://www.licorice.org/ Non-profit dedicated to promoting licorice]
*[http://www.licoriceinternational.com/ Offers information and more than 160 licorice products from 13 countries]
*[http://www.pontefractliquoricefestival.co.uk/ Pontefract Liquorice Festival]

{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Faboideae]]
[[Category:Spices]]
[[Category:Sweeteners]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Poisonous plants]]

Liquorice - Revision history

Envoy at 14:45, 22 October 2007