Licorice root is a liver protector, meaning that it helps to keep liver damage at bay. – Archerfriendly.com (1)

Licorice root comes from the licorice plant. Its active, antiviral ingredient is called “glycyrrhizin.” Interestingly, the United States government, on its Veteran Affairs website, is recognizing research that provides evidence for the antiviral nature of licorice (2).

An example of this research can be found in a study published in the medical journal Phytotherapy Research on September 20th, 2007, which said that “Historical sources for the use of Glycyrrhiza species (the active ingredient in Licorice) include ancient manuscripts from China, India and Greece. They all mention its use for symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections and hepatitis (3).”

Now, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website says that “long-term use of glycyrrhizin might prevent liver cancer in patients with hepatitis C.” (2) 

How does licorice help prevent liver damage caused by HCV?

The active ingredients in licorice reduce the damage the hepatitis virus causes to cells in the liver. As researchers from the University of Padua wrote, “Randomized controlled trials confirmed that the Glycyrrhiza glabra derived compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives reduced hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis B and C. In hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was reduced (3).”

The bottom line?

We believe that every person infected with hepatitis C should consider using a natural hepatitis remedy to help the immune system target the latent HCV.

References:

(1) Archerfriendly.com – Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

(2) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs – Viral Hepatitis. hepatitis.va.gov

(3) Fiore C, Eisenhut M, Krausse R, Ragazzi E, Pellati D, Armanini D, Bielenberg J.”Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species.” Phytother Res. 2008 Feb;22(2):141-8.