Licorice and Prostate Health: An Analysis of Benefits, Mechanisms, and Usage

Introduction

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a well-known herbal remedy with a millennia-old reputation for treating a wide variety of ailments, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory conditions. Recent attention has turned toward its potential benefits for prostate health, particularly in the context of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and overall urinary tract function in men.

1. Phytochemical Composition of Licorice

Licorice root contains over 300 active compounds, with glycyrrhizin and glabridin being the most studied. Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties source. Glabridin, a flavonoid, has demonstrated estrogenic, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activities source.

2. Effects of Licorice on Prostate Health

2.1 Anti-Inflammatory Action and Prostatitis Relief

Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) involve ongoing inflammation of the prostate gland. Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 source. These actions suggest a beneficial effect in alleviating prostate inflammation and associated urinary symptoms.

2.2 Antiproliferative Effects on Prostate Cells

Research indicates that glabridin and other licorice flavonoids inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) source. One in vitro study found that licorice extract significantly reduced the growth of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells source.

2.3 Hormonal Modulation

Licorice exhibits phytoestrogenic activity, largely through glabridin, which can interact with estrogen receptors. This is particularly relevant to prostate health, as the balance of androgens and estrogens is crucial in BPH pathogenesis source. Additionally, licorice has been found to inhibit 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5-alpha-reductase, enzymes involved in testosterone metabolism, potentially mimicking the action of BPH medications like finasteride source.

3. Urinary Benefits

Licorice may also improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by its antispasmodic and diuretic effects. It has traditionally been used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine to treat dysuria and urinary retention. Its ability to soothe mucous membranes and reduce inflammation may support improved bladder emptying and reduced urinary frequency.

4. Ingestion Methods and Dosage

Licorice can be consumed in several forms, including:

Dried root (used in teas or decoctions)
Powdered extract
Standardized capsules or tablets
Tinctures

A typical therapeutic dose of standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is 380–400 mg taken 20 minutes before meals. However, for prostate and urinary benefits, full-spectrum licorice root extracts (which contain glycyrrhizin) are typically used, with dosages ranging between 200–600 mg/day depending on the product and clinical goal.

5. Risks and Considerations

While licorice offers numerous benefits, chronic high-dose use (especially products containing glycyrrhizin) can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, and edema source. This is due to glycyrrhizin’s inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to excessive cortisol activity.

Those with cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, or on diuretics should consult a healthcare provider before using licorice supplements.

6. Miscellaneous Data and Emerging Research

Gut Microbiota Modulation: Licorice has been shown to enhance short-chain fatty acid production, which may positively influence systemic inflammation, indirectly benefiting prostate health source.
Antioxidant Synergy: When combined with other antioxidants like selenium, licorice enhances overall protective effects against oxidative stress implicated in prostate disease source.
Use in Integrative Oncology: Licorice extract is being evaluated as an adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer, especially in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy to reduce side effects and enhance immune response source.

Conclusion

Licorice presents a promising natural intervention for supporting prostate and urinary health due to its anti-inflammatory, hormonal modulatory, and antioxidant properties. While further clinical trials are needed to define optimal dosages and safety profiles, current evidence supports its integrative use, especially in the management of BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer adjunct therapy.

Caution is advised regarding long-term use of glycyrrhizin-containing products, but deglycyrrhizinated formulationsoffer a safer alternative for daily supplementation.

Licorice and Prostate Health: An Analysis of Benefits, Mechanisms, and Usage