Effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra in the Treatment of Gastritis
How This Helps
In Gastritis, there is a considerable amount of
pre-ulcerative inflammation or erosion present in the lining of the gastric
mucosa of the stomach. This condition is cured by the regeneration of the
gastric mucosa. The medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza glabra is a demulcent
(mucoprotector), which is useful in the regeneration process, as it directly
promotes epithelial regeneration. The active constituent Glycyrrhizin is
a saponin glycoside which facilitates the healing of intestinal permeability
and inflammation (Aly, A. M., et al. 2005). Glycyrrhiza glabra also has
properties that support the gluco and mineralocorticoids which make them
anti-inflammatory. These substances coat the gastric mucosa enabling healing
and protection. However, it does not cause high blood pressure when used in the
form of Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).
Science and Research
Gastritis is a
gastrointestinal system disease, which is characterized by pre-ulcerative
inflammation of the lining of the stomach called the gastric mucosa. It is
often accompanied by atrophy (mayoclinic.org). This condition is quite common
in adults and the elderly and requires immediate attention to prevent the
transition of the disease to ulcers or cancer. Symptoms associated with
Gastritis are abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea,
nausea, flatulence, and indigestion, among others. The causes of gastritis are
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin, excess fluoride,
excess alcohol and coffee, dietary fats, stress, helicobacter pylori infection,
nutritional deficiencies, recreational drugs, and low/high stomach acid.
The conventional treatments
for Gastritis are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists,
which act by inhibiting the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Some
(PPIs) are Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole
and Dexlansoprasole, whereas Nizatidine, Cimetidine and Famotidine are
Histamine H2 receptor Antagonists drugs. Not all cases of Gastritis come from
the excess production of hydrochloric acid, therefore investigations of the
cause will lead to the most appropriate treatment.
The Naturopathic treatment protocol requires a thorough
history of the patient along with suitable screening to determine the cause of
Gastritis and Stomach acid levels. Gastritis may be caused by both high and low
stomach acids, which determine the treatment plan. Diet and nutritional changes
are necessary in both cases of Gastritis. In Hyperchlorhydria (excess stomach
acid), the protocol
requires the reduction of stomach acids by use of the appropriate medicine,
food, supplements, herbs and lifestyle changes to reduce stress. In the event
of Hypochlorhydria, low stomach acid is addressed where the common
recommendation is Betaine hydrochloric acid and Digestive enzymes, along with
the respective diet and nutritional changes, stress reduction, lifestyle
changes and strict adherence to the prescribed natural medicine protocol. In
both Hyperchlorhydria and Hypochlorhydria, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is
useful for the restoration of the stomach mucosa and is an important natural
medicine in the elimination of Gastritis (Kao TC, Wu CH, Yen GC. 2014, Marjan
Nassiri, and Hossein Hosseinzadeh, 2008).
Glycyrrhiza glabra (without being deglycyrrhizinated ), although
effective may cause high blood pressure in some patients. Although the
deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice will not cause high blood pressure when
used in large doses, it is best to be under the supervision of a qualified
practitioner who can best diagnose and prescribe with respect to individual
needs.
Science and Research
Special Licorice Extracts (s-lico), which lower the active
substance glycyrrhizin, while increasing the licochalcone-A content, were
isolated. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for high blood pressure when taken in
large dosages. The findings of the new formulation proved effective in its
anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and antioxidative actions. Special Licorice
extracts (s-lico) significantly reduced gastritis and helicobacter
pylori-induced gastric damages (Park JM, et.al,2014).
A study was conducted on glycyrrhetinic acid which is an
active component of Glycyrrhiza glabra, for its effects on gastritis produced
by helicobacter pylori. The inhibitory effects produced in helicobacter pylori
infected gastritis led to glycyrrhetinic acid being proposed as a bioactive
inhibitor of gastric inflammation. This may possibly become a drug for
inflammation and chemoprotection for gastric ulcers (Donghui Cao, et al,
2016).
References
1. Aly, A. M., et al, “Licorice: a possible anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer
drug.” AAPS
PharmSciTech. 6(1):E74-E82, 2005.
2. Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/basics/definition/con-20021032,
Cited 26.05.2016.
3. Marjan Nassiri, and Hossein Hosseinzadeh. "Review of pharmacological
effects of Glycyrrhiza
and its bioactive compounds." 22.6 (2008): 709-724.
4. Kao TC, Wu CH, Yen GC. “Bioactivity and potential health benefits of
licorice.” J Agric Food
Chem. 2014;62(3):542-53.
5. Park JM, et.al, “Special licorice extracts contacting lowered glycyrrhizin
and enhanced
licochalcone,” 2014.
6. Donghui Cao, et al, “The Protective Effects of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid on
Helicobacter pylori-
Infected Gastric Mucosa in Mongolian Gerbils,” (2016), 4943793.
.
Author
Sabetree Nohar-Luin, B.Sc (H.M.), S.A.C. (M.H.)