New study shows dried licorice roots fight tooth decay

Columbus - Scientists have discovered two substances in licorice root, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A. New studies show that they destroy major bacteria accountable for gum disease and tooth deterioration.

The dried licorice root study is published in ACS's Journal of Natural Products, reporting that the two substances may play a significant role in "treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease," according to a Press Release. Known to be an old-fashioned medicine throughout traditional Chinese treatments, Stefan Gafner and her colleagues found that dried licorice roots enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients. The researchers tested the licorice root to see if it would combat the bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities by looking closely at the substances in licorice. What they found out were that the two substances in licorice were the most effective as antibacterial components, used in treating and preventing oral infections. In Dental Plan, both licoricidin and licorisoflavan A were able to kill two of the major bacteria that were responsible for promoting gum disease. Licoricidin was found to kill the third bacteria responsible for gum disease. Up until the research of Stefan Gafner, the leading cause of tooth loss was gum disease and tooth decay, typically controlled by regular trips to the dentist, flossing and brushing. But the discovery of dried licorice root is offering another solution. However, it is advised that the family physician be contacted before using the dried licorice root. It has been known to have undesirable effects and interactions with prescription drugs, in addition to being 50 times sweeter than sugar. In addition to dental treatments, some of the ailments that are treated by the licorice root consist of respiratory and digestive problems. Additional usages of the licorice root are (Herb Library):

1. Relaxing expectorant (soothes coughs)

2. Demulcent (soothing effect on contact) 3. Anti-inflammatory (via the body's own corticosteroid mechanisms) 4. Anti-ulcer against gastrointestinal ulcers 5. Laxative 6. Adaptogenic tonic (increases resistance to the effects of physical, mental and emotional stress) 7. Hepato-protective (protects the liver) 8. Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial 9. Antioxidant and anti tumor 10.Hormonal regulation

An noninclusive study on isolated compounds of licorice root to prevent cavities had been done in 2006, at the University of California, Los Angeles. The study was to appear in the February 24, Journal of Natural Products. At that time, Qing-Yi Lu, Ph.D., a chemist at UCLA's School of Medicine suggested that more studies were needed before the compounds in licorice could be proven effective in humans.