Licorice Extract and Low-Calorie Diet Benefits for Women with PCOS and Obesity

Greg Howard
2nd August, 2024

Licorice Extract and Low-Calorie Diet Benefits for Women with PCOS and Obesity

Study found that an extract from the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (pictured) significantly improved obesity indices, glucose control, and lipid profiles in overweight women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when combined with a low-calorie diet.

Photo adapted from: Jorge Íñiguez / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study took place at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and involved 66 overweight or obese women with PCOS
  • Women who took licorice extract showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage
  • Licorice extract also improved lipid profiles, with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and higher HDL-C levels
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting many women of reproductive age. It is characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS is also associated with metabolic issues, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which significantly impact women's health. Recent research conducted by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences explored the potential benefits of licorice on metabolic profiles in women with PCOS[1]. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 66 overweight or obese women with PCOS were selected. These participants were divided into two groups: one group received 1.5 grams per day of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet, while the other group received a placebo alongside the same dietary regimen. The study spanned eight weeks, during which various health markers were meticulously monitored, including body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides). The results of the study were promising. Women who consumed licorice extract showed significant improvements in several health parameters compared to the placebo group. Specifically, the licorice group experienced notable reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage. Additionally, their lipid profiles improved, with decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL-C levels. Glycemic indices also showed positive changes, with lower FBS and insulin levels, and improved insulin resistance and β-cell function as measured by HOMA-IR and HOMA-B, respectively. The findings from this study align with and expand upon previous research on PCOS and its metabolic implications. For instance, a systematic review of PCOS prevalence highlighted the broad clinical spectrum of the condition and the need for standardized diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis and management[2]. Another study focusing on the Iranian population demonstrated that certain PCOS phenotypes, particularly those involving hyperandrogenism, are associated with worse lipid profiles and higher rates of metabolic syndrome[3]. The current study's results suggest that licorice extract could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for improving metabolic health in women with PCOS, particularly in managing obesity and dyslipidemia. The methodology of the study was rigorous, employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to minimize bias and ensure the reliability of the findings. The use of standard protocols for assessing anthropometric indices and body composition, along with enzymatic kits for measuring blood markers, added to the robustness of the data. Adjustments for confounders such as baseline values, age, weight changes, and physical activity changes further strengthened the conclusions. However, it is essential to note that while the results are encouraging, the study had limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the duration was limited to eight weeks. Future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of licorice supplementation on metabolic health in women with PCOS. In conclusion, the study conducted by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of licorice extract for women with PCOS. By demonstrating significant improvements in obesity indices, glucose homeostasis, and lipid profiles, this research suggests that licorice could be an effective supplement for managing the metabolic complications associated with PCOS. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to explore the underlying mechanisms through which licorice exerts its beneficial effects.

MedicineHealthFitness And Diet

References

Main Study

1) Effects of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet on obesity indices, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Published 30th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01446-9

Related Studies

2) Understanding variation in prevalence estimates of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmy022

3) The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Its Phenotypes and Cardio-Metabolic Features in a Community Sample of Iranian Population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.825528


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