In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), liquorice is regarded as a "panacea". A recent study by the University Department of Anaesthetics, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at the MedUni Vienna has now, for the first time, scientifically confirmed the healing properties of this natural substance.
In their study, researchers investigated patients who require a particularly thick tube (known as a double-lumen tube) following lung surgery and who consequently suffer frequent sore throats, hoarseness and coughs. The prescription of liquorice markedly reduced the frequency of post-operative symptoms. Even more importantly, patients were extremely happy and complained of significantly fewer side effects associated with anaesthesia, such as sore throats, coughs and hoarseness.
Study leader Kurt Rützler from the University Department of Anaesthetics, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at the MedUni Vienna cites another important advantage: "The side effects that normally occur are not only subjectively unpleasant for patients, but they can also have a negative impact on the success of their surgery. If a patient develops a cough after a lung operation with severe pain leading to reduced inspiration and expiration, this can cause an entire section of the lung to collapse."
Inexpensive medicine available without a prescription
As a result of the study, which has just been published in the science journal Anesthesia & Analgesia, liquorice is already being offered to all pre-operative patients at three European hospitals. One of the key advantages of liquorice lies in how simple it is to use. Liquorice is available in its pure form without a prescription from any pharmacy. "Patients can however also buy liquorice sticks or liquorice lozenges and achieve very similar beneficial effects to pure liquorice," says Rützler.
Further possible medical uses for liquorice being researched
Exactly how liquorice works is not yet fully understood. The team of researchers at the MedUni Vienna has managed to identify 17 sub-substances in liquorice, however. Some of these are believed in TCM to have particular effects. Researchers are now working on investigating these TCM beliefs on a more scientific basis. According to Rützler, of particular importance in this context is liquorice's anti-inflammatory effect and its positive impact on local wound healing, for example in maxillofacial surgery.
Explore further: Liquorice nanotech component offers clue to cleaner medical implants
More information: Ruetzler, K. et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Licorice Versus Sugar-Water Gargle for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat and Postextubation Coughing, Anesthesia & Analgesia. DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e318299a650
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), liquorice is regarded as a "panacea". A recent study by the University Department of Anaesthetics, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at the MedUni Vienna has now, for the first time, scientifically confirmed the healing properties of this natural substance.
In their study, researchers investigated patients who require a particularly thick tube (known as a double-lumen tube) following lung surgery and who consequently suffer frequent sore throats, hoarseness and coughs. The prescription of liquorice markedly reduced the frequency of post-operative symptoms. Even more importantly, patients were extremely happy and complained of significantly fewer side effects associated with anaesthesia, such as sore throats, coughs and hoarseness.
Study leader Kurt Rützler from the University Department of Anaesthetics, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at the MedUni Vienna cites another important advantage: "The side effects that normally occur are not only subjectively unpleasant for patients, but they can also have a negative impact on the success of their surgery. If a patient develops a cough after a lung operation with severe pain leading to reduced inspiration and expiration, this can cause an entire section of the lung to collapse."
Inexpensive medicine available without a prescription
As a result of the study, which has just been published in the science journal Anesthesia & Analgesia, liquorice is already being offered to all pre-operative patients at three European hospitals. One of the key advantages of liquorice lies in how simple it is to use. Liquorice is available in its pure form without a prescription from any pharmacy. "Patients can however also buy liquorice sticks or liquorice lozenges and achieve very similar beneficial effects to pure liquorice," says Rützler.
Further possible medical uses for liquorice being researched
Exactly how liquorice works is not yet fully understood. The team of researchers at the MedUni Vienna has managed to identify 17 sub-substances in liquorice, however. Some of these are believed in TCM to have particular effects. Researchers are now working on investigating these TCM beliefs on a more scientific basis. According to Rützler, of particular importance in this context is liquorice's anti-inflammatory effect and its positive impact on local wound healing, for example in maxillofacial surgery.
Explore further: Liquorice nanotech component offers clue to cleaner medical implants
More information: Ruetzler, K. et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Licorice Versus Sugar-Water Gargle for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat and Postextubation Coughing, Anesthesia & Analgesia. DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e318299a650
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Licorice root found to contain anti-diabetic substance
Apr 17, 2012
It provides the raw material for liquorice candy, calms the stomach and alleviates diseases of the airways: liquorice root. Chosen as the "Medicinal plant 2012", the root has been treasured in traditional healing since ancient ...
Eating liquorice in pregnancy may affect a child's IQ and behavior
Oct 06, 2009
Expectant mothers who eat excessive quantities of liquorice during pregnancy could adversely affect their child's intelligence and behaviour, a study has shown.
Liquorice nanotech component offers clue to cleaner medical implants
Oct 08, 2012
A nanotech material containing an extract from liquorice can be used to sterilize and protect medical devices and implants which include biological components, and protects these functional bio-components during the sterilization ...
Hepatitis C: New points system helps with disease prognosis
Jul 29, 2013
Between 40,000 and 80,000 Austrians suffer from hepatitis C. With new infections the prompt and appropriate treatment is of great importance as this can prevent it developing into a chronic illness which ...
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Sep 18, 2013
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46 minutes ago
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