Zhi Gan Cao Processed (Glycyrrhiza uralensis honey): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Zhi Gan Cao work in the body?

Zhi Gan Cao contains active compounds including glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, and flavonoids that exert cardioprotective and adaptogenic effects. Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid modulate cortisol metabolism through inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, potentially enhancing mineralocorticoid activity. The honey-processing enhances its qi-tonifying properties, making it more effective for cardiac support than raw licorice. Evidence Level C supports its traditional use for palpitations and pulse irregularity.

What medications interact with Zhi Gan Cao?

Zhi Gan Cao interacts with several medication classes. It may potentiate effects of corticosteroids and diuretics, increasing risk of hypokalemia. Concurrent use with digoxin requires caution due to potential cardiac effects. It can reduce efficacy of antihypertensive medications through sodium retention. Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors or oral contraceptives. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications, especially cardiovascular drugs.

What is the recommended dosage for Zhi Gan Cao?

The standard adult dosage for Zhi Gan Cao is 2-10 grams of dried root daily, typically taken as a decoction or powder. In traditional Chinese medicine formulations, it's often used at lower doses (3-6g) as a harmonizing herb, while higher doses (up to 10g) may be used for specific qi deficiency conditions. Duration should be limited to avoid mineralocorticoid effects. Consult a qualified practitioner for individualized dosing.

Is Zhi Gan Cao safe during pregnancy?

Zhi Gan Cao is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Glycyrrhizin can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, potentially leading to complications. Studies suggest prolonged licorice consumption during pregnancy may affect fetal development and increase risk of preterm birth. The honey-processing does not eliminate these risks. Pregnant individuals should avoid Zhi Gan Cao entirely and consult their healthcare provider for safe alternatives.

What is the difference between Zhi Gan Cao and raw Gan Cao?

Zhi Gan Cao is honey-processed licorice root, while raw Gan Cao is unprocessed. The honey-processing enhances the tonic and harmonizing properties, making Zhi Gan Cao more effective for tonifying heart qi and treating deficiency-related palpitations. Raw Gan Cao is stronger at clearing heat and detoxifying. For cardiac support and pulse restoration, Zhi Gan Cao is preferred. Both forms contain glycyrrhizin and carry similar safety considerations regarding blood pressure and edema.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Zhi Gan Cao Processed (honey-processed licorice) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for cardioprotection, immunomodulation, and treating spleen deficiency [PMID: 40494543, 35101574, 40706429].

Contexte

Zhi Gan Cao Processed is the roasted product of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. inflata, or G. glabra) processed with honey [PMID: 37308027, 27273927].

Usages traditionnels

It is used for tonifying the spleen and invigorating Qi [PMID: 39029844], and is recorded in the 'Shang Han Lun' as providing better heart protection than raw licorice [PMID: 40494543, 37308027].

Composés actifs

Key constituents include liquiritin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritin, and liquiritigenin [PMID: 40494543, 40706429, 41996811].

Mécanisme d'action

Cardioprotective effects are associated with the reduction of pericardial edema and improvement of venous sinus-arterial bulb distance in zebrafish models [PMID: 40494543]. In treating spleen deficiency, it may regulate the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway by affecting Taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDCA) content [PMID: 40706429]. In macrophages, its anti-inflammatory activity is linked to the TLR4-MyD88-TRAF6-IKK/IκB-NF-κB signaling axis, though raw monomers may be more effective than processed ones [PMID: 41996811].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BFrequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC)

Acupuncture combined with modified Zhi Gan Cao decoction was investigated for efficacy in reducing PVC frequency and burden and improving cardiac function [PMID: 41305729]

Preuve DChemotherapy-induced congestive heart failure

A case of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity resolved slowly following the administration of modified Zhi Gan Cao Tang (ZGCT) [PMID: 25847563]

Preuve DIschemic Heart Disease (IHD)

Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang was identified as the most commonly prescribed formula (24.76% to 24.85%) for patients with IHD in population-based studies in Taiwan [PMID: 35888597, 26322893]

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on animal models (zebrafish, mice), in vitro studies, and retrospective population-based data or case reports; there is a lack of high-level RCTs or systematic reviews.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40494543 (2025) — Compositional Analysis of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. inflata, and G. glabra after Honey Processing, and the Cardioprotective Effects in Zebrafish Embryos. · Planta medica
2.PMID: 37308027 (2023) — Anti-arrhythmia potential of honey-processed licorice in zebrafish model: Antioxidant, histopathological and tissue distribution. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 35101574 (2022) — Synergistic mechanism for the bioactivity fortification of licorice by honey. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 38604511 (2024) — Exploring the effective components of honey-processed licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) in attenuating Doxorubicin-induced myocardial cytotoxicity by combining network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 36828197 (2023)

Zhi Gan Cao Processed

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Zhi Gan Cao Processed

Gui Pi Tang Patent

Zizyphus Jujube Seed

Lotus Plumule

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Zhi Gan Cao Processed

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Zhi Gan Cao Processed

Plantes associées

Gui Pi Tang Patent

Zizyphus Jujube Seed

Lotus Plumule

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales