Aid in Weight Loss (Licorice)

Obes Res Clin Prac. 2009;3(3): 159-178.

Licorice flavonoid oil reduces total body fat and visceral fat in overweight subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Tominaga Y, Nakagawa K, Mae T, et al.

 

Objectives:  To evaluate effects of licorice flavonoid (LFO) on total body fat and visceral fat together with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and safety parameters in overweight subjects.

 

Methods:  In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, moderately overweight participants (56 males, 28 females, BMI 24–30 kg/m2) were assigned to four groups receiving a daily dose of either 0 (placebo), 300, 600, or 900 mg of LFO. Total body fat mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and visceral fat area by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan at baseline and after 8 weeks of LFO ingestion. Body weight, BMI, and blood samples were examined at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of LFO ingestion.

Results: Although caloric intake was similar in all four groups, total body fat mass decreased significantly in the three LFO groups after 8 weeks of ingestion. LFO (900 mg/day) resulted in significant decreases from baseline levels in visceral fat area, body weight, BMI, and LDL-cholesterol. No significant adverse effects were observed.