Licorice Reduces Body Fat

OSAKA, Japan—Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) decreased total body fat mass after eights weeks of supplementation in an Obesity Research & Clinical Practice study.

In the randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study (2009; 3(3): 169-178), moderately overweight participants (56 males, 28 females, with a body mass index (BMI) of 24 to 30) were assigned to four groups receiving a daily dose of either 300, 600 or 900 mg of LFO, or a placebo.

After eight weeks, all LFO groups had a significant reduction in total body fat mass. In addition, the group who received 900 mg/d experienced a significant decreases in visceral fat area, body weight, BMI and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. No significant adverse effects were observed.