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Licorice consumption and serum testosterone in healthy man
D Armanini1, G Bonanni, M J Mattarello
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Endocrinology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. decio.armanini@unipd.it
Summary
Licorice consumption significantly lowered testosterone levels in men by 26% within one week. This study confirms previous findings on licorice
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Herbal Medicine Research
Background:
- Previous studies yielded conflicting results regarding licorice's effect on testosterone levels.
- One study found no decrease in salivary testosterone with licorice, contrasting earlier findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the impact of licorice consumption on serum testosterone levels in healthy men.
- To confirm or refute previous findings on licorice's potential to reduce testosterone.
Main Methods:
- Healthy men were treated with a standardized amount of licorice.
- Serum testosterone, free testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured.
- Hormonal responses to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) stimulation were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mean testosterone levels decreased by 26% after one week of licorice treatment (p < 0.01).
- Significant increases in 17-OHP and LH concentrations were observed.
- No significant effect on free testosterone or hormonal response to beta-HCG stimulation was noted.
Conclusions:
- This study reproduced previous findings, confirming that licorice can reduce serum testosterone in men.
- Licorice significantly alters endocrine parameters, including increased 17-OHP and LH.
- The effect of licorice on testosterone is not related to the body's response to beta-HCG stimulation.