Effect of Liquorice Candies on Remineralization of Initial Enamel Carious Lesion

Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra), known as liquorice root is one such herbal remedy that has been shown to have immense potential in the treatment of orofacial diseases.

To evaluate the remineralizing potential of liquorice extract on initial enamel carious lesions.

An in vitro and in vivo study was conducted, wherein the sound-extracted human premolars were sectioned longitudinally and into enamel blocks of size 4 × 4 mm. Enamel blocks were demineralized to produce artificial carious lesions. In vitro study, the demineralized enamel block was exposed to artificial saliva for 5 minutes and artificial saliva containing liquorice for 4 minutes 14 times in a sequential manner. An in vivo study was carried out on six volunteers aged between 6 and 12 years. The demineralized enamel block was inserted into the 5 × 5 mm window created on the full palatal coverage appliance. Patients were given commercially available liquorice candies (Ricola) to consume for 7 days twice daily. The remineralization potential of liquorice on demineralized enamel block was assessed using confocal microscopy analysis.

Liquorice extract containing candies showed visual remineralization of the demineralized area on the enamel surface through confocal images.

Liquorice extract possesses remineralizing potential with its other medicinal properties.  .

Pooja HR, Nagar P, Mascarenhas AN, et al. Effect of Liquorice Candies on Remineralization of Initial Enamel Carious Lesion. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S33-S38.