Licorice

Although chewy candy is commonly associated with licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), it is actually a herb with great therapeutic effects. Scientific research has demonstrated that licorice root contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and liver-protective properties. The saponin compound glycyrrhizin, which is frequently used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to cure a variety of diseases, including liver disease, is the principal active component in licorice root. Some studies have shown that licorice extract treatment may benefit people with certain liver diseases.

In comparison to a placebo, supplementing with 2 grams of licorice root extract daily for two months significantly decreased ALT and AST in 66 patients with fatty liver disease. In another tiny trial, 6 healthy participants drank vodka just at night for 12 days whereas the other 6 participants took a glycyrrhizin supplement before doing so. Liver damage indicators like ALT, AST, and GGT dramatically increased in the vodka-only group. These markers did not significantly rise in the glycyrrhizin group, indicating that the compound may help guard against alcohol-related liver damage.