Liquorice and Burns

Liquorice root extract has been shown to accelerate the healing process of skin injury caused by second-degree burns. Burns, one of the most common injuries worldwide, are caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, friction and radioactive materials and damage the skin, muscles or other tissues. The degree of burn is determined by the involvement of different layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis or the lower areas of the skin including muscles, tendons and bones. In this recent study second-degree burns, which damage the epidermis and the dermis, were examined. The Iranian researchers thought liquorice could be effective in treating burn wounds because of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and lightening effects.

In the double-blinded randomised clinical trial, 50 patients with second-degree burns were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group received hydrogel (jelly) containing liquorice root hydroalcoholic extract and the control group received hydrogel without the extract. Hydrogel is a water-based substance with a soft consistency and moisturising properties, making it a valuable tool for promoting wound care. The patients in both groups used the medication topically, twice a day, for 15 days without dressing. During this period the wound-healing process was evaluated on days 1, 3, 6, 10 and 15. The majority of burns were caused by hot liquids, followed by fire, electricity and hot materials. Most of the burns were located on the hands with others on the feet, chest, head and abdomen.

The rate of inflammation (from the 3rd day to the 10th day), redness (from the 6th day to the 15th day), pain (on the 3rd day), and burning (from the 3rd day to the 15th day) of the wound in the group that used the liquorice hydrogel was significantly lower than in the control group, and the healing process was significantly faster than the control group. The researchers concluded that based on the findings, the hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice root can accelerate the healing process of wounds caused by second-degree burns and can be considered a complementary treatment for mild and moderate burns. 

References

Zabihi M, Hatefi B, Ardakani ME, Ranjbar AM, Mohammadi F. Impact of licorice root on the burn healing process: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2023 May;73:102941. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102941. Epub 2023 Mar 2. PMID: 36870516.