I have a brief blurb in The Blueprint about Licorice's negative impact on testosterone levels. Some customers may be interested in some of what's driving that. I present 2 studies here:
The first study done in 2003 found that after just one week of consuming licorice, testosterone levels plummeted 26%!
Armanini D, Bonanni G, Mattarello MJ, Fiore C, Sartorato P, Palermo M. Licorice consumption and serum testosterone in healthy man. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. (2003) 111.6: 341-3.
The second study wasn't as damning (to testostorone), however it did find decreased levels of DHEA sulfate. DHEA is a "mother" hormone and a few steps up the ladder from testosterone. In essence, it's a starter material for testosterone, among other things. Either way, not good!
Sigurjonsdottir HA, Axelson M, Johannsson G, Manhem K, Nystrom E, Wallerstedt S. Liquorice in moderate doses does not affect sex steroid hormones of biological importance although the effect differs between the genders. Horm Res. (2006) 65.2: 106-10.
