Effective licorice gargle juice for aphthous ulcer pain relief: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #glycyrrhiza #stomatitis-aphthous #pain-management #quality-of-life

Effective licorice gargle juice for aphthous ulcer pain relief: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Liu et al., 2022 | Pak J Pharm Sci | Rct

Citation

Liu Hsin-Li, Hsu Po-Ya, ... Lin Kuan-Yu. Effective licorice gargle juice for aphthous ulcer pain relief: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2022-Sep;35(5):1321-1326

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of licorice gargle juice on aphthous ulcers, which is a common and painful disease that causes loss of normal mucous tissues and results in inflammatory ulcers in the oral mucosa. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving primary care patients suffering from aphthous ulcer was performed. The intervention group received licorice gargle juice for 1 and 2 days. Of the 54 patients that participated in the study, 30 were included in the intervention group and 24 in the placebo group. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the patients' self-assessed pain levels before and after treatment. Statistical analyses were performed by using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. The licorice gargle juice group had a significantly reduced pain level rate compared with the placebo group at day 1 (mean VAS, 2.47 [95% CI, 1.95-2.98] vs. 4.75 [3.96-5.54]; P<0.001) and day 2 (mean VAS, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.81-1.32] vs. 4.08 [3.23-4.94]; P<0.001).The current study indicates that licorice gargle juice rapidly reduce pain and healing time and thus can improve the quality of life of a patient with aphthous ulcer.

Key Findings

4.08 [3.23-4.94]; P<0.001).The current study indicates that licorice gargle juice rapidly reduce pain and healing time and thus can improve the quality of life of a patient with aphthous ulcer.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 54
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Glycyrrhiza
  • Stomatitis, Aphthous
  • Pain Management
  • Quality of Life
  • Triterpenes
  • Mouthwashes
  • Plant Extracts
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Pain

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article
  • Vertical: licorice

Provenance

  • PMID: 36451559
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09