The use of licorice root in adults: A pilot study example fromGaziantep province

While the consumption of traditional herbal products is widespread, scientific studies examining their effects on health are almost nonexistent. This study was planned and conducted to evaluate the licorice consumption habits of adults living in the Şehitkamil and Şahinbey districts of Gaziantep province and the socio-demographic, cultural, and health-related aspects of these habits. The licorice consumption habits of adults in these districts were examined in detail, focusing on their socio-demographic, cultural, and health-related dimensions. Data for the study were collected between December 2023 and June 2024. A total of 300 individuals (38,19 ± 14,01 years; %45,30 male), selected using the simple random sampling method, participated in the study. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews using a four-section questionnaire developed by the researcher (including socio-demographic information, smoking and alcohol use habits, health status, and licorice plant/root usage). Anthropometric measurements, including body weight (kg) and height (cm), were taken in accordance with standard protocols, and Body Mass Index (kg/m²) was calculated. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package program. The licorice plant consumption rate among individuals was %54,30, with 87 men (%64,00) and 76 women (%46,30) consuming licorice (p<0,05). The most common occasions for consuming licorice were Ramadan (%95,10), religious ceremonies (%24,40), and religious holidays (%11,00). Among men and women, %69,00 and %64,90, respectively, preferred purchasing licorice products from street vendors. The most preferred licorice product was licorice syrup (%99,50). The consumption amounts of licorice syrup were 284,88 ± 105,74 mL/day for men and 264,00 ± 98,14 mL/day for women. Other licorice products were consumed as follows: %1,40 of men and %0,50 of women consumed licorice honey, %3,20 of men and %2,70 of women consumed licorice tea, and %1,80 of men and %2,30 of women consumed licorice molasses. Regarding consumption frequency, %36,00 of men and %34,20 of women consumed licorice syrup 3-4 times/month, %2,30 of men and %1,30 of women consumed licorice honey 1-2 times/week, %1,20 of men and %3,90 of women consumed licorice molasses 1-2 times/month, and %4,80 of men and %7,90 of women consumed licorice tea 4-5 times/month. Licorice powder was consumed 4-5 times/month by %5,30 of men. Among participants, %28,00 reported having at least one chronic disease diagnosed by a physician, while %72,00 reported being healthy. Among those who consumed licorice, %35,00 had at least one chronic disease, compared to %19,70 of non-consumers. The most common diseases among licorice consumers were hypertension (%27,40), cardiovascular diseases (%22,60), and diabetes mellitus (%16,70). Of those with chronic diseases, all non-licorice consumers and %92,98 of licorice consumers used prescription medication. However, the difference in prescription medication use between licorice consumers and non-consumers was not statistically significant (p>0,05). According to participants, %30,70 experienced side effects after consuming licorice products. The most reported side effects were increased blood pressure (%40,26) and headaches (31,17). Among those who experienced side effects, %12,00 sought medical attention, and %28,60 reported discontinuing licorice consumption. The findings of the study suggest that licorice root holds significant regional and cultural importance, but its potential health risks and effects must be carefully considered.