Effects of a Capsule Containing Licorice Extract on Body Fat: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

Kosei Tsukamoto^1, , Kazutake Fukada¹, Yukiko Sekii¹, Chiaki Ogura¹, Keiichi Ishido², Yuka Sasakawa², Yasuo Sumida^{1, 2} and Masahiro Fukuda³

¹ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 544-866, Japan

²MG Pharma Inc., Osaka 567-0085, Japan

³Fukuda Clinic, Osaka 532-0003, Japan

Cite this paper:
Kosei Tsukamoto, Kazutake Fukada, Yukiko Sekii, Chiaki Ogura, Keiichi Ishido, Yuka Sasakawa, Yasuo Sumida and Masahiro Fukuda. Effects of a Capsule Containing Licorice Extract on Body Fat: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2023; 11(12):772-784. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-11-12-9

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a condition based on the accumulation of visceral fat, which is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. It has been reported that reducing body weight and visceral fat improves cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Therefore, functional food components that reduce visceral fat are expected to be developed. This clinical research evaluated the effect of licorice extract supplementation on visceral fat accumulation. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel group study was conducted in 81 healthy subjects (28-64 years old, body mass index (BMI) between 23 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m², and visceral fat area greater than 100 cm²). Subjects consumed either the test capsule that contained licorice extract (licorice extract group) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo group, the licorice extract group showed a significant reduction in abdominal fat area (visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, and total fat area), body weight, and BMI in the BMI-based subgroup (BMI between 23 kg/m² and less than 25 kg/m²). During this study period, no adverse events related to test capsules were observed. In conclusion, our results indicate that a capsule containing licorice extract reduces visceral fat in healthy subjects. (UMIN CTR ID: UMIN000048430)

Keywords:
glycyrrhiza uralensis licorice extract glyasperin B body fat

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