Licorice Derivative May Block Breast Cancer Process

A recent animal study published in the International Journal of Cancer (10/1/08) showed that a flavonoid from the bean plant licorice can lessen the growth of breast tumors. Its effects include inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme involved in promoting tumor growth. This is an encouraging finding for a possible herbal treatment to help women at risk for postmenopausal breast cancer.

Be aware, though, that excess licorice can raise sodium levels and blood pressure in people susceptible to that effect. A different type of licorice, DGL licorice, has most of the component that raises blood pressure removed. Whether or not this type of the herb would also block the breast cancer process is not yet studied.