Elevation of Cortisol Levels by Ingesting Liquorice

The effects of liquorice on the hormone cortisol are known but are not well understood. It has been noted anecdotally, but there remains little scientific literature on the link between the effects of liquorice on the body and the fact that cortisol is consistently implicated. This study demonstrates the link between liquorice and cortisol and the role that cortisol plays, together with yawning, in regulating brain temperature which is often compromised in certain neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. 13 volunteers aged between 21 and 28-year-old ingested liquorice as well as completing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire, and demographic and health details. Saliva cortisol samples were collected before and after ingesting liquorice. In all cases, cortisol levels were significantly elevated after ingesting liquorice.