Licorice flavonoid oil reduces oxidative stress and total body fat in overweight subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

In this study with 30 nurses as study subjects, we examined how 12 weeks of a study treatment affected body measurements, blood biochemistry, and the oxidative stress regulatory system. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one that received licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) capsules and L-carnitine capsules (supplement group n = 15), and another that received placebo capsules (pla- cebo group n = 15), for 12 consecutive weeks. Measure- ments of oxidative stresses and other tests were performed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Results showed that only the supplement group showed a significant decrease in waist circumference at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while neither group showed a change in body mass index. No changes in blood bio- chemistry were observed in either group. Only the sup- plement group showed a significant decrease in oxidative stresses at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while the placebo group did not show any change. Both groups showed a significant decrease in anti-oxidant potential, but at 12 weeks the supplement group showed a significantly higher level than the placebo group. While the supplement group showed a stable BAP to d-ROM ratio (representing latent anti-oxidant potential), the placebo group had a significant decrease. These results demonstrate that 12 weeks of LFO and L-carnitine consumption decreases waist circumference and oxidative stresses and maintains latent anti-oxidant potential.