Abstract
Purpose: Obesity is a multi-factorial health problem which results from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of dried licorice extract with a calorie restricted diet on anthropometric indices and insulin resistance with nutrigenetic approach. Methods: For this pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 72 eligible subjects were randomly allocated to Licorice or placebo group. They received a low-calorie diet either with a 1.5 g/day of Licorice extract or placebo for 8 weeks. Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric indices and dietary intake in genotype subgroups at the baseline. Findings indicated that supplementation with Licorice extract did not change anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters significantly compared to a hypocaloric diet alone. However, from the nutrigenetic point of view, significant changes in anthropometric indices and QUICKI were observed in the Pro12Pro genotypes compared to the Pro12Ala at the end of the study (p<0.05 in all variables). Moreover, no interactive effect of the Licorice supplement and Pro12Ala genotype was found. Conclusion: In obese subjects, the Pro/Pro polymorphism of the PPAR-γ2 gene seems to induce favourable effects on obesity management. Further studies are needed to clarify whether PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms or other obesity genes can affect responses to obesity treatment.
Highlights
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) generally which known as Licorice is a medicinal herb that widely grows in Mediterranean region and the south-west Asia
Findings indicated that supplementation with Licorice extract did not change anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters significantly compared to a hypocaloric diet alone
A total of 216 obese subjects were screened for the PPARγ (Pro12Ala) gene polymorphism
Summary
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) generally which known as Licorice is a medicinal herb that widely grows in Mediterranean region and the south-west Asia. (Fabaceae) generally which known as Licorice is a medicinal herb that widely grows in Mediterranean region and the south-west Asia. It contains various components with pharmacological properties including glabridin, glycyrrhizin, beta-Glycyhrritinic acid, flavonoids, sterols, amino acids, chalcones, isoflavones and triterpenoidsaponins.[1,2] Licorice root frequently used in traditional medicine for gastric and duodenal ulcers, helicobacter pylori effects and allergenic reactions. Obesity is one of the greatest health threats and it can result in a number of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidemia and some cancers.[10]
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