Exploring the Link: Is Licorice a Probiotic or a Prebiotic?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. This is an important distinction when asking, 'Is licorice a probiotic?', as licorice root does not contain live bacteria but functions in a completely different, yet beneficial, way for gut health.

Quick Summary

Licorice root is not a probiotic because it lacks live microorganisms. Instead, it functions as a prebiotic, providing food for beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy microbiome. The article explains the distinction between probiotics and prebiotics, detailing how licorice uses its anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties to benefit digestive health, including its role in addressing issues like ulcers and inflammation.

Key Points

Licorice is not a probiotic: It does not contain live bacteria, but rather is a plant-based extract.
Licorice is a prebiotic: It contains fructans that feed and support the growth of beneficial bacteria already in your gut.
It protects the mucosal barrier: Licorice, especially DGL, helps increase mucus production to coat and soothe the stomach lining.
It offers anti-inflammatory benefits: Compounds in licorice have shown powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help with gastritis, ulcers, and IBD.
It has antimicrobial properties: Licorice can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like H. pylori, supporting a healthier microbial balance.
Choose DGL for long-term use: Whole licorice can cause side effects like high blood pressure due to glycyrrhizin, so DGL is the safer option for digestive support.

Demystifying Licorice: Is It a Probiotic or a Prebiotic?

Licorice root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, particularly those related to digestion. However, the modern understanding of gut health, with its focus on probiotics, has led to some confusion. To be clear, licorice root is not a probiotic. Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms, such as certain species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, found in fermented foods or supplements. Licorice, a plant root, does not contain these live cultures.

The Role of Licorice as a Prebiotic

Rather than introducing new bacteria to the gut, licorice functions as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria already residing in your gut. Licorice root contains a significant percentage of fructans, a type of carbohydrate that acts as an excellent prebiotic ingredient. By nourishing the 'good' gut flora, licorice helps create a more balanced and robust gut microbiome.

This prebiotic effect contributes to a number of positive outcomes for the digestive system, including:

Promoting the growth of friendly bacteria.
Improving the survival rate of certain probiotics through the digestive tract's challenging acidic and alkaline environments.
Contributing to the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are crucial for colon health.

Other Notable Gut Benefits of Licorice

Beyond its prebiotic qualities, licorice offers several other mechanisms to support digestive wellness, which have been documented in both traditional and scientific contexts.

Mucosal Protection: Licorice, particularly in the form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), is known for its ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract's mucosal lining. It stimulates the production of protective mucus, which guards the stomach and intestinal walls from damage, including from excess stomach acid.
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Flavonoids within licorice root demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects. This can help calm inflammation associated with gastrointestinal conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Antimicrobial Properties: Compounds found in licorice, such as glabridin, have shown antimicrobial activity against harmful pathogens, including the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers. By inhibiting these problematic microbes, licorice helps restore a healthy microbial balance.
Alleviating Constipation: Research on licorice water extract in animal models has demonstrated its ability to alleviate constipation by repairing the intestinal barrier and modulating gut microbiota.

Probiotics vs. Licorice (Prebiotic):


Feature	Probiotics	Licorice (Prebiotic Effect)
Nature	Live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, yeast)	Plant-based extract, specifically a fructan-rich root
Mechanism	Directly introduces beneficial bacteria into the gut	Provides food for existing beneficial gut bacteria
Source	Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir) or dietary supplements	Supplements (DGL, extract), tea, or herbal remedies
Key Benefit	Replenishes and diversifies the gut microbiome	Promotes the growth and activity of resident good bacteria
Active Compounds	Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, etc.	Fructans, flavonoids, and glycyrrhizin (unless DGL)

Considerations and Precautions

While licorice root is beneficial, it is essential to be aware of potential risks. The compound glycyrrhizin, found in whole licorice, can lead to serious side effects like high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and fluid retention, especially with long-term or high-dose consumption. For this reason, many people choose deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has the glycyrrhizin removed, making it a safer option for supporting long-term digestive health. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion: Licorice is a Prebiotic Powerhouse, not a Probiotic

In summary, the answer to the question "is licorice a probiotic?" is no. However, this ancient herb provides significant and well-documented support for digestive health through different means. As a prebiotic, it feeds the good bacteria in your gut, and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucosal-protective properties help to heal and soothe the digestive tract. By understanding the distinctions between probiotics and prebiotics, you can more effectively integrate licorice (especially the safer DGL form) into a comprehensive nutritional plan for a healthier gut.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when consumed, whereas prebiotics are non-digestible food components that act as food for the beneficial microorganisms in your gut.

Licorice benefits gut health by acting as a prebiotic, feeding good bacteria, and by providing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucosal-protective effects that help heal and soothe the digestive tract.

Yes, for long-term digestive support, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is considered safer than regular licorice because most of the glycyrrhizin, which can cause side effects like high blood pressure, has been removed.

Yes, some studies show that licorice root extract, particularly DGL, can help treat peptic ulcers by increasing mucus production to protect the stomach lining and by inhibiting H. pylori bacteria.

Excessive or prolonged consumption of licorice containing glycyrrhizin can lead to serious side effects, including high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and fluid retention.

Licorice can be taken in various forms, including supplements like DGL capsules or chewable tablets, teas, or liquid extracts. It is important to follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional, especially for long-term use.

Licorice modulates the gut microbiome by providing prebiotic fibers that selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help control the population of less desirable microbes.