Effect of Licorice polysaccharides before and after honey-processing on improving chronic fatigue syndrome and its mechanism.
Xia, Wenxin, Wang, Yushu, Tao, Mengxin et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules · 2024 · DOI
Quick Summary
This study examined how processing licorice root with honey affects its ability to help with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Researchers found that honey-processed licorice contains higher amounts of certain beneficial components and produced stronger improvements in immune markers (IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA) compared to raw licorice. The honey processing appears to enhance the plant's natural ability to support the immune system.
Why It Matters
Immune dysregulation is central to ME/CFS pathophysiology, particularly involving T-cell abnormalities, NK cell dysfunction, and reduced immunoglobulin production. This study identifies a potential mechanism by which processed licorice may modulate these immune pathways, offering a biochemical rationale for investigating traditional herbal approaches in CFS. The enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity effect is particularly relevant, as NK cell dysfunction is well-documented in ME/CFS patients.
Observed Findings
Honey-processed licorice polysaccharides (HPLP) contained significantly higher amounts of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and glucose compared to raw licorice polysaccharides (RLP)
HPLP high-dose treatment produced significantly greater improvements in IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA levels than RLP
Molecular weight distributions of RLP and HPLP were essentially equivalent (RLP: 1.34 × 10³–1.36 × 10⁶ Da; HPLP: 1.15 × 10³–1.17 × 10⁶ Da)
Both RLP and HPLP regulated immunoglobulin, B-cell signaling, and T-cell differentiation pathways
HPLP uniquely demonstrated enhanced regulation of natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity compared to RLP
Inferred Conclusions
Honey processing of licorice root alters the composition and concentration of polysaccharide components without substantially changing molecular weight distribution
Honey-processed licorice has superior immunomodulatory activity compared to raw licorice, particularly in enhancing NK cell function and specific immune markers
The enhanced biological activity of HPLP over RLP is mediated through multiple immune pathways including adaptive and innate immunity
Remaining Questions
Do these immune changes translate to clinical benefit in actual ME/CFS patients, and at what doses?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This study does not demonstrate efficacy in actual ME/CFS patients—all findings are from laboratory and preclinical models. It does not establish that oral consumption of honey-processed licorice will produce the observed immune changes in humans, nor does it prove these immune changes would reduce fatigue or other CFS symptoms. The study is mechanistic, not clinical evidence of treatment benefit.