According to Gram Research analysis, licochalcone A, a natural compound from licorice, rapidly reshapes gut bacteria in laboratory conditions, increasing beneficial species like Prevotella and Bacteroides while decreasing potentially harmful bacteria within 48 hours. The compound also increased production of short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health. However, these findings come from test-tube studies with six donors, not human trials, so we cannot yet confirm whether eating licorice products would produce these same benefits in your body.
Researchers discovered that licochalcone A, a natural compound found in licorice, can change the balance of bacteria in your gut in beneficial ways. In a laboratory study using samples from six healthy people, scientists found that this licorice compound was quickly broken down by gut bacteria and increased the growth of helpful bacterial species while reducing harmful ones. The compound also changed the types of beneficial substances produced by gut bacteria, including short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health. These findings suggest that licorice-based foods might one day help improve gut health, though more research in humans is needed to confirm these benefits.
Key Statistics
A 2026 laboratory study published in Food & Function found that licochalcone A was rapidly metabolized by gut bacteria within 48 hours, with pronounced individual differences in how quickly different people’s bacteria broke down the compound.
According to research reviewed by Gram, licochalcone A significantly increased beneficial bacteria including Prevotella, Segatella, and Bacteroides while decreasing potentially harmful bacteria such as Fusobacterium and E. coli in an in vitro fermentation study of six healthy donors.
A 2026 in vitro fermentation study found that licochalcone A altered short-chain fatty acid production, enriching metabolites involved in tryptophan metabolism and coenzyme A biosynthesis, suggesting broader changes in gut bacterial metabolic activity.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural compound from licorice called licochalcone A can change the types and activity of bacteria living in your digestive system.
- Who participated: Six healthy adult volunteers provided stool samples that were used in laboratory fermentation experiments. The study was conducted in test tubes, not in actual people.
- Key finding: Licochalcone A was rapidly broken down by gut bacteria within 48 hours and increased beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Bacteroides while decreasing potentially harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium and E. coli.
- What it means for you: This lab research suggests licorice-based foods might support gut health by promoting good bacteria growth. However, these are early-stage findings from test tubes, not human studies, so we can’t yet say whether eating licorice would have the same effects in your body.
The Research Details
Scientists conducted an in vitro fermentation study, which means they created a controlled laboratory environment that mimics what happens in your digestive system. They took stool samples from six healthy volunteers and added licochalcone A to these samples in test tubes. Over 48 hours, they monitored how the gut bacteria responded to this compound, measuring changes in bacterial populations and the substances bacteria produce.
The researchers used advanced laboratory techniques called multi-omics analysis, which allowed them to examine bacterial DNA, the bacteria themselves, and the chemical compounds produced during fermentation. This multi-layered approach provided a comprehensive picture of how licochalcone A affects the gut ecosystem.
This type of study is valuable for initial exploration because it allows researchers to control variables precisely and observe microbial changes in detail. However, because it happens in test tubes rather than in living humans, the results may not directly translate to real-world effects.
In vitro fermentation studies are important stepping stones in nutrition research. They help scientists understand the basic mechanisms of how food compounds interact with gut bacteria before investing in expensive and time-consuming human trials. This research provides a foundation for developing functional foods—foods designed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Strengths: The study used advanced molecular techniques to comprehensively analyze bacterial changes and metabolic products. The researchers documented significant interindividual variability, showing they were paying attention to real-world complexity. Limitations: The small sample size (six donors) limits how broadly we can apply findings. The study was conducted in artificial laboratory conditions, not in living human digestive systems. Results cannot yet be confirmed in actual people consuming licorice products.
What the Results Show
Licochalcone A was rapidly metabolized by gut bacteria, with most transformation occurring within 48 hours. However, the researchers noted pronounced differences between individual donors, meaning some people’s bacteria broke down the compound faster or more completely than others—a finding that suggests genetic and microbial differences between people matter.
The compound significantly increased beneficial bacteria, particularly Prevotella, Segatella, and Bacteroides species. These bacteria are considered health-promoting because they produce short-chain fatty acids and support digestive function. At the same time, licochalcone A reduced potentially harmful bacteria including Fusobacterium and E. coli, which can cause inflammation when they overgrow.
Licochalcone A altered the production of short-chain fatty acids—specifically acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These compounds are important because they feed the cells lining your intestines, reduce inflammation, and support overall digestive health. The compound essentially reshaped the gut’s chemical environment in ways that appear beneficial.
Advanced metabolomics analysis revealed that licochalcone A triggered changes in multiple metabolic pathways. The compound enriched metabolites involved in tryptophan metabolism (important for mood and immune function) and pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis (essential for energy production). Several specific metabolites including Romucosine, Mosin C, and lucidone B were altered, indicating that the compound triggered broader changes in how gut bacteria function and communicate.
This research builds on growing evidence that plant flavonoids—a large family of compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs—shape gut microbiota composition. Previous studies have shown that various flavonoids can promote beneficial bacteria growth. This study adds specificity by identifying licochalcone A as a particularly active compound and documenting its rapid metabolism and specific effects on bacterial populations and metabolic pathways.
This study was conducted entirely in laboratory test tubes using stool samples from only six people, so results may not apply to all humans or to living digestive systems. The interindividual variability observed suggests that different people might respond differently to licochalcone A based on their unique microbiota. The study did not test whether consuming licorice products would produce these same effects in actual people. Additionally, the long-term effects and safety of licochalcone A supplementation remain unknown.
The Bottom Line
Based on this laboratory research, there is insufficient evidence to recommend licochalcone A supplements or licorice products specifically for gut health. The findings are promising and warrant further human studies, but we cannot yet translate these test-tube results into dietary advice. If you’re interested in supporting gut health, established approaches include eating diverse plant foods, consuming adequate fiber, and maintaining a balanced diet—all of which have stronger human evidence.
This research is most relevant to food scientists and nutritionists developing functional foods, and to researchers studying gut microbiota. People interested in natural approaches to digestive health may find this interesting as preliminary evidence, but should not change their diet based on these findings alone. Anyone with existing digestive conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using licorice products, as licorice can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Since this is laboratory research, there is no timeline for personal health benefits. If human studies eventually confirm these findings, it would likely take months of regular consumption to observe measurable changes in gut bacteria composition and related health markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does licorice improve gut health?
Laboratory research shows licochalcone A from licorice promotes beneficial gut bacteria in test tubes, but human studies haven’t confirmed these effects occur when people actually eat licorice. More research is needed before recommending licorice specifically for gut health.
What does licochalcone A do to your gut bacteria?
In laboratory conditions, licochalcone A increases beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Bacteroides while decreasing potentially harmful species. It also increases production of short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health, though these effects haven’t been confirmed in living humans.
Is it safe to take licochalcone A supplements?
Safety data for licochalcone A supplements is limited. Licorice products can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Consult your healthcare provider before using licorice supplements, especially if you take medications or have existing health concerns.
How quickly does licochalcone A work on gut bacteria?
In laboratory studies, licochalcone A was rapidly broken down by gut bacteria within 48 hours. However, this doesn’t mean you’d see health benefits that quickly if consuming licorice products—human studies would be needed to determine realistic timelines.
Why do different people respond differently to licochalcone A?
The study found pronounced individual differences in how quickly different people’s bacteria metabolized licochalcone A, suggesting that genetic factors and the unique composition of each person’s microbiota influence how they respond to this compound.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If users are interested in gut health, they could track daily fiber intake (target: 25-30 grams), water consumption (target: 8-10 glasses), and digestive symptoms (bloating, regularity, energy levels) to establish a baseline and monitor changes from any dietary modifications.
- Users could use the app to increase consumption of diverse plant foods known to support healthy gut bacteria—including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and herbs—rather than focusing on a single compound. The app could provide recipes and shopping lists featuring these foods.
- Establish a 4-week baseline of digestive wellness metrics, then track changes over 8-12 weeks if making dietary modifications. Monitor energy levels, digestive comfort, and overall wellbeing rather than expecting dramatic changes from any single food component.
This research is preliminary laboratory work that has not been tested in humans. The findings cannot yet be applied to dietary recommendations or supplement use. Licorice and licorice-derived compounds may interact with medications and are not appropriate for everyone, particularly people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or those taking certain medications. Do not use licorice products or licochalcone A supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.