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Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (ethanol extract in MCT oil)
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Branded licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) from Kaneka Corporation (Japan). Composition: 30% licorice ethanolic extract dissolved in medium-chain triglyceride oil (C8:C10 = 99:1), standardized to 3% glabridin (major flavonoid bioactive). Critical distinguishing feature: Glavonoid is the FLAVONOID fraction of licorice, NOT the glycyrrhizin fraction — excludes glycyrrhizin, allowing chronic safe use without the pseudoaldosteronism risk (hypokalemia, hypertension, edema) of crude licorice. Tominaga 2009 — 8-week dose-finding RCT (n=84 overweight adults BMI 24-30) at 300/600/900 mg/day showed dose-dependent body fat reductions: 9.35 cm³ visceral fat reduction, 0.25 kg/m² BMI decrease, and 11 mg/dL LDL-cholesterol reduction at 900 mg. Kinoshita 2017 — elderly muscle mass increase. ATTR amyloid prevention via TTR tetramer stabilization (12-week). 26 clinical trials in 985 patients per quantitative synthesis.

Studied Dose TOMINAGA 2009 DOSE-FINDING: 300, 600, or 900 mg LFO/day × 8 weeks in overweight adults BMI 24-30. RECOMMENDED RANGE: 300 mg/day minimum, 900 mg/day maximum. ELDERLY MUSCLE: 300 mg/day × 8 weeks. Pregnancy: avoid. Long-term use acceptable due to glycyrrhizin-free formulation.
Active Compound Licorice flavonoid oil — concentrated 30% licorice ethanolic extract in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). 3% GLABRIDIN (major flavonoid active, distinct from glycyrrhizin). Additional flavonoids: glabrol, licoricidin, hispaglabridin. NOT glycyrrhizin (which causes pseudoaldosteronism)

Benefits

Body fat and visceral fat 8-week dose-finding RCT

Tominaga Y et al. 2009 — 8-week dose-finding RCT in 84 overweight adults BMI 24-30 at 300/600/900 mg/day Glavonoid. Dose-dependent body fat reductions, 9.35 cm³ visceral fat area reduction at 900 mg/day, 0.25 kg/m² BMI decrease, and 11 mg/dL LDL-cholesterol reduction. Pivotal foundational dose-finding trial defining the clinical dose range.

Supported by Trial 1

12-week body weight loss

Tominaga Y et al. 2006 — 12-week body weight loss trial at 300 mg/day in overweight participants. Earlier proof-of-concept evidence for sustained weight management at the lower dose.

Supported by Trial 1

US visceral fat trial (Nutrafoods)

Tominaga Y et al. 2014 (Nutrafoods 13:35-43) — US visceral fat trial confirming Japanese findings. Cross-population replication supporting generalizability beyond the original Japanese trials.

Supported by Trial 3

Elderly muscle mass increase

Kinoshita Y et al. 2017 (J Sci Food Agric) — elderly muscle mass increase trial at 300 mg/day × 8 weeks. Distinguishing finding: muscle mass INCREASE combined with visceral fat REDUCTION — unusual dual benefit among weight-management supplements that typically show only fat reduction. Sarcopenia prevention application in elderly populations.

Supported by Trial 2

LDL-cholesterol reduction 11 mg/dL

Tominaga 2009 documented an 11 mg/dL LDL-cholesterol reduction at 900 mg/day. Lipid profile improvement complement to the body composition effects.

Supported by Trial 1

ATTR amyloid prevention via TTR tetramer stabilization (12-week)

12-week trial of 300 mg Glavonoid in 7 healthy volunteers stabilized TTR (transthyretin) tetramer and reduced monomer/tetramer ratio (P<0.05). Mechanism is biochemically aligned with the prescription drug tafamidis (Vyndaqel) used for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Promising before-onset prevention application — small sample size limits definitive conclusions but the mechanism is established.

Supported by Trial 2

Beta-oxidation enhancement and lipogenesis inhibition

Mechanistic evidence: Glavonoid enhances beta-oxidation (fatty acid metabolism, energy expenditure increase) and inhibits lipogenesis (SCD1 stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 expression reduction at the adipocyte level). Multi-target metabolic mechanism underlying the body composition improvements.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Beta-oxidation enhancement (energy expenditure increase)

Glavonoid enhances mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, increasing energy expenditure via enhanced fatty acid metabolism. Mechanistic basis for the body fat reduction observed in Tominaga 2009.

2

Lipogenesis inhibition

SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) expression reduction at the adipocyte level inhibits new fat synthesis. Mechanism complement to beta-oxidation: reduces input while increasing output of the adipose energy balance.

3

Glabridin (3% standardized) bioactive

Standardization to 3% glabridin defines the major flavonoid bioactive — a multi-target compound with anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-melanogenesis activities. The MCT-oil delivery enhances glabridin bioavailability, addressing the ~7.5% oral bioavailability limitation of purified glabridin.

4

MCT oil delivery (bioavailability)

Medium-chain triglyceride oil (C8:C10 = 99:1) provides lipid-based delivery enhancement. Lipophilic flavonoids absorb better when delivered with fat — and MCTs particularly so given their direct portal vein absorption pathway.

5

TTR (transthyretin) tetramer stabilization

Glavonoid stabilizes the TTR tetramer — the same mechanism as the prescription drug tafamidis (Vyndaqel). Prevents tetramer dissociation into monomers that aggregate into amyloid fibrils.

6

Glycyrrhizin-free composition (safety mechanism)

Critical safety feature: Glavonoid is the flavonoid fraction of licorice, NOT the glycyrrhizin fraction. Crude licorice contains glycyrrhizin which causes pseudoaldosteronism (hypokalemia, hypertension, edema, heart problems with chronic use) — FDA warns against chronic crude licorice use. Glavonoid excludes glycyrrhizin, allowing chronic use.

7

Anti-inflammatory effects

NF-κB anti-inflammatory pathway suppression contributes to the broader metabolic and cardiovascular benefits.

Clinical trials

1
Tominaga 2009 — Glavonoid 8-Week Dose-Finding RCT (PIVOTAL)

Tominaga Y et al. 2009 — 8-week dose-finding RCT in 84 overweight adults BMI 24-30 at 300/600/900 mg/day Glavonoid. Dose-dependent body fat reductions, 9.35 cm³ visceral fat area reduction at 900 mg/day, 0.25 kg/m² BMI decrease, and 11 mg/dL LDL-cholesterol reduction. Pivotal foundational dose-finding trial.

2
Kinoshita 2017 — Glavonoid Elderly Muscle Mass RCT

Kinoshita Y et al. 2017 (J Sci Food Agric). 8-week trial at 300 mg/day in elderly. Muscle mass increase combined with visceral fat reduction — unusual dual benefit. Sarcopenia prevention application.

3
Tominaga 2014 — US Visceral Fat Trial (Nutrafoods)

Tominaga Y et al. 2014 (Nutrafoods 13:35-43). US visceral fat trial confirming Japanese findings. Cross-population replication.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; safety profile favorable in clinical trials.
Mild GI upset (rare).
NO PSEUDOALDOSTERONISM RISK at recommended doses (distinguishing from crude licorice).
Pregnancy/lactation: limited data; precautionary avoidance.
Long-term safety: 8-12 week trials supportive; extensive licorice food use record.
Allergic reactions in licorice-sensitive individuals (rare).
Theoretical mild hormonal effects (limited at typical doses).

Important Drug interactions

Antidiabetic medications: theoretical compatible/additive glucose effects; monitor blood glucose.
Antihypertensives: theoretical mild effects; monitor BP.
Anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs): minimal interactions documented.
Statins: COMPATIBLE; complementary cholesterol-lowering effects (11 mg/dL LDL reduction in Tominaga 2009).
Most medications: well-tolerated combination profile.
Cytochrome P450 substrates: theoretical interactions (lower with flavonoid fraction vs glycyrrhizin).

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Frequently asked questions about Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)

What is Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)?

Branded licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) from Kaneka Corporation (Japan).

What does Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) do?

Glavonoid enhances mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, increasing energy expenditure via enhanced fatty acid metabolism. Mechanistic basis for the body fat reduction observed in Tominaga 2009. In clinical research, Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) has been studied for body fat and visceral fat 8-week dose-finding rct, 12-week body weight loss, us visceral fat trial (nutrafoods).

Who should take Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)?

Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) may be most relevant for people interested in weight management, metabolic health, cardiovascular. It has been clinically studied for body fat and visceral fat 8-week dose-finding rct, 12-week body weight loss, us visceral fat trial (nutrafoods). As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) take to work?

Most clinical trial effects appear over weeks of consistent use; individual response varies. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)?

Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) can typically be taken with breakfast or dinner — taking with food reduces GI sensitivity for most supplements. Specific timing matters less than daily consistency for cumulative effects. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) worth taking?

Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil)?

The clinically studied dose for Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) is TOMINAGA 2009 DOSE-FINDING: 300, 600, or 900 mg LFO/day × 8 weeks in overweight adults BMI 24-30. RECOMMENDED RANGE: 300 mg/day minimum, 900 mg/day maximum. ELDERLY MUSCLE: 300 mg/day × 8 weeks. Pregnancy: avoid. Long-term use acceptable due to glycyrrhizin-free formulation.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) used for?

Glavonoid® / Kaneka Glavonoid™ (Licorice Flavonoid Oil) is studied for body fat and visceral fat 8-week dose-finding rct, 12-week body weight loss, us visceral fat trial (nutrafoods). Tominaga Y et al. 2009 — 8-week dose-finding RCT in 84 overweight adults BMI 24-30 at 300/600/900 mg/day Glavonoid. Dose-dependent body fat reductions, 9.35 cm³ visceral fat area reduction at 900 mg/day, 0.