Glycyrrhizic acid

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a triterpene glycoside found in the roots of Liquorice plants (Glycyrrhiza glabra). GA is the most important active ingredient in the Liquorice root, and possesses a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. GA coupled with glycyrrhetinic acid and 18-beta-glycyrrhetic acid was developed in China or Japan as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-allergic drug for liver disease. The application of natural compounds in the treatment of refractory diseases is a new trend in modern clinical medicine. Because of their satisfactory efficacy in clinic and low toxicity, more natural products are being used as alternative treatments for many diseases. This review summarizes the current biological activities of GA and its medical applications in different diseases. The pharmacological actions of GA include inhibition of cardiac apoptosis and necrosis; anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory actions; antiviral effects; and antitumor effects.