Glycryyhizin
Also known as: Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, licorice root extract
Overview
Glycyrrhizin is the primary bioactive triterpenoid saponin glycoside found in *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, commonly known as licorice root. It is responsible for the characteristic sweet taste of licorice and has been extensively used in traditional medicine globally. This phytochemical compound is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and metabolic regulatory effects. Research indicates its potential as an adjunct treatment for conditions such as vitiligo and metabolic disorders like obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Glycyrrhizin is available in various forms, often as standardized licorice root extracts, and its efficacy is supported by a growing body of research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.
Benefits
Glycyrrhizin offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in dermatological and metabolic health. For vitiligo, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that compound glycyrrhizin, when combined with conventional therapy, significantly improved repigmentation rates compared to phototherapy alone, showing clear and statistically significant effect sizes. In metabolic health, an 8-week RCT involving overweight/obese women with PCOS revealed that licorice extract containing glycyrrhizin significantly improved obesity indices, glucose homeostasis, and lipid profiles compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Secondary benefits include potential suppression of food cravings and modulation of fat distribution, likely due to enzyme inhibition at the adipocyte level. These benefits are most pronounced in specific populations, such as women with PCOS and patients with vitiligo, with improvements observed within 8 weeks for metabolic parameters and varying durations for dermatologic effects.
How it works
Glycyrrhizin primarily exerts its effects by inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). This inhibition reduces the local activation of cortisol in adipocytes, thereby influencing fat metabolism and distribution. Through this mechanism, glycyrrhizin modulates inflammatory pathways, impacts melanocyte function in conditions like vitiligo, and influences metabolic enzyme gene expression in the liver. While glycyrrhizin itself is the precursor, it is metabolized in the gut to glycyrrhetic acid, which is the systemically absorbed and active form responsible for these biological interactions.
Side effects
While generally safe at therapeutic doses, excessive or prolonged intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to significant side effects, primarily due to its mineralocorticoid-like activity. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and edema (fluid retention). Less common side effects (1-5%) may include gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches. Rare but severe side effects (<1%) can involve severe electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in susceptible individuals. Glycyrrhizin can interact with several medications, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and antihypertensive drugs, potentially exacerbating their effects or causing adverse reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or hypokalemia. Caution is also advised for pregnant women and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of glycyrrhizin varies by indication, but clinical trials typically use standardized licorice extracts providing 75 mg to 150 mg of glycyrrhizin daily. An optimal dosage for metabolic and dermatologic uses is generally considered to be 100-150 mg of glycyrrhizin per day, often administered in divided doses. For short-term use, the maximum safe dose is approximately 200 mg daily; exceeding this significantly increases the risk of adverse mineralocorticoid effects. Dosing in divided amounts with meals is recommended to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. It is crucial to use extracts standardized for glycyrrhizin content to ensure consistent dosing. The bioavailability of glycyrrhizin is influenced by gut microbiota, as it is metabolized to its active form, glycyrrhetic acid, in the gut.
FAQs
Is glycyrrhizin safe for long-term use?
Long-term, high-dose use of glycyrrhizin is not recommended due to the risk of mineralocorticoid side effects like hypertension and hypokalemia. Short-term use under medical supervision is generally safer.
Can glycyrrhizin cause high blood pressure?
Yes, especially at high doses or with prolonged use, glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure due to its impact on cortisol metabolism and mineralocorticoid-like effects.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Metabolic improvements may be observed within 8 weeks of consistent use. Dermatologic effects, such as repigmentation in vitiligo, can vary depending on the specific condition and overall treatment duration.
Does it interact with medications?
Yes, glycyrrhizin can interact with several medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure (e.g., antihypertensives) and electrolyte balance (e.g., diuretics, corticosteroids).
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10615479/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the efficacy of compound glycyrrhizin in treating vitiligo. It concluded that combining compound glycyrrhizin with conventional therapies significantly improved repigmentation rates compared to conventional therapy alone, highlighting its potential as an adjunct treatment for vitiligo.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11287987/ – This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial examined the effects of licorice extract containing glycyrrhizin in overweight/obese women with PCOS. The study found significant improvements in obesity indices, glucose homeostasis, and lipid profiles after 8 weeks of supplementation, suggesting a beneficial role in managing metabolic aspects of PCOS.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8288 – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on the effects of licorice, supporting its traditional uses. It identified various benefits, including metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties, though it noted variability in study quality and licorice preparations across the reviewed literature.
