Journal
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
Volume 42, Issue 1, Pages 18-26Publisher
NATURE PUBL GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0383-9
Keywords
18 beta-glycyrrhetic acid; licorice preparation; liver injury; glycyrrhetinic acid target
Funding
- National New Drug Creation Program of China [2018ZX09201017-004]
- Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences [XDA12050305]
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Licorice, commonly prescribed in Chinese herbal medicine, has been utilized for centuries and is known as a national treasure in China. Its active component, 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, has been extensively studied for its antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune regulation, and liver protection properties, offering potential benefits for liver diseases and other health conditions.
The first description of the medical use of licorice appeared in Shennong Bencao Jing, one of the well-known Chinese herbal medicine classic books dated back to 220-280 AD. As one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicine, licorice is known as Guo Lao, meaning a national treasure in China. Modern pharmacological investigations have confirmed that licorice possesses a number of biological activities, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune regulation, and liver protection. 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid is one of the most extensively studied active integrants of licorice. Here, we provide an overview of the protective effects of 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid against various acute and chronic liver diseases observed in experimental models, and summarize its pharmacological effects and potential toxic/side effects at higher doses. We also make additional comments on the important areas that may warrant further research to support appropriate clinical applications of 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid and avoid potential risks.
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