Glycyrrhizic acid, effect

It is a steroid like triterpenoid synthetic derivative of glycyrrhizic acid (obtained from liquorice) and has been found to be effective in healing both gastric and duodenal ulcer without affecting volume or acidity of gastric juice. 

Excessive licorice ingestion may cause a form of chloride resistant alkalosis. Black licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which inhibits the enzyme ll-p hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which in turn catalyzes the conversion of cortisol to cortisone. The excess cortisol exerts a mineralocorticoid effect on the distal tubule aldosterone receptors. ... 

Some components of licorice may have anti-inflammatory effects. One such component is glycyrrhetinic acid, a metabolite of glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid),... 

Eisenburg J. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Part 2 Effect of glycyrrhizic acid on the course of illness. FortschrMed 1992 110 395-8. 

A great number of pharmacological effects for licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) have been documented, including its anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhizic acid has been found to inhibit both LOX and COX it also inhibits PKC and downregulates the EGF receptor. 

Licorice root. Licorice has a long history in Chinese herbal medicine as a general healing agent. While accounts of its miraculous curative powers are highly suspect, glycyrrhizic acid, its active element, certainly does have physiological effects. 

Glycyrrhizic Acid Biological Effects 1 ft on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism I w... 

Yin YY, Ton SH, Khalid BAK (2009) Effects of glycyrrhizic acid on lip-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (lip- HSDl 2) activities and HOMA IR in rats at different treatment periods. Expt Clin Endocrin Diabetes 118(9) 617-624... 

Hamish AF (2011) Effects of glycyrrhizic acid on leptin levels in rats fed on high sucrose. Research project report. Monash University Sunway Campus... 

Most saponins have a bitter taste, but some sweet saponins are known as well. Glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), a P-amyrine type triterpene linked to two molecules of glucuronic acid (Fig. 33), is 50 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Licorice extracts are used to prepare candies (licorice) and as a sweetener. They are also used as mild expectorant and as anti-inflammatory agent. The anti-inflammatory effect is caused by inhibition of an enzyme that inactivates cortisol. On the other hand, this may also lead to side effects such as sodium retention, excretion of potassium, water retention and increased blood pressure. 

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