Glycyrrhizin Extract
Also known as: Glycyrrhizic acid, Licorice root extract, Glycyrrhizin
Overview
Glycyrrhizin, also known as glycyrrhizic acid, is a triterpenoid saponin glycoside primarily extracted from the root of the *Glycyrrhiza glabra* plant, commonly known as licorice. It is the main bioactive compound responsible for many of licorice's therapeutic properties. Widely utilized in traditional medicine, glycyrrhizin is now a focus of modern research for its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and skin-related benefits. It is commonly found in herbal supplements targeting liver health, inflammatory conditions, and skin disorders like vitiligo. Research on glycyrrhizin is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy in areas such as liver fibrosis and skin repigmentation, while also identifying significant safety concerns related to blood pressure regulation. It is categorized as a herbal supplement and phytochemical extract.
Benefits
Glycyrrhizin offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in liver health and skin conditions. It significantly reduces markers of liver fibrosis, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and profibrotic cytokines (TGF-β1), indicating strong hepatoprotective effects and potential to reverse hepatic fibrosis. A meta-analysis showed a mean decrease in ALT by approximately 18 U/L, supporting its role in inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. For vitiligo, compound glycyrrhizin combined with conventional phototherapy significantly improves repigmentation rates, suggesting a synergistic effect in skin pigmentation disorders. While anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are reported, they require further high-quality randomized controlled trials for definitive validation. It is crucial to note that while beneficial for certain conditions, glycyrrhizin-containing licorice products are associated with increases in blood pressure, which is a significant safety consideration.
How it works
Glycyrrhizin exerts its effects through several key mechanisms. In liver fibrosis, it primarily inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, which is crucial for reducing hepatic stellate cell activation, a major driver of fibrosis progression. For skin conditions like vitiligo, it modulates inflammatory pathways and may influence melanocyte function, contributing to improved repigmentation. A significant mechanism of action involves its impact on blood pressure: glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2). This inhibition leads to increased cortisol activity at mineralocorticoid receptors, resulting in sodium retention and subsequent hypertension. Glycyrrhizin itself has moderate bioavailability and is metabolized by intestinal bacteria into glycyrrhetinic acid, which is considered the primary active form.
Side effects
While generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses for liver and skin conditions, glycyrrhizin has notable side effects, particularly with prolonged use or high doses. The most common adverse effects are hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and edema (fluid retention), all stemming from its mineralocorticoid-like effects. Rare cytotoxicity has been reported, though a meta-analysis found no significant in vitro cytotoxic effects. Glycyrrhizin is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, or pre-existing hypokalemia due to the risk of exacerbating these conditions. It can interact with several medications, including diuretics (potentiating potassium loss), corticosteroids (enhancing their effects), and antihypertensives (potentially counteracting their blood pressure-lowering effects). Special caution is advised for pregnant women and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors due to its impact on blood pressure and electrolytes.
Dosage
Effective doses of glycyrrhizin vary significantly depending on the specific indication. For liver fibrosis, studies have typically utilized glycyrrhizin doses ranging from 60 to 240 mg per day. In the treatment of vitiligo, compound glycyrrhizin formulations are often used in combination with phototherapy, and the exact dosing can vary based on the specific product and treatment protocol. A maximum safe dose for glycyrrhizin has not been firmly established, but prolonged intake exceeding 100 mg per day of glycyrrhizin significantly increases the risk of adverse effects, particularly hypertension and electrolyte imbalances. The timing of administration and the specific formulation (e.g., compound glycyrrhizin versus pure glycyrrhizin) can influence both efficacy and safety. Absorption is influenced by gut microbiota metabolism, and co-administration with probiotics may potentially affect its bioavailability.
FAQs
Is glycyrrhizin safe for long-term use?
Long-term use of glycyrrhizin can lead to hypertension and electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia; therefore, medical monitoring is recommended if used for extended periods.
Can glycyrrhizin be used for liver disease?
Evidence supports its benefit in reducing markers of liver fibrosis, but its use for liver disease should always be under strict medical supervision due to potential side effects.
Does glycyrrhizin raise blood pressure?
Yes, glycyrrhizin can increase blood pressure by inhibiting an enzyme that regulates cortisol, leading to mineralocorticoid-like effects and sodium retention.
Is glycyrrhizin effective for skin conditions?
When combined with phototherapy, compound glycyrrhizin has shown effectiveness in improving repigmentation rates in individuals with vitiligo.
Are there drug interactions?
Yes, glycyrrhizin can interact with medications such as diuretics (increasing potassium loss) and corticosteroids (enhancing their effects), requiring caution.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/8BkTCwd3yPd43tqdpQ3f9NQ/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (2022) investigated glycyrrhizic acid's role in liver fibrosis, finding significant reductions in ALT and fibrosis markers. Despite high heterogeneity, the study supports glycyrrhizin's hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and TGF-β1 signaling.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10615479/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (2023) evaluated compound glycyrrhizin plus conventional therapy for vitiligo. It demonstrated superior repigmentation rates compared to phototherapy alone, supporting its adjunctive use and highlighting its potential in skin pigmentation disorders.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39519602/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (2024) of 8 RCTs (n=541) examined the effect of licorice functional components on blood pressure. It revealed significant increases in blood pressure, elucidating the mechanism via 11β-HSD2 inhibition, and provided high-quality evidence for safety implications.
Supplements Containing Glycyrrhizin Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Diet Drops
Official HCG Diet Plan

Green Coffee Bean Diet Drops
Official HCG Diet Plan
Raspberry Ketones Drops
Official HCG Diet Plan

African Mango Drops
Infiniti Creations

Garcinia Cambogia Diet Drops
Official HCG Diet Plan

Green Coffee Bean Diet Drops
Official HCG Diet Plan

BioSwitch Advanced
Science Natural Supplements