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Review
. 2014:2014:872139.
doi: 10.1155/2014/872139. Epub 2014 May 13.

Glycyrrhizic acid in the treatment of liver diseases: literature review

Jian-yuan Li  1 , Hong-yan Cao  1 , Ping Liu  1 , Gen-hong Cheng  2 , Ming-yu Sun  3
Affiliations
Review

Glycyrrhizic acid in the treatment of liver diseases: literature review

Jian-yuan Li et al. Biomed Res Int. 2014.

Abstract

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a triterpene glycoside found in the roots of licorice plants (Glycyrrhiza glabra). GA is the most important active ingredient in the licorice 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 antiallergic drug for liver disease. This review summarizes the current biological activities of GA and its medical applications in liver diseases. The pharmacological actions of GA include inhibition of hepatic apoptosis and necrosis; anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory actions; antiviral effects; and antitumor effects. This paper will be a useful reference for physicians and biologists researching GA and will open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development from Chinese herbs. With additional research, GA may be more widely used in the treatment of liver diseases or other conditions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of glycyrrhizin (GA) and its derivatives.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structure of glycyrrhetinic acid.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chemical structure of 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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