title: Glycyrrhizic acid in the treatment of liver diseases: literature review.
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.
authors: Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors: Jian-yuan
authors: JY
authors: Li
authors: Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors: Hong-yan
authors: HY
authors: Cao
authors: Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors: Ping
authors: 0000-0002-6152-4508
authors: P
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors: Gen-hong
authors: GH
authors: Cheng
authors: Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China ; Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors: Ming-yu
authors: MY
authors: Sun
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid