Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the chief sweet-tasting constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root. Structurally, it is a saponin used as an emulsifier and gel-forming agent in foodstuffs and cosmetics. Its aglycone is enoxolone.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral ingestion, glycyrrhizin is hydrolysed to 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone) by intestinal bacteria. After absorption from the gut, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid is metabolised to 3β-monoglucuronyl-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in the liver. This metabolite circulates in the bloodstream. Consequently, its oral bioavailability is poor.<!-- Being a prodrug, it's probably more important to note the availablity for hydrolyzed enoxolone instead. --> Most of it is eliminated by bile and only a minor part (0.31–0.67%) by urine. After oral ingestion of 600 mg of glycyrrhizin the metabolite appeared in urine after 1.5 to 14 hours. Maximal concentrations (0.49 to 2.69 mg/L) were achieved after 1.5 to 39 hours and metabolite can be detected in the urine after 2 to 4 days. (antitumor, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, atheroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, etc.), is closely related to its interaction with various cellular targets. Approximately 88 cellular proteins Licorice extract (glycyrrhizin) is sold in the United States as a liquid, paste, or spray-dried powder.
Adverse effects
The most widely reported side effect of glycyrrhizin use via consumption of black liquorice is reduction of blood potassium levels, which can affect body fluid balance and function of nerves. Chronic consumption of black licorice, even in moderate amounts, is associated with an increase in blood pressure,
See also
- 11α-Hydroxyprogesterone
- Glycyrrhetinic acid
- List of unusual deaths in the 21st century