# Glycyrrhizic acid

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/glycyrrhizic-acid
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 18β-Glycyrrhizic acid, Glycyrrhizinic acid, Licorice acid, Liquorice acid, 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, GA, Enoxolone glucuronide, Glycyrrhiza acid

## Overview

Glycyrrhizic acid is the primary bioactive triterpenoid saponin extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), comprising up to 24% of the root's dry weight. It exerts its effects primarily by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) and suppressing NF-κB signaling, driving its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties.

## Health Benefits

• Exhibits potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, as indicated by preclinical studies.[3] • Shows promise against viral infections, though human studies are lacking.[4] • May offer liver protection based on pharmacological data from non-human studies.[4] • Demonstrates potential anti-tumor activities in preclinical settings.[4] • Enhances drug solubility and stability, increasing the bioavailability of lipophilic drugs.[3]

## Mechanism of Action

Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), preventing the conversion of [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) to cortisone and thereby potentiating glucocorticoid activity at mineralocorticoid receptors. It also suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Additionally, glycyrrhizic acid undergoes hydrolysis in the gut to its active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits phospholipase A2 and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, further modulating the arachidonic acid cascade.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence supporting glycyrrhizic acid comes from in vitro and rodent studies, with limited robust human clinical trials. A small number of Japanese clinical studies using intravenous glycyrrhizin (a glycyrrhizic acid formulation) at doses of 40–240 mg/day demonstrated reductions in liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) in chronic hepatitis C patients, though sample sizes were generally under 200 participants. [Antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against SARS-CoV, HIV, and herpes simplex virus has been demonstrated in cell culture models, but no phase III human trials confirm these effects. Anti-tumor data remains exclusively preclinical, limiting any efficacy claims for human oncological applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Glycyrrhizic acid is a purified triterpenoid saponin compound, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore lacks conventional macronutrient or micronutrient composition. Key chemical and bioactive profile includes: Molecular formula C42H62O16, molecular weight approximately 822.93 g/mol. It is the primary bioactive glycoside of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), constituting roughly 2–25% of dried licorice root by weight depending on species and extraction method. Structurally, it consists of a glycyrrhetic acid aglycone (an oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpene) linked to two glucuronic acid moieties, which confer its amphiphilic surfactant properties responsible for enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability as a pharmaceutical excipient. Caloric contribution is negligible at standard pharmacological doses (typically 50–500 mg/day in studied contexts). Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is low in its intact form (~2–3%) due to poor intestinal absorption; gut microbiota hydrolyze it to the more bioavailable aglycone 18β-glycyrrhetic acid, which reaches systemic circulation more readily and is considered the primary active metabolite. It contains no vitamins, dietary minerals, fiber, or protein in its isolated compound form. Sweetness potency is approximately 50 times that of sucrose, though this is an organoleptic property rather than a nutritional one. At doses exceeding 100 mg/day chronically, it inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, leading to pseudohyperaldosteronism, hypokalemia, and elevated [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), which are important safety-relevant pharmacological properties.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for glycyrrhizic acid in extract, powder, or standardized forms are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chronic intake exceeding 100 mg/day of glycyrrhizic acid can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by sodium retention, hypokalemia, hypertension, and edema due to 11β-HSD2 inhibition. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, hypokalemia, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and during pregnancy, as it may elevate fetal [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) exposure and has been linked to preterm birth in epidemiological data. Glycyrrhizic acid may potentiate corticosteroid drugs, interact with antihypertensives by counteracting their effects, and increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin through potassium depletion. The European Scientific Committee on Food established a tolerable daily intake of 100 mg glycyrrhizic acid for adults, recommending that food and supplement sources be combined when assessing exposure.

## Scientific Research

Currently, there are no specific human clinical trials or meta-analyses directly cited in the research for glycyrrhizic acid. The evidence is primarily based on preclinical studies and pharmacological reviews.[3][4]

## Historical & Cultural Context

Glycyrrhizic acid is the main sweet component of Glycyrrhiza glabra root, historically utilized in food and cosmetic products. However, specific traditional medicine systems or uses are not detailed in the provided research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Arabinogalactan, carotenoids, lipophilic drugs

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid?

Glycyrrhizic acid is the intact glucuronide-conjugated saponin found directly in licorice root, while glycyrrhetinic acid is its active metabolite produced after gut bacteria cleave the two glucuronic acid molecules. Glycyrrhetinic acid is more bioavailable systemically and is considered primarily responsible for the 11β-HSD2 inhibition that causes the blood pressure and potassium side effects associated with licorice consumption.

### How much glycyrrhizic acid is safe to consume per day?

The European Scientific Committee on Food established a tolerable daily intake of 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day for healthy adults. Consuming above this threshold chronically raises the risk of pseudohyperaldosteronism, and sensitive individuals—including those with hypertension or kidney disease—may experience adverse effects at lower doses. A 50 g serving of licorice candy can contain 75–100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid, making dietary sources a meaningful source of exposure.

### Can glycyrrhizic acid help treat viral infections like COVID-19?

In vitro studies have shown glycyrrhizic acid inhibits replication of SARS-CoV, herpes simplex virus, and HIV by interfering with viral envelope proteins and host cell entry mechanisms, but no peer-reviewed phase II or III human clinical trials have confirmed antiviral efficacy for COVID-19 or other viral illnesses. The compound's anti-inflammatory effects on NF-κB may theoretically modulate cytokine responses, but this remains speculative in humans. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend it as an antiviral therapeutic.

### Does glycyrrhizic acid raise blood pressure?

Yes, chronic consumption of glycyrrhizic acid above 100 mg/day raises blood pressure by inhibiting 11β-HSD2, which causes cortisol to accumulate and activate mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidney, promoting sodium and water retention while increasing potassium excretion. A systematic review found that daily intake of 500 mg or more can produce clinically significant hypertension within weeks. Individuals already on antihypertensive medications are at particular risk as the compound can directly blunt drug efficacy.

### Is glycyrrhizic acid beneficial for the liver?

Pharmacological and non-human studies show that glycyrrhizic acid can reduce hepatocyte apoptosis, suppress hepatic stellate cell activation, and lower markers of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde in rodent models of liver injury. Japanese clinical use of intravenous glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) at 40–100 mg/day has shown reductions in ALT and AST in hepatitis C patients in small controlled studies. However, the evidence is not strong enough to support its use as a standalone liver therapy, and oral bioavailability of glycyrrhizic acid is significantly lower than intravenous formulations used in these trials.

### What are the natural food sources of glycyrrhizic acid?

Glycyrrhizic acid is primarily found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is the main botanical source of this compound. Other sources include licorice extracts used in traditional medicine, certain herbal teas, and some confectionery products flavored with licorice. However, the concentration in food sources varies significantly, and most clinical research uses standardized licorice extracts or purified glycyrrhizic acid rather than whole food sources.

### Does glycyrrhizic acid interact with common medications?

Glycyrrhizic acid may interact with medications that affect fluid and electrolyte balance, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain blood pressure medications, due to its mineralocorticoid effects. It can also potentially interfere with medications metabolized by liver enzymes, though the clinical significance depends on dose and individual factors. Anyone taking regular medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with glycyrrhizic acid to avoid adverse interactions.

### Is glycyrrhizic acid safe during pregnancy and for children?

Glycyrrhizic acid is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and potential effects on hormone metabolism, particularly with long-term use at higher doses. For children, safety data is insufficient, and the ingredient should only be used under direct medical supervision. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and parents considering this ingredient for children should consult healthcare professionals before use.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*