Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Licochalcone A is a prenylated chalcone flavonoid isolated primarily from Glycyrrhiza inflata (Chinese licorice root) that exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Research to date is confined to cell culture and animal models, with no human clinical trials validating its efficacy or optimal dosage.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordLicochalcone A benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Licochalcone A — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Licochalcone A is a natural chalcone compound isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) or Glycyrrhiza inflata, with the chemical formula C21H22O4 and molecular weight 338.39-338.40 g/mol. It is commercially available as a synthetic solid with ≥96% purity by HPLC, soluble in DMSO up to 50 mg/mL.
“No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented in the available research for Licochalcone A specifically. The compound has been identified from licorice root but no traditional systems, indications, or duration of use are reported.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Licochalcone A were found in the available research. All evidence is limited to preclinical descriptions of potential biological activities without specific study designs, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been documented. Current availability is limited to research-grade material. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Licochalcone A is a chalcone-type flavonoid (retrochalcone) isolated primarily from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata (Chinese licorice), with smaller amounts in G. glabra. It is not a nutrient per se but a bioactive phenolic compound. Typical concentration in dried licorice root extract ranges from ~0.5–2% w/w depending on species and extraction method. Molecular weight: 338.4 g/mol. It is lipophilic (LogP ~3.96), meaning it has moderate oral bioavailability but benefits significantly from lipid-based delivery systems. It contains no meaningful macronutrients, vitamins, or minerals on its own. As a polyphenol, it undergoes extensive Phase II metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the gut and liver, which limits systemic bioavailability — estimated oral bioavailability in rodent models is low (~5–15%). Encapsulation in nanoparticles or co-administration with lipids or absorption enhancers may improve bioavailability 2–4 fold.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Licochalcone A inhibits the NF-κB pathway by blocking IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2. It also demonstrates selective binding to estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, acting as a phytoestrogen at micromolar concentrations observed in vitro. Additionally, it disrupts mitochondrial function in Leishmania parasites and modulates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling, contributing to its reported antiparasitic and cytoprotective effects.
Clinical Evidence
All available evidence for Licochalcone A derives from in vitro cell studies and rodent models; no randomized controlled trials or human pharmacokinetic studies have been published as of 2024. In murine models of LPS-induced inflammation, intraperitoneal doses of 10–30 mg/kg reduced TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels by approximately 40–60% compared to controls. Anti-tumor activity has been demonstrated in cancer cell lines (MCF-7 breast, HepG2 liver) at IC50 values ranging from 5–25 µM, though these concentrations have not been shown to be achievable or safe in humans. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and extrapolating these findings to human supplementation is not scientifically supported.
Safety & Interactions
No formal human safety trials exist for isolated Licochalcone A, making its side effect profile, maximum tolerated dose, and long-term safety largely unknown. Its estrogenic activity at estrogen receptors suggests potential contraindication in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. Theoretical drug interactions may occur with anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and hormonal therapies due to its cytochrome P450 enzyme interactions observed in vitro. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation given the complete absence of safety data and its documented estrogenic receptor activity.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
LicALicochalcone-AGlycyrrhiza chalcone ALicorice chalcone A4'-O-methyllicochalcone A derivativeChalcone from Glycyrrhiza glabraGlycyrrhiza inflata chalcone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Licochalcone A and where does it come from?
Licochalcone A is a prenylated chalcone compound found at high concentrations in the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata, a species of licorice native to China and Central Asia. It is structurally distinct from glycyrrhizin, the more commonly discussed licorice compound, and belongs to the chalcone subclass of flavonoids. It is extracted primarily for cosmetic and research applications rather than mainstream oral supplementation.
Is Licochalcone A effective for reducing inflammation?
Licochalcone A has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical studies by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and reducing cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cell cultures and rodent models. In one murine study, doses of 20 mg/kg reduced paw edema by roughly 50% in a carrageenan-induced model. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted, so it is not possible to confirm these effects translate to oral supplementation in people.
Does Licochalcone A have anti-cancer properties?
In vitro studies show Licochalcone A induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in cancer cell lines including MCF-7 (breast), HepG2 (liver), and A549 (lung) at IC50 values typically between 5 and 25 µM. The proposed mechanisms include activation of caspase-3/9 pathways and downregulation of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. These are cell-level findings only, and there is no clinical evidence supporting its use as an anti-cancer agent in humans.
Can Licochalcone A act like estrogen in the body?
Yes, Licochalcone A has demonstrated binding affinity to both ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors in laboratory assays, classifying it as a phytoestrogen. Its estrogenic potency is substantially weaker than endogenous estradiol, with effects observed at micromolar concentrations in vitro. This activity raises theoretical concerns for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, though no human studies have measured its actual estrogenic impact at doses achievable through supplementation.
Is Licochalcone A safe to take as a supplement?
The safety of Licochalcone A as an oral supplement has not been established in human studies, and no standardized dosage recommendations exist. Its estrogenic receptor activity is a specific concern for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, and theoretical CYP450 enzyme interactions could affect metabolism of prescription drugs including warfarin and cyclosporine. Until clinical trials provide safety and pharmacokinetic data, use should be approached with significant caution and only under medical supervision.
What is the current quality of clinical evidence supporting Licochalcone A's health benefits?
The research supporting Licochalcone A is primarily limited to laboratory and animal studies (in vitro and preclinical evidence), with no completed human clinical trials published to date. While these early studies show promise for anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiparasitic effects, such preclinical findings cannot yet confirm efficacy or safety in humans. More rigorous clinical trials are needed before definitive health claims can be made about Licochalcone A supplementation.
Does Licochalcone A interact with common medications or hormonal treatments?
Licochalcone A exhibits estrogenic activity in laboratory studies, raising potential concerns for interactions with hormone-sensitive medications or hormonal contraceptives, though human data are lacking. Anyone taking estrogen-based therapies, hormone replacement therapy, or medications for hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with Licochalcone A. Current evidence is insufficient to establish safe co-administration guidelines with specific drugs.
Who should avoid taking Licochalcone A supplements?
Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as estrogen-dependent breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids) should avoid Licochalcone A due to its estrogenic activity demonstrated in preclinical studies. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should not use this supplement without medical supervision, as safety data in these populations do not exist. People taking prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before use to rule out potential interactions.
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