Recent research progress in pharmacological effects of glycyrrhizic acid

Glycyrrhizic acid, the main water-soluble constituent extracted from the roots of the Chinese herb Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for several thousands of year in traditional Chinese medicine. Both glycyrrhizic acid and its aglycone glycyrrhtic acid (GA) have been proven to be useful for various therapeutic purposes. Glycyrrhizic acid is used as a flavoring agent in some candies, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco products and is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor and liver-protecting activities. In addition, glycyrrhizic acid has synergistic effect with other drugs. This paper reviewed the recent research progress in pharmacological effects of glycyrrhizic acid.