Glycyrrhiza lepidota

Glycyrrhetinic acid is a triterpenoid derivative of glycyrrhizin, which is a compound found in licorice. It is known for its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-allergic, and anti-viral effects.

Chemistry

Glycyrrhetinic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid and is the aglycone (sugar-free) part of glycyrrhizin, a saponin compound. It has a molecular formula of C30H46O4 and a molecular weight of 470.7 g/mol. The compound is also known as enoxolone in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacology

Glycyrrhetinic acid has been studied for its potential pharmacological properties. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-allergic, and anti-viral effects. It is also known to inhibit the enzyme 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which is involved in the metabolism of cortisol.

Uses

Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of drugs used in the treatment of peptic ulcer, eczema, and viral infections. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for its skin-whitening effect.

Safety

While glycyrrhetinic acid is generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

See also

• Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Glycyrrhizin
• Licorice