Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizic acid
For the health condition: Dermatitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glycyrrhizic acid, a major active constituent of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which are relevant to the management of dermatitis. Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress the activity of enzymes such as phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, both involved in inflammatory pathways. These mechanisms are thought to contribute to its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of dermatitis, such as redness, itching, and swelling.
Clinical evidence in humans, however, is limited. Small trials and case reports suggest topical formulations containing glycyrrhizic acid may reduce symptoms in conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema, possibly due to its corticosteroid-like effects but with fewer side effects. A few randomized controlled trials have evaluated licorice-based creams, with some reporting modest improvement in dermatitis symptoms compared to placebo. However, these studies are often limited by small sample size, short duration, and variable formulation. Major dermatological guidelines do not currently recommend glycyrrhizic acid as a standard therapy, but it remains an ingredient in some over-the-counter skin care products targeting inflammation.
In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting the use of glycyrrhizic acid for dermatitis, robust clinical validation is lacking. The evidence base is currently best described as limited but promising, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Dermatitis
Aloe veraalpha-pinene
beeswax
beta caryophyllene
bisabolol
black currant
black walnut
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
turmeric
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
hyaluronic acid
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
oregon grape
phenolic compounds
plantain
pomegranate
purified silver
quercetin
resveratrol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
vitamin A
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
neem tree
commiphora
siler root
oriental arborvitae
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Anamu
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bisabolene
Bee products
Bombax
Bassia scoparia
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Colloid
Carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Curcuma
Cannabidiol
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Cannabigerol
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
Eclipta
Emu Oil
Euphorbia
Ethyl Linoleate
Flavonoids
Fang-Feng
Fatty acids
Ficus simplicissima
fibroblast growth factor
Gallic Acid
Gnaphalium
Glyceryl monolaurate
Growth factors
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Himalaya Berry
Hemp
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Fagonia
Jojoba Oil
Kokilaksha
Litsea
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Linseed Oil
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Labdanum
Mallow
Melia
Malva sylvestris
Mangostin
Mahonia
Milkweed
Marine colloids
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nigella Seed
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phyllanthus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Paris polyphylla
Pansit-pansitan
Panthenol
Patrinia
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Rue
Rosmarinic Acid
Reed Herb
Squalene
Sichuan Lovage
Sicklepod
Sophora
Sesbania
Solanaceae
Shark Liver Oil
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Southern Tsangshu
Silk protein
Sandalwood
Sulfur
Storax
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymus
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Violet
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by glycyrrhizic acid
Adrenal FatigueAsthma
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Edema
Epstein Barr Virus
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Herpes
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Stress
Ulcers