Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glycyrrhetinic acid is a bioactive compound derived from glycyrrhizin, the main sweet-tasting component of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Its use in the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is primarily supported by preclinical research rather than robust clinical evidence. Several animal studies have demonstrated that glycyrrhetinic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in chemically induced colitis models. These effects are thought to result from its ability to modulate inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is implicated in mucosal inflammation. Additionally, glycyrrhetinic acid has shown antioxidant and anti-ulcerative properties in experimental settings. However, human clinical trials evaluating its efficacy and safety in IBD patients are lacking or of low quality, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend its use in standard medical practice. Most of the available data is limited to in vitro assays and animal models, with some traditional use of licorice root extracts for various gastrointestinal complaints but not specifically for IBD. As such, while there is a scientific rationale based on preliminary studies, the evidence is limited, and glycyrrhetinic acid cannot currently be considered a validated treatment for IBD.

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