Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizin
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycyrrhizin, a compound extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis. Several clinical and experimental studies, particularly from Japan and other parts of Asia, have investigated glycyrrhizin (often administered intravenously as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C, or SNMC) for its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The proposed mechanisms include inhibition of hepatic inflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and suppression of immune-mediated liver injury. Some randomized controlled trials and observational studies suggest that glycyrrhizin may reduce serum transaminases in patients with chronic hepatitis and may slow the progression of hepatic fibrosis.

However, the quality of evidence is moderate and somewhat inconsistent. While long-term use in chronic hepatitis (especially hepatitis C) has shown improvements in biochemical markers and possibly slower progression to cirrhosis, robust data demonstrating clear benefits in patients with established cirrhosis are limited. Most guidelines in Western countries do not recommend glycyrrhizin as standard therapy for cirrhosis, largely due to insufficient large-scale, high-quality trials. Notably, glycyrrhizin can cause significant side effects (such as pseudoaldosteronism and hypokalemia) at higher doses or with prolonged use.

In summary, there is scientific interest and some supporting evidence for glycyrrhizin’s use in liver disease, particularly in Asia, but its efficacy for established cirrhosis is not conclusively proven, warranting a moderate evidence rating.

More about Glycyrrhizin
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Products containing Glycyrrhizin

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