Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhetinic Acid
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)

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Synopsis

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

Glycyrrhetinic acid, a bioactive compound derived from glycyrrhizin found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia. Historically, licorice preparations have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other herbal systems to soothe the respiratory tract, reduce phlegm, and alleviate symptoms of bronchial congestion and cough. The rationale for its use is largely based on its reputed expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. While glycyrrhizin is the main ingredient in whole licorice extract, glycyrrhetinic acid is its active aglycone metabolite.

Some preclinical studies suggest glycyrrhetinic acid may have anti-inflammatory effects and could help modulate secretions in the respiratory tract. However, robust clinical evidence in humans specifically demonstrating its efficacy for treating bronchial congestion is lacking. Most modern use continues to be rooted in traditional practices rather than in high-quality clinical trials. Thus, the evidence base supporting glycyrrhetinic acid for bronchial congestion is weak and primarily traditional, with a rating of 2 on the 0-5 scale.

It is also important to note that glycyrrhetinic acid and licorice derivatives can have significant side effects, including hypertension and electrolyte disturbances, especially with prolonged or excessive use.

More about Glycyrrhetinic Acid
More about Congestion (bronchial)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)

allspice
aloe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
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Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
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Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
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Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain

Products containing Glycyrrhetinic Acid

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