Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhetinic Acid
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

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

Glycyrrhetinic acid is a bioactive compound derived from glycyrrhizin, which is found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The use of licorice root to alleviate cough, including spastic (or spasmodic) cough, is well-documented in traditional medicine, especially in systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Historical texts and pharmacopeias often list licorice as an antitussive and expectorant, purported to soothe irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Glycyrrhetinic acid, as a major active metabolite, is thought to contribute to these effects by exerting anti-inflammatory and demulcent actions.

Scientific validation for glycyrrhetinic acid specifically in the treatment of spastic cough in humans remains limited. While some animal studies and in vitro research suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mucoprotective properties, direct clinical trials targeting cough are sparse. In summary, the use of glycyrrhetinic acid for spastic cough is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with the evidence base supported more by historical precedent than by robust modern clinical trials.

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