Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizic acid
For the health condition: Epstein Barr Virus

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Glycyrrhizic acid, a major active component derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been investigated for its antiviral properties, including activity against the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). The scientific justification for its use in EBV stems primarily from in vitro (cell culture) studies. Research has demonstrated that glycyrrhizic acid can inhibit the replication of EBV by interfering with viral gene expression and replication processes. For example, a 1996 study published in Antiviral Research (Pompei et al., 1996) reported that glycyrrhizic acid inhibited the proliferation of EBV in cultured cells.

However, the majority of evidence is preclinical, with little to no high-quality clinical trial data in humans to support its efficacy or safety for treating EBV infection or its associated conditions (such as infectious mononucleosis or EBV reactivation). As such, glycyrrhizic acid is not a standard or widely recommended therapy for EBV in medical practice. The evidence base is limited to laboratory settings, and there are concerns about potential toxicity with long-term or high-dose use of glycyrrhizic acid, including hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.

In summary, while there is some scientific basis from laboratory studies supporting the antiviral effects of glycyrrhizic acid against EBV, clinical validation in humans is lacking. The evidence level is thus rated as low (2/5), pending further research.

More about glycyrrhizic acid
More about Epstein Barr Virus

Products containing glycyrrhizic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.