Glycyrrhetinic acid, an active metabolite of glycyrrhizin (found in licorice root), has been studied for its hepatoprotective properties, particularly in the context of hepatitis. Its use in hepatitis is supported by both traditional practices, especially in East Asian medicine, and scientific research—most notably in Japan and China, where glycyrrhizin preparations (such as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) have been used as adjunct therapies for chronic hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C.

Scientifically, glycyrrhetinic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that glycyrrhizin-based therapies can reduce liver inflammation, decrease serum transaminase levels, and, in some cases, slow the progression of liver fibrosis in hepatitis patients. The proposed mechanisms include inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of oxidative stress, and, to some extent, direct inhibition of viral replication.

However, most of the clinical evidence is associated with glycyrrhizin rather than isolated glycyrrhetinic acid. Glycyrrhetinic acid itself is less studied in clinical trials, but preclinical studies suggest it shares many of glycyrrhizin’s bioactivities. Limitations include potential side effects (e.g., pseudoaldosteronism) and lack of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials. Thus, while there is scientific evidence supporting its adjunctive use in hepatitis, it is not considered a first-line therapy.