Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizin
For the health condition: Hepatitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glycyrrhizin, a major active component of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been used in Japan for decades as an injectable preparation (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C, SNMC) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C. The scientific justification for its use is based on several clinical and laboratory studies. Glycyrrhizin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, it appears to inhibit the replication of hepatitis viruses and reduce liver inflammation by modulating immune responses and suppressing oxidative stress. Several clinical trials and observational studies, primarily from Japan, have suggested that long-term glycyrrhizin therapy can improve biochemical markers (such as ALT levels) and histological findings in patients with chronic hepatitis. Some studies have reported reduced progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma among chronic hepatitis C patients treated with glycyrrhizin. However, the evidence is not robust by modern Western standards: most studies are open-label, lack large randomized controlled designs, and are limited geographically. Meta-analyses conclude that while glycyrrhizin may have a beneficial effect on liver function tests and inflammation, its impact on long-term clinical outcomes is less certain. Glycyrrhizin is not widely used or approved in Western countries for hepatitis, but its use in East Asia is supported by regulatory approval and clinical practice. Safety concerns, particularly with prolonged use (e.g., risk of pseudoaldosteronism, hypertension, hypokalemia), limit its broader adoption.
Other ingredients used for Hepatitis
AchyranthesAerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
AHCC
Ajuga
Albumin
Algae
American Liverleaf
Andrographis
andrographolide
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
aster root
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
atractylone
aucubin
Auricularia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bacteria
bael
baicalin
Basidiomycota
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
BCAA
Bergenia
bergenin
betulinic acid
bitter grass
black cumin
black root
black seed
blackboard tree
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borotutu
branched-chain amino acids
Broussonetia
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
C-phycocyanin
Caesalpinia crista
Carthamus
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Celosia
chaga mushroom
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese silkvine
chirata
Clerodendrum indicum
commiphora
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
corilagin
coriolus mushroom
Cynodon dactylon
cytokines
dandelion
Desmodium
Dianthus
Ficus simplicissima
flat-stem milk-vetch
flavonolignan
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
ganoderma
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutathione
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
green chiretta
Hygrophila
Hyperoside
Immunoglobulin G
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
isosilybin
jujube
knotweed
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
labrador tea
Lactoferrin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lichen
licorice root
Ligustrum
lingzhi
liquid liver fractions
little ironweed
Marine lipid
Milk thistle
Momordica
Morning glory
Morus
Myrrh
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Neoandrographolides
Nymphaea nouchali
oleanolic acid
omega-3 fatty acids
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
ornithine L-aspartic acid
Oroxylum indicum
Oxymatrine
pagoda tree
Palo Azul
parsley
Patrinia
paw paw
peony
Phellodendron
Picroside
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
polysaccharides
Portulaca
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
punarnava
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rice
Rubia cordifolia
Rubia yunnanensis
Sarivan
sarsaparilla
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
seaweed
selenium
shiitake mushroom
Silybin
Silybum
Silychristin
Silydianin
silymarin
Sophora
spirulina
Stereospermum
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sumac
Swertia
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Taraxacum
Terminalia
Tinospora cordifolia
Trametes
Tremella
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
vitamin E
Wax Gourd
Yin Chen
Zinc
Zucchini