Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizin
For the health condition: Herpes

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

Glycyrrhizin, a major bioactive compound found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been investigated for its antiviral properties, including activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Several in vitro (cell culture) studies have demonstrated that glycyrrhizin can inhibit the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The proposed mechanisms include interference with viral gene expression, inhibition of viral penetration, and modulation of host immune responses. For example, a study published in Antiviral Research (1991) showed that glycyrrhizin inhibited HSV-1 replication in vitro. Additional research has shown that glycyrrhizin affects viral latency and reactivation, possibly by modulating the inflammatory response. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. There are few, if any, well-controlled clinical trials investigating glycyrrhizin's efficacy specifically for herpes infections in people. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal models, which do not always translate to clinical effectiveness. Glycyrrhizin is used in some traditional medicines, but its application for herpes is primarily based on scientific rather than historical use. Overall, while there is some scientific basis for glycyrrhizin's antiviral effects against herpes viruses, the strength of the evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and more clinical research is needed to determine its true effectiveness and safety in humans for this indication.

More about Glycyrrhizin
More about Herpes

Products containing Glycyrrhizin

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