Glycyrrhizin
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Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the chief sweet-tasting constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root. Structurally, it is a saponin used as an emulsifier and gel-forming agent in foodstuffs and cosmetics. Its aglycone is enoxolone.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral ingestion, glycyrrhizin is hydrolysed to 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone) by intestinal bacteria. After absorption from the gut, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid is metabolised to 3β-monoglucuronyl-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in the liver. This metabolite circulates in the bloodstream. Consequently, its oral bioavailability is poor.Template:Quantify Most of it is eliminated by bile and only a minor part (0.31–0.67%) by urine.<ref name="Glavac_2012">Template:Cite journal</ref> After oral ingestion of 600 mg of glycyrrhizin the metabolite appeared in urine after 1.5 to 14 hours. Maximal concentrations (0.49 to 2.69 mg/L) were achieved after 1.5 to 39 hours and metabolite can be detected in the urine after 2 to 4 days.<ref name="Glavac_2012" />
Pharmacological action
The polypharmacological effect of glycyrrhizinic acid, which has at least 12 types of activity<ref name=":0">Template:Cite journal</ref> (antitumor,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> hepatoprotective,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, atheroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, etc.), is closely related to its interaction with various cellular targets. Approximately 88 cellular proteins<ref name=":0" /> have been experimentally identified as potential targets of glycyrrhizic acid, including cytochromes P450, UDP-glucouronosyltransferases, oxidoreductases, and proteins involved in amino acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
Flavouring properties
Glycyrrhizin is obtained as an extract from licorice root after maceration and boiling in water.<ref name="fda">Template:Cite web</ref> Licorice extract (glycyrrhizin) is sold in the United States as a liquid, paste, or spray-dried powder.<ref name="fda" /> When in specified amounts, it is approved for use as a flavor and aroma in manufactured foods, beverages, candies, dietary supplements, and seasonings.<ref name="fda" /> It is 30 to 50 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar).<ref name = pubchem>Template:Cite web</ref>
Adverse effects
The most widely reported side effect of glycyrrhizin use via consumption of black liquorice is reduction of blood potassium levels, which can affect body fluid balance and function of nerves.<ref name="fda-cons">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Penninkilampi_2017">Template:Cite journal</ref> Chronic consumption of black licorice, even in moderate amounts, is associated with an increase in blood pressure,<ref name="Penninkilampi_2017" /> may cause irregular heart rhythm, and may have adverse interactions with prescription drugs.<ref name="fda-cons" /> In extreme cases, death can occur as a result of excess consumption.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
See also
References
External links
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