Everything about Glycyrrhizin totally explained
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Glycyrrhizin is the active principle of
liquorice root. It is a powerful
sweetener, 30–50 times as potent as
sucrose (
table sugar).
Chemically, glycyrrhizin is a
triterpenoid saponin glycoside being either the Ca2+ or K+ salt of glycyrrhizic (or glycyrrhi
zinic) acid. Upon hydrolysis, the glycoside loses its sweet taste and is converted to the
aglycone
glycyrrhetinic acid plus two molecules of
glucuronic acid. The acid form isn't particularly water soluble, but its
ammonium salt is soluble in water at
pH greater than 4.5.
Although sweet, the taste of glycyrrhizin is different from that of sugar. The sweetness of glycyrrhizin has a slower onset than sugar, and lingers in the mouth for some time. Additionally, its characteristic licorice flavor makes it unsuitable as a direct flavor substitute for sugar. Unlike the artificial sweetener
aspartame, glycyrrhizin maintains its sweetness under heating.
In the
United States, glycyrrhizin is classified as "
generally recognized as safe" as a flavoring agent, although not as a sweetener. Glycyrrhizin is used as a flavoring in some
candies,
pharmaceuticals, and
tobacco products.
In
Japan, where concern over the safety of artificial sweeteners during the
1970s led to a shift towards plant-derived sugar substitutes, glycyrrhizin is a commonly used sweetener, often used in combination with another plant-based sweetener,
stevia. However, glycyrrhizin appears to have some pharmacological side effects, and the Japanese government has asked its citizens to limit their consumption to 200 milligrams per day.
Health effects
The most widely reported side effects of glycyrrhizin use are
hypertension and
edema (
water retention). These effects are related to the inhibition of
cortisol metabolism within the kidney, and the subsequent stimulation of the
mineralocorticoid receptors. Thus, consumption of black licorice can mimic disorders of excess
aldosterone.
Glycyrrhizin and other licorice root products have been used for numerous medical purposes, particularly treatment of
peptic ulcers and as an
expectorant. The triterpene derivative of
hydrolyzed glycyrrhizin,
glycyrrhetinic acid, is itself effective in treatment of peptic ulcer.
Although licorice may produce
anti-inflammatory effects, it's uncertain whether that's due to glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, or some other licorice derivative.
Recently researchers have demonstrated that doses of licorice root extract, delivering the constituent glycyrrhizin in amounts similar to that contained in standard medical doses of the root, rapidly and significantly lowered levels of circulating testosterone in males.
Glycyrrhizin inhibits liver cell injury caused by many chemicals and is used in the treatment of chronic
hepatitis and
cirrhosis in Japan. It also inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses, inactivating
herpes simplex virus particles irreversibly.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Glycyrrhizin'.
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