Clinical data | |
---|---|
Trade names | Epigen, Glycyron |
AHFS/ Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
Routes of administration | Oral, intravenous |
ATC code | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Metabolism | Hepatic and by intestinal bacteria |
Elimination half-life | 6.2–10.2 hours [1] |
Excretion | Faeces, urine (0.31–0.67%) [2] |
Identifiers | |
| |
CAS Number |
|
PubChem CID | |
ChemSpider | |
UNII | |
KEGG | |
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
E number | E958 (glazing agents, ...) |
CompTox Dashboard ( EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.014.350 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C42H62O16 |
Molar mass | 822.942 g·mol−1 |
3D model ( JSmol) | |
Solubility in water | 1–10 mg/mL (20 °C) |
| |
|
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.
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.[ quantify] Most of it is eliminated by bile and only a minor part (0.31–0.67%) by urine. [3] 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. [3]
Glycyrrhizin is obtained as an extract from licorice root after maceration and boiling in water. [4] Licorice extract (glycyrrhizin) is sold in the United States as a liquid, paste, or spray-dried powder. [4] When in specified amounts, it is approved for use as a flavor and aroma in manufactured foods, beverages, candies, dietary supplements, and seasonings. [4] It is 30 to 50 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). [5]
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. [6] [7] Chronic consumption of black licorice, even in moderate amounts, is associated with an increase in blood pressure, [7] may cause irregular heart rhythm, and may have adverse interactions with prescription drugs. [6] In extreme cases, death can occur as a result of excess consumption. [8] [9]
Media related to Glycyrrhizin at Wikimedia Commons