Glycyrrhetinic Acid

PhytochemicalTriterpenoid

What is it

Glycyrrhetinic acid (also called 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid or enoxolone) is the active metabolite of glycyrrhizin, the sweet compound from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is used in topical anti-inflammatory products and orally for digestive and adrenal support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Inflammation / mucosal support

Limited Evidence

Topical and oral glycyrrhetinic acid have anti-inflammatory and mucosal-soothing effects. Evidence quality varies and safety concerns limit chronic use.

How it works

Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), the enzyme that converts cortisol to inactive cortisone. By inhibiting this enzyme, glycyrrhetinic acid increases local cortisol activity at mineralocorticoid receptors, mimicking aldosterone effects and causing sodium retention, potassium loss, and hypertension at sufficient doses. This is the mechanism of licorice-induced pseudohyperaldosteronism. Topically and orally it has anti-inflammatory, mucosal-protective, and possibly antiviral activities.

Dosage

There is no formal RDA. EFSA recommends keeping daily glycyrrhizin intake under 100 mg/day for general safety; corresponding glycyrrhetinic acid exposure should be similarly limited.

When and how to take it

If used for digestive support, take before meals. Limit duration to a few weeks unless under medical supervision.

1 commercial form

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Licorice extract (contains glycyrrhetinic acid)

Standardized licorice extracts; topical creams; deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes the active compound to avoid blood pressure effects.

Glycyrrhizin is converted to glycyrrhetinic acid by gut bacteria.

Safety

Major safety concern is hypertension, fluid retention, hypokalemia, and rare cases of cardiac arrhythmia or muscle weakness with chronic or high-dose use. Even modest licorice intake (50-100 mg glycyrrhizin/day) can raise blood pressure in sensitive people. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) avoids these effects.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, low potassium, and pregnancy (linked to preterm birth in some studies). Avoid chronic use in anyone.

Interactions

Major interactions with diuretics (potassium loss), digoxin (potassium loss can cause toxicity), corticosteroids (potentiation), and antihypertensives (blood pressure rise). Caution with any drug affecting potassium or fluid balance.

Food sources

Licorice candy and tea

Amount
Highly variable; some 'red licorice' contains no real licorice
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Why is licorice bad for blood pressure?⌄

Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits the enzyme that inactivates cortisol in the kidney, causing salt and water retention and potassium loss. This can raise blood pressure.

Is DGL safer?⌄

Yes. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has glycyrrhizin removed, so it does not affect blood pressure or potassium. It is preferred for digestive support.

References

Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Glycyrrhetinic Acid (ChEBI:30853) — ChEBI link

Glycyrrhetinic Acid (PubChem CID 10114) — PubChem link

Glycyrrhetinic Acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Glycyrrhetinic Acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.