glycyrrhizic acid

PhytochemicalSaponin

What is it

Glycyrrhizic acid (also called glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the primary sweet active compound in licorice root, with significant pharmacological effects and safety considerations.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Chronic hepatitis (IV)

Good Evidence

Established medical use in Japan.

Cough / respiratory (oral)

Limited Evidence

Modest symptomatic benefit.

How it works

Glycyrrhizic acid blocks the enzyme that inactivates cortisol in kidney tissue, leading to apparent mineralocorticoid excess: sodium retention, potassium loss, water retention, and hypertension. It also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. In Japan, IV glycyrrhizin is used for chronic hepatitis. Oral use in supplements is generally limited to short courses due to cardiovascular concerns. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) avoids these issues.

Dosage

EFSA upper intake: under 100 mg/day. IV pharmaceutical: 40-200 mg/day.

When and how to take it

Limit duration unless under medical supervision.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Licorice extract (contains glycyrrhizin)

Standard licorice supplement.

Variable concentration.

DGL (without glycyrrhizin)

Preferred for chronic use.

Safer alternative.

Safety

Hypertension, hypokalemia (low potassium), edema, cardiac arrhythmias with excessive intake. Documented cases from candy and supplements.

Who should be cautious

Hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Interactions

Many: corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, blood pressure medications, anticoagulants.

Food sources

Real licorice candy

Amount
1 oz
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

What is the safe limit?⌄

EFSA recommends under 100 mg/day; sensitive individuals 50 mg/day.

References

glycyrrhizic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

glycyrrhizic acid (ChEBI:29807) — ChEBI link

glycyrrhizic acid (PubChem CID 5460305) — PubChem link

glycyrrhizic acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on glycyrrhizic acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track glycyrrhizic acid with Pilora

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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.