A Review: Preparation and Evaluation of Anti-Fungal Cream containing Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Abstract: Fungal infections pose a significant global health burden, with increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. This review comprehensively evaluates Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)-based antifungal creams as a promising natural alternative, analyzing their pharmacological basis, formulation challenges, clinical efficacy, and future prospects. Licorice contains multiple bioactive compounds including glycyrrhizin (5-20%), glabridin (0.1- 3%), and licochalcone A (0.3-1.2%) that demonstrate synergistic antifungal activity through membrane disruption (70-85% inhibition at 2% concentration), ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition, and immunomodulation [1-3]. Advanced delivery systems such as nanoemulsions and liposomes have enhanced skin penetration by 3-5 fold while maintaining stability for >12 months [4,5]. Clinical studies show comparable efficacy to clotrimazole (82-85% cure rates) with significantly lower adverse effects (2% vs 8% irritation incidence) in vulvovaginal candidiasis and dermatophytoses [6,7]. However, challenges remain in standardizing active compound concentrations and reducing production costs. Future directions include CRISPR-based cultivation, AI-driven formulation optimization, and strategic combination therapies with conventional antifungals. With continued development, Glycyrrhiza glabra-based formulations could become first-line treatments, particularly for resistant fungal infections.