Chemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Glycyrrhetinic Acid: A Review

In this article, the chemistry and pharmacological properties of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid of the oleanane-type from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), is reviewed. With a molecular formula of C30H46O4 and a molecular weight of 470.7 g/mol, GA consists of two stereoisomers, namely, 18β-GA and 18α-GA. Major pharmacological properties of GA highlighted are hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and nephroprotective activities. Other pharmacological properties of GA reviewed include anti-asthmatic, skin protection, anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), anti-parasitic, anti-periodontitis, anti-alopecia, anti-osteoclastogenesis, hypolipidemic, lung protection, cell protection, improved pulmonary hypertension, amelioration of gastric mucosal injury, anti-cystitis glandularis, anti-ulcerative colitis and anti-viral activities. Prospects and topics of further research are suggested in the concluding remarks.