Title:

Pharmacological Effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) and Its Bioactive Constituents: The Perspective of Intestinal Microbiota

 

Objective:

To determine licorice’s gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms of action.

 

Results:

Licorice contains core active constituents such as flavonoids, triterpenoids such as glycyrrhizin, and polysaccharides. Licorice enhances intestinal barrier integrity and protects gastrointestinal mucosa by upregulating tight junction proteins, activating repair pathways like epidermal growth factor receptor, and modulating inflammatory signaling via the tumor necrosis factor/nuclear factor-κB pathway. 

 

Conclusion:

Licorice demonstrates gut microbiota-mediated therapeutic potential primarily through enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Its bioactive constituents support mucosal repair mechanisms while downregulating inflammatory signaling, indicating a protective role in gastrointestinal homeostasis.

 

Full study link can be found HERE.