Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the most important active ingredient in licorice root extract powder and has a very wide range of pharmacological effects. As early as 2005, glycyrrhizic acid has been reported to assist in treating SARS. Nowadays, glycyrrhizic acid also has potential applications for the treatment of COVID-19.

(Image Credit: frontiersin.org)

Pneumonia caused by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 severely threatens the lives and health of humans worldwide, causing the death of a large number of patients. Viral infection and severe inflammation are essential causes of patient death. Therefore, it is particularly critical to combine anti-inflammatory therapy with antiviral therapy for patients. Glycyrrhizic acid can regulate the expression and release of various cytokines and exert a significant anti-inflammatory effect. At the same time, glycyrrhizic acid also shows a significant inhibitory effect on many types of viruses. Therefore, glycyrrhizic acid has a positive effect on the treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia.

Glycyrrhizic acid is a triterpenoid compound with natural biological activity in the roots and stems of licorice. Although a large amount of literature has reported the anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizic acid, so far, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. More and more studies have shown that glycyrrhizic acid can reduce cell damage and apoptosis due to oxidative stress and improve cell inflammatory factor levels. Based on the anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizic acid, licorice root extract powder can be used as an auxiliary treatment for COVID-19. It reduces the cytokine storm and inflammation in severely ill patients with COVID-19. Play an active role in maintaining the life of critically ill patients.

Glycyrrhizic acid exerts antiviral effects by inhibiting the attachment and penetration of viruses, inhibiting the replication of viral DNA and inhibiting the expression of virus-related proteins. Virus invasion, replication and expression are important causes of inflammation and death in patients. The antiviral effect of glycyrrhizic acid has potential therapeutic significance for the new type of coronary pneumonia.

In summary, licorice root extract powder, which has both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, can be a potential drug for adjuvant treatment of COVID-19.