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Review article: glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for chronic hepatitis C

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Mar;12(3):199-205. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00309.x.

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis C is a slowly progressive liver disease that may evolve into cirrhosis with its potential complications of liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapy with alpha-interferon is directed at viral clearance, but sustained response is only achieved in 20-40% of patients without cirrhosis, and less than 20% in patients with cirrhosis who have the greatest need for therapy. Treatment for those who do not respond to anti-viral therapy is highly desirable. In Japan glycyrrhizin has been used for more than 20 years as treatment for chronic hepatitis. In randomized controlled trials, glycyrrhizin induced a significant reduction of serum aminotransferases and an improvement in liver histology compared to placebo. Recently, these short-term effects have been amplified by a well-conducted retrospective study suggesting that long-term usage of glycyrrhizin prevents development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C. The mechanism by which glycyrrhizin improves liver biochemistry and histology are undefined. Metabolism, pharmacokinetics, side-effects, and anti-viral and hepatoprotective effects of glycyrrhizin are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid