Glycyrrhizinic acid

Antiviral agent for external and local use. Glycyrrhizic acid is active against DNA and RNA viruses, including various strains of the Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, human papilloma virus ^[1] , and cytomegalovirus. The antiviral effect is apparently due to the induction of the formation of interferon . Interrupts the replication of viruses in the early stages, causes the release of the virion from the capsid, thereby preventing its penetration into the cells. This is due to selective dose-dependent inhibition of phosphorylating kinase P. It interacts with virus structures, changing various phases of the viral cycle, which is accompanied by irreversible inactivation of viral particles (which are in a free state outside the cells), blocking the introduction of active viral particles through the cell membrane into the cell, as well as impaired ability viruses to synthesize new structural components.

Inhibits viruses in concentrations non-toxic to normally functioning cells.

Viral strains resistant to acyclovir and iodouridine are highly sensitive to glycyrrhizic acid.

It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and improves tissue regeneration effect in both the early manifestations of viral infection and ulcers.

Potentiates the action of glucocorticosteroid drugs when administered jointly. This property is actively used to reduce the duration of treatment with hormonal drugs for bronchial asthma, with external treatment with corticosteroids of grade 1-4.

Glycyrrhizin and other products from licorice root have various medical uses, in particular for the treatment of gastric ulcers ^[2] , as anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza ^[3] , expectorant ^[4] , in the complex treatment of herpes ^[5] , in the form of ammonium glycyrrhizinate ^{[6 ]} - in the treatment of bronchial asthma ^[7] and other diseases of the respiratory tract with difficult to discharge sputum ( allergic rhinitis ), chicken pox . Licorice preparations can exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect, but it is not known whether it is caused by glycyrrhizin , glycyrrhizic acid, or any other components.

The effect of this substance on reducing blood pressure and edema was also studied. ^[8] It has been proven to lower testosterone levels in men ^[9] .

Seldom: allergic reactions.

Hypersensitivity to glycyrrhizic acid.

Use during pregnancy and lactation is possible according to absolute indications.

In experimental studies, the embryotoxic and teratogenic action of glycyrrhizic acid has not been established.

With simultaneous use of glycyrrhizic acid with other antiviral drugs (acyclovir, iodouridine, interferon) potentiation of antiviral action is noted. Glycyrrhizinic acid stimulates the adrenal function, potentiating the action of glucocorticosteroid drugs. It is used as a prophylaxis of withdrawal syndrome during the period of stopping treatment with glucocorticoids or reducing their dosage.