Identification of glabridin as a bioactive compound in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) extract that activates human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)

Fitoterapia. 2015 Oct:106:55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2015.08.004. Epub 2015 Aug 18.

Abstract

Licorice, the root and stolons of the Glycyrrhiza plant (Fabaceae), has been used for centuries as a food additive (sweetener), in cosmetics, and in traditional medicine. In this research, we provide evidence that licorice extract activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and, as identified through HPLC fractionation and mass spectroscopy, one of the activating phytochemicals is glabridin. Glabridin was shown to bind to and activate PPARγ. It was also shown to activate PPARγ-regulated gene expression in human hepatoma cells similar to known PPARγ ligands and that the expression was blocked by a PPARγ specific antagonist.

Keywords: Glabrene; Glabridin; Glycyrrhetinic acid; Glycyrrhiza glabra L; Glycyrrhizin; Licorice; Licorice extract; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ); T0070907; Troglitazone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Glycyrrhiza / chemistry*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*
  • Phenols / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Isoflavones
  • PPAR gamma
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • glabridin