Glycyrrhizin

• ( 3β, 20β ) -20 -carboxy -11 -oxo -30- norolean -12 -en- 3-yl -2 -O- β -D - glucopyranuronosyl - α -D - glucopyranosiduronsäure
• Glycyrrhizin

Very sweet-tasting crystals

Fixed

220 ° C

• Insoluble in cold water ( 0.053 mg · l-1 at 25 ° C)
• Soluble in hot water and ethanol

• 5571 mg · kg -1 ( TDLo, man, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid is a triterpenoid saponin and that occurs naturally in the root of the licorice plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) occurs. The glycoside which is used for the preparation of licorice, but is also present in other plants, such as the fruit of the tree grapefruit. It tastes about 50 times sweeter than cane sugar and is used as a natural sweetener.

Medical importance

Glycyrrhizin is hydrolyzed by bacterial action in the digestive tract. Here the aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid is produced. This is an inhibitor of 11- β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, which catalyzes the conversion of cortisol to cortisone. Inactivation of the glucocorticoid cortisol is suppressed. Now there is a stimulation of the mineralocorticoid receptor by cortisol, as this equally well to the mineralocorticoid receptor binds the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, and how can activate it thus. Since cortisol is present in blood plasma in a significantly higher concentration than aldosterone, water and mineral balance can no longer be regulated by aldosterone now and there are manifestations of hyperaldosteronism: water and sodium retention, increased potassium excretion, decreasing renin and aldosterone level. This leads to symptoms such as high blood pressure or water retention. Serious consequences can be rhabdomyolysis, myopathy and kidney failure. Recent studies (2005) also exhibit in vitro activity against herpes viruses, and hepatitis B / C.

Safety

The Scientific Committee on Food of the European Commission recommends that no more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid daily. How the consumer can meet the exact, it is unclear as no specific salary information for glycyrrhizic acid must be declared.

In implementation of Directive 2004/77/EC is since May 2005, however, a labeling requirement. According to the Food Labelling Regulation ( LMKV ) sweets and drinks need from a level of 100 mg / kg, respectively. 10 mg / L, the words " contains liquorice ' contain, from a level of 4 g / kg or 50 mg / L, the words" Contains liquorice - people suffering from hypertension excessive consumption of this product should be avoided " necessary.