Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of some licorice metabolites

Abstract

This article highlights the pharmacological activity of licorice metabolites of significant interest in the context of the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. The review details the diversity and efficacy of lichalocone, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, and other licorice metabolites that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. These effects are based on the ability of licorice metabolites to regulate molecular cascades responsible for apoptosis, cell cycle, cell proliferation and many other processes. The article discusses in detail the prospects for the use of licorice metabolites in oncology, cardiology, their potential in the development of new drugs and the need for further research to determine their full therapeutic potential.