Licorice
History and Origin
In the Far East, licorice has been used as a component in traditional medical armamentaria to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions including ulcers and asthma. Licorice belongs to the Glycrrhiza genus. Licorice extracts that have been studied in dermatology have been taken from G. glabra L. and G. inflata.1
Components, Activities and Applications
Two licorice components that have been studied in dermatology include glabridin from G. Glabra and licochalcone A obtained from G. inflata. Glabridin has anti-tyrosinase activity and inhibits melanogenesis, making it a useful, non-prescription treatment for hyperpigmentation. In laboratory studies, it has also been shown to have skin calming and anti-oxidant activity. Licochalcone A has also shown to have skin calming activity.1,2
Clinical Studies
Recent clinical studies have demonstratedthe tolerance and efficacy profile of licochalcone A in a skin care formalution to help mitigate skin redness and irritation in patients
References
- Dieck K, Ceilley RI, Immeyer J. Anti-inflammatory properties of licochalcone A from Glycyrrhiza inflata n various human skin cells. Poster presented at American Academy of Dermatology 62nd Annual Meeting. Washington, DC February 6-11, 2004.
- Baumann L. Depigmenting Agents. In: Baumann L, Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice. P. 63-73.
