Glycyrrhizinic acid
(Glycyrrhizinic acid)

pharmachologic effect

Antiviral agent for external and local use. Glycyrrhizic acid is active against DNA and RNA viruses, including various strains of the virus Herpes simplex, Varicella zoster, human papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus. The antiviral effect is apparently due to the induction of the formation of interferon. Terminates virus replication on early stages, causes the exit 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.

Pharmacokinetics

With outdoor and local application accumulates in the lesions. Systemic absorption is extremely slow, therefore it is practically not detected in biological fluids.

Indications

Treatment of genital infections caused by the Herpes simplex type 2 virus (both in acute primary and in recurrent); treatment of skin infections caused by the Varicella zoster virus (as part of combination therapy); treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by human papillomavirus; treatment of nonspecific vaginitis, colpitis.

Prevention of common sexually transmitted viral infections.

Dosing regimen

Individual, depending on the indications for use.

Side effect

Seldom:  allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to glycyrrhizic acid.

Pregnancy and lactation

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.

special instructions

In the treatment of skin infections caused by the Varicella zoster virus, external use of glycyrrhizic acid should be combined with the ingestion of specific antiviral drugs.

If signs of irritation of the skin or mucous membranes appear, treatment should be discontinued.

Drug interactions

With simultaneous use of glycyrrhizic acid with other antiviral drugs (acyclovir, iodouridine, interferon) potentiation of antiviral action is noted.

There were no interactions with the main groups of drugs used as part of combination therapy for these diseases (antibiotics and antiseptics, anti-inflammatory and painkillers drugs).

Structural formula

Russian name

Latin substance name Glycyrrhizic acid

Chemical name

20beta-Carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-ene-3beta-il-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid

Gross formula

Pharmacological group of substance Glycyrrhizic acid

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

CAS code

Pharmacology

Inhibits phosphokinase and stops the phosphorylation of cellular and virus-encoded proteins in infected cells. Inactivates viruses outside the cells, while shingles and herpes simplex viruses are irreversible. Blocks the introduction of active viral particles into the cell and disrupts the ability of the virus to synthesize new structural components.

When applied topically, it has a high affinity for cells infected with the virus, and accumulates in the lesions. Systemic absorption is slow.

Glycyrrhizinic acid is an active substance that is part of antiviral drugs that are indicated for use in the presence of diseases caused by the herpes virus and certain other pathogens.

• What are the properties of glycyrrhizic acid in the substance?

Glycyrrhizic acid is able to provide several beneficial effects. First of all, of course, we are talking about the presence of antiviral effects. In addition, drugs containing this substance have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and immunostimulating effects.

Antiviral action is carried out mainly against the following pathogens: Herpes simplex of the first and second type, Varicella zoster, human papillomavirus and some others.

The antiviral effect is based on the ability of glycyrrhizic acid to interrupt viral DNA synthesis reactions at various stages of this process. As a result, the assembly of viral particles cannot reach the stage of complete completion, which means that the causative agent of the disease will not be able to reproduce.

In addition, glycyrrhizic acid blocks the interaction of the virus and the target cell, which greatly complicates the entry of the pathogen, where it can exert its harmful effects.

In addition to the above, it should be noted the ability of glycyrrhizic acid to enhance the reaction, responsible for the processes of interferon biosynthesis. Let me remind you that these substances significantly reduce the susceptibility of healthy cells to viral particles, which hinders the spread of pathology.

It is important to note one more circumstance. All of the above effects appear even with the use of drugs in non-toxic dosages, which means that the risk of developing undesirable effects of antiviral therapy is minimized.

Preparations of glycyrrhizic acid are highly active against the above pathogens. Unlike many other representatives of the group of antiviral agents, addiction to these drugs is rarely developed, despite constant mutations of the causative agents of the disease.

Glycyrrhizic acid is a stimulant of nonspecific immunity. When exposed to this substance, phagocytic reactions are activated, which are responsible for the capture and destruction of foreign agents.

Anti-inflammatory activity is mainly due to the inhibition of the release of kinins, and as a result, a decrease in the permeability of the vascular wall, which leads to the elimination of edema, redness, itching, and so on.

• Indications for use

Prescription drugs is carried out in the presence of the following diseases:

• Primary and recurrent viral infectioncaused by a pathogen sensitive to the drug;
• Shingles caused by Varicella zoster;
• Human papillomavirus infection;
• Nonspecific colpit;
• Vaginosis;
• Prevention of recurrent herpetic infection.

I note that the appointment of such preparations containing this active substance should be handled by a specialist with laboratory research results. Uncontrolled use is fraught with negative consequences.

• Contraindications

Prescription of drugs containing glycyrrhizic acid should not be carried out in the presence of the following conditions:

• Pregnancy at any time;
• Hypersensitivity to glycyrrhizic acid;
• Lactation period.

In all these cases, drugs are contraindicated.

• What substances glycyrrhizic acid use and dosage?

The dosage of the drug depends on the indications for use, and on dosage form. With herpetic lesions skin integument  the pharmaceutical agent is applied in a thin layer, with the obligatory capture of healthy tissue. The frequency of application can reach up to six times a day. Therapy is carried out until complete recovery.

Human papillomavirus infection suggests combination treatmentconsisting in the chemical or physical destruction of pathological formations with the subsequent application of medicinal ointment, the frequency of use is six times a day.

Treatment of nonspecific colpitis is usually carried out within 7 - 10 days. The drugs are administered intravaginally. It is important to know that, be sure to treat and sexual partner. In men, non-specific urethritis can occur, suggesting the introduction of such drugs directly into the urethra.

• Overdose

Data on the possibility of overdose of drugs glycyrrhizic acid is not provided at this time.

• Side effects

In the overwhelming majority of cases, treatment with drugs containing this active substance in the composition is not accompanied by the development of side effects. In quite rare cases, skin allergic manifestations such as rashes, swelling, peeling, itching and the like are found.

• Where is glycyrrhizic acid? Drugs

This medicinal substance is contained in the following preparations: Epigen intim, Glycyrate.

Conclusion

We have examined the substance glycyrrhizic acid, the drugs in which it is, the use, properties, instructions for use, indications, contraindications, side effects, analogues, composition, dosage. Treatment viral diseases  should always be carried out in an integrated manner. In addition to antiviral agents should be used immunostimulatory drugs. The patient should adhere to a balanced diet and use high-quality vitamin-mineral complexes.