Pharmacological Activities of Coumarin Compounds in Licorice: A Review

Abstract

Licorice is a traditional medicine commonly used in China and many other countries. Over the last 50 years, the structure and pharmacological effects of coumarin compounds in licorice have been investigated. However, a comprehensive review of the literature summarizing current trends is currently lacking. Thus, the aim of the present review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the scientific literature regarding the pharmacological effects of coumarin compounds in licorice, thereby laying the foundation for further research and optimal utilization of licorice. We retrieved 111 articles on the coumarin components of licorice and their potential pharmacological effects, based on titles, keywords, and abstracts from databases (including PubMed and Web of Science). Glycycoumarin, isoglycycoumarin, licoarylcoumarin, licopyranocoumarin, glycyrin, isotrifoliol, glycyrol, and glycyrurol have been investigated for their anticancer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and use as therapeutic agents in metabolic syndrome, thereby demonstrating their potential for clinical applications. Future research should further explore the pharmacological mechanisms of action of coumarin compounds, including their antibacterial activities. Investigations into the pharmacological activities of different glycycoumarin isomers might open new research frontiers.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major components in Qinghao Biejia decoction by UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS and UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS and evaluation of their antibacterial activities

“…Coumarins are among the main active ingredients of medicinal plants. They exhibit various biological activities, such as anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulant, immunosuppressive, and antitumor activities 17 . They are divided into four major groups according to their substituents: simple coumarins, furan coumarins, pyranocoumarins, and other coumarins.…”

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)-Derived Phytochemicals Target Multiple Signaling Pathways to Confer Oncopreventive and Oncotherapeutic Effects

“…96,97 Similar to the chalcone derivatives, coumarin compounds in licorice have significant radical scavenging activity. 98,99 Moreover, saponins and polysaccharides isolated from licorice have been reported to exert antioxidant activities. [100][101][102] Consequently, it seems that the triterpenes, chalcones, coumarins, flavonoids, isoflavones and methylated isoflavones have significant antioxidant activity inhibiting the processes of carcinogenesis, and these contents of licorice have great potential as novel anticancer agents.…”

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extracts-Suitable Pharmacological Interventions for COVID-19? A Review

“…The role of licorice in Japan also needs to be highlighted as they have been using it to treat chronic hepatitis [68]. The plant also has anticancer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and estrogenic properties and is very useful in reducing hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis B and C patients [69]. For many years, it has had the reputation of being a memory booster [70] and an antidepressant [71] and can reduce blood cholesterol levels [72,73] and acts as a promising drug for treating liver and renal complications [74][75][76].…”

“…For many years, it has had the reputation of being a memory booster [70] and an antidepressant [71] and can reduce blood cholesterol levels [72,73] and acts as a promising drug for treating liver and renal complications [74][75][76]. It is also found that the plant can reduce polydipsia and frequent urination in diabetic patients [69]. In some places, the root is used to prepare tea, and the dried root is used as a tooth cleanser [77].…”