A comprehensive review of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: ethnopharmacology, pharmacological mechanisms and synergistic therapeutic strategies

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A comprehensive review of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: ethnopharmacology, pharmacological mechanisms and synergistic therapeutic strategies

Prajapati et al., 2026 | J Ethnopharmacol | Systematic Review

Citation

Prajapati Krishna, Mishra Raj, Jain Vandana. A comprehensive review of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: ethnopharmacology, pharmacological mechanisms and synergistic therapeutic strategies. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026-Feb-10;356:120827. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.120827

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as liquorice, has been valued for millennia in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Persian medicine, and European folk practice. Across these cultures, liquorice root decoctions and formulations are employed to reduce joint pain, curb inflammation, restore systemic balance, and serve as a harmonising "guide herb" in polyherbal prescriptions. AIM OF THE REVIEW: To provide an integrated review of G. glabra in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, linking its traditional therapeutic roles with modern pharmacological evidence and exploring its synergistic potential with other agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Ethnobotanical, phytochemical, in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and integrative medicine studies were included. RESULTS: Traditional preparations such as roasted, honey-fried, crude root decoctions are reflected in modern bioassays confirming anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and cartilage-protective activities. Bioactives, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, and licochalcone A, modulate NF-κB, MAPK, COX/LOX, JAK/STAT and angiogenic pathways, restore Th17/Treg balance, and regulate gut microbiota. Synergistic effects are reported with methotrexate, triptolide, mangiferin, Boswellia serrata extract, and platelet-rich plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The convergence of ancient ethnomedical use and robust modern pharmacology positions G. glabra as a promising adjunctive therapeutic for RA. Future directions should focus on community-based clinical trials, sustainable cultivation, benefit-sharing with knowledge holders, and the development of standardised extracts.

Key Findings

Traditional preparations such as roasted, honey-fried, crude root decoctions are reflected in modern bioassays confirming anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and cartilage-protective activities. Bioactives, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, and licochalcone A, modulate NF-κB, MAPK, COX/LOX, JAK/STAT and angiogenic pathways, restore Th17/Treg balance, and regulate gut microbiota. Synergistic effects are reported with methotrexate, triptolide,

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Glycyrrhiza
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Animals
  • Ethnopharmacology
  • Plant Extracts
  • Drug Synergism
  • Phytotherapy
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antirheumatic Agents

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09