How does glabridin work in the body?

1.What is glabridin?


Glabridin is a chemical compound that is found in the root extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Glabridin is an isoflavane, a type of isoflavonoid. This product is part of a larger family of plant-derived molecules, the natural phenols. Glabridin effectively inhibits platelet activation, so it might become therapeutic agent for thromboembolic disorders.

It is used as an ingredient in cosmetics and is listed in International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).Glabridin is yellowish-brown powder. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as propylene glycol.


2.The benefits of glabridin


Glabridin Powder Inhibits Melanin Synthesis


The main whitening mechanism of Glabridin powder is to competitively inhibit tyrosinase activity, taking part of the tyrosinase away from the catalytic loop of melanin synthesis, preventing the binding of the substrate and tyrosinase, thereby inhibiting melanin synthesis.

Human experiments show that Glabridin can effectively whiten and brighten skin tone. A clinical trials conducted by human show that after 56 days topical uses of glabridin, there are significant lightness increase and redness decrease on the face skin.

 

Glabridin Powder for Anti-oxidation


Glabridin powder itself has a good antioxidant effect. Experiments have shown that it has the ability to scavenge oxygen free radicals similar to superoxide dismutase (SOD). Glabridin powder can not only inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, but also inhibit dopachrome inter-conversion and dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid oxidase activity.

Studies have shown that, at a concentration of 0.1mg/ml, Glabridin powder can act on the cytochrome P450/NADOH oxidation system, scavenging 67% free radicals, so it has strong antioxidant activity.

 

Glabridin Powder for Anti-inflammation


Water-soluble Glabridin powder can be used to improve bioavailability, and has less cytotoxicity. Also, it has a better melanin inhibitory effect, as well as effectively reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of Glabridin powder is also manifested in the inhibition of superoxide anion production and cyclooxygenase activity. Therefore, it can be used as a topical therapeutic agent to inhibit skin inflammation and combat skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

The study indicates that 0.5% Glabridin powder can inhibit UVB-induced skin pigmentation and erythema of guinea pigs. 0.5% glabridin powder (or base solutions for the control) were topically applied for 3 weeks. Reduced pigmentation was seen in glabridin-treated skin.

In 1998, Japanese researcher Tomohiro Yokota conducted a study on melanin and inflammation inhibition of Glabridin powder. After replacing two hydroxyl groups at different positions in the chemical structure of Glabridin powder, the results showed that compared to 2’hydroxyl, the 4’hydroxyl at the position has a greater influence on the inhibition of melanin synthesis. When both hydroxyl groups are replaced, Glabridin powder loses the effect of inhibiting melanin production. This research has pointed out the chemical part of Glabridin powder’s whitening effect.

 

3.How does glabridin work in the body?


Glabridin is one of the most studied flavonoids in Licorice root. It inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that helps make melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. By inhibiting this enzyme, Glabridin helps to treat hyperpigmentation and age spots. Beyond that, Glabridin also has antioxidant properties and hence can help protect the skin from free-radical damage triggered by UV radiation and environmental pollutants.

 

Rerences
1. Kinoshita T, Kajiyama K, Hiraga Y, Takahashi K, Tamura Y, Mizutani K (1996). "Isoflavan derivatives from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)". Heterocycles. 43 (3): 581–588.

2.Chung CL, Chen JH, Huang WC, Sheu JR, Hsia CW, Jayakumar T, Hsia CH, Chiou KR, Hou SM (September 2022). "Glabridin, a Bioactive Flavonoid from Licorice, Effectively Inhibits Platelet Activation in Humans and Mice". International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23 (19): 11372. doi:10.3390/ijms231911372. PMC 9570097.