Licorice Compound Protects Skin from UV Effects

The root extract of the plant Glycyrrhiza inflata (Chinese Licorice) is a source of Licochalcone A, a compound for which previous studies suggest antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. German researchers assessed the effects of Licochalcone A in cell culture, isolating human skin cells and irradiating them with solar simulated light mimicking sun exposure. The team observed that skin cells pretreated with Licochalcone A produced a higher amount of ‘self-protecting’, antioxidant molecules. Consequently, significantly less harmful radicals were detected in Licochalone A treated human skin cells. In addition, the investigators also conducted a study with healthy volunteers demonstrating that the application of a lotion containing Licochalcone A-rich root extract on the inner forearms for two weeks protected the skin from damage after UV irradiation.  The study authors submit that: “We conclude from these data that topical application of licorice extract is a promising approach to induce [NF-E2-related factor 2]-dependent cytoprotection in human skin.”