Glabridin
[CAS# 59870-68-7]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Circulatory system medication >> Antihypertensive drug
• Name: Glabridin
• Synonyms: 4-[(3R)-8,8-Dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[6,5-f]chromen-3-yl]benzene-1,3-diol
• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₂₀O₄
• Molecular Weight: 324.37
• CAS Registry Number: 59870-68-7
• EC Number: 611-908-7
• SMILES: CC1(C=CC2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OC[C@H](C3)C4=C(C=C(C=C4)O)O)C

Properties

• Density: 1.3±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.623, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 518.6±50.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 267.4±30.1 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302+H312+H332
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352+P312-P304+P340+P312

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

Discovery and Applications

Glabridin is a natural flavonoid compound that is primarily found in the roots of *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, commonly known as licorice. It is one of the many bioactive components isolated from licorice, which has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Glabridin, in particular, has gained attention in recent years for its diverse therapeutic potential, as well as its skin-protective effects, making it an important compound in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The discovery of glabridin dates back to the early 1980s when it was first isolated from the licorice plant by researchers studying the chemical composition of *Glycyrrhiza glabra*. It belongs to a class of compounds called flavonoids, which are widely known for their beneficial effects on human health. The structure of glabridin consists of a flavanone backbone, which is typical of flavonoids, with various hydroxyl and methoxy groups that contribute to its biological activity.

One of the most prominent applications of glabridin is in the treatment of skin conditions. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, glabridin has been studied extensively for its ability to protect the skin from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging and skin damage caused by UV radiation. Research has shown that glabridin can inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin darkening, and may therefore help in treating hyperpigmentation disorders such as age spots and melasma. This makes it a popular ingredient in many skin-lightening and anti-aging cosmetic formulations. Additionally, glabridin has been shown to possess protective effects against UV-induced damage, potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer and photoaging.

In addition to its cosmetic uses, glabridin has demonstrated a range of pharmacological activities that suggest it could be beneficial in treating various diseases. Studies have shown that glabridin has antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. This action makes it a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative damage, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes. Furthermore, glabridin has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways, which may be useful in treating conditions like arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders.

Glabridin also has potential as an antimicrobial agent. Some studies suggest that it can inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, making it a potential candidate for the development of natural antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial activity of glabridin has been attributed to its ability to interfere with the cellular mechanisms of microorganisms, ultimately leading to their death.

In the pharmaceutical industry, glabridin has been explored for its potential as a therapeutic agent in treating metabolic disorders, obesity, and diabetes. It has been shown to regulate the activity of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, glabridin has exhibited cardioprotective effects by improving lipid profiles and reducing cholesterol levels, suggesting that it could be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.

While glabridin holds great promise in both therapeutic and cosmetic applications, further clinical trials and studies are needed to better understand its mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy. Despite this, its broad spectrum of biological activity positions it as a valuable natural compound in the development of novel treatments for a range of diseases.

References

2025. Glabridin inhibits proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating multi-targets. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 336.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.119022

2024. The Glabridin from Huangqin Decoction Prevents the Development of Ulcerative Colitis into Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Modulating MMP1/MMP3 Activity. International Immunopharmacology, 135.
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112262

1998. Antimicrobial Flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra Hairy Root Cultures. Planta Medica, 64(8).
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957571