Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
[CAS# 68797-35-3]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Carbohydrate >> Double sugar
• Name: Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
• Synonyms: Dipotassium (2S,3S,4S,5R,6R)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6S)-2-[[(3S,4aR,6aR,6bS,8aS,11S,12aR,14aR,14bS)-11-carboxy-4,4,6a,6b,8a,11,14b-heptamethyl-14-oxo-2,3,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,12a,14a-dodecahydro-1H-picen-3-yl]oxy]-6-carboxylato-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-3-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxane-2-carboxylate
• Molecular Formula: C₄₂H₆₀K₂O₁₆
• Molecular Weight: 899.12
• CAS Registry Number: 68797-35-3
• EC Number: 272-296-1
• SMILES: C[C@]12CC[C@](C[C@H]1C3=CC(=O)[C@@H]4[C@]5(CC[C@@H](C([C@@H]5CC[C@]4([C@@]3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)O[C@@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)C(=O)[O-])O)O)O[C@H]7[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O7)C(=O)[O-])O)O)O)C)(C)C(=O)O.[K+].[K+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate is a salt derivative of glycyrrhizic acid, a triterpenoid saponin primarily extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza species, commonly known as licorice. Chemically, it consists of glycyrrhizic acid neutralized with two potassium ions, which increases its water solubility and stability compared to the free acid form. This compound has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and skin-soothing properties, making it a valuable ingredient in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications.

The discovery of glycyrrhizic acid dates back to the early 20th century when researchers investigated the active constituents responsible for the sweet taste and therapeutic properties of licorice roots. Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate was subsequently developed to improve the solubility and handling of glycyrrhizic acid for practical applications. Structural characterization was achieved through chromatographic separation and spectroscopic techniques, facilitating research into its pharmacological effects and therapeutic mechanisms.

Pharmacologically, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity. It can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins, and suppress enzymes involved in inflammation, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These effects are mediated through the modulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways, providing potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory disorders and skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.

Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate also demonstrates significant antioxidant activity. Its triterpenoid structure allows it to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce oxidative stress in tissues, contributing to its protective effects in liver cells and other organs. This antioxidant activity underpins its hepatoprotective potential, where it can mitigate liver damage caused by toxins, viral infections, or metabolic stress.

In addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate has demonstrated skin-soothing and anti-allergic effects. It stabilizes mast cells, inhibits histamine release, and reduces skin irritation and erythema, which has led to its widespread use in cosmetic and dermatological formulations. Its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the skin makes it a valuable active ingredient in creams, lotions, and serums designed to treat sensitive or inflamed skin.

The compound has also been investigated for antiviral activity, particularly against hepatitis viruses, where it can modulate immune responses and reduce viral replication in vitro. These properties suggest potential applications in supportive therapies for viral infections, although clinical use requires further investigation.

Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate is generally well tolerated, with low toxicity and a favorable safety profile observed in preclinical and clinical studies. Its enhanced water solubility compared to glycyrrhizic acid allows for easier formulation in oral, topical, and cosmetic products, improving its practical applications.

Overall, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate is a bioactive triterpenoid salt with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, skin-soothing, and potential antiviral activities. Its development from glycyrrhizic acid and subsequent research highlight its therapeutic versatility in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic contexts.

References

2013. Glycyrrhizin ameliorates insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome-X in rat model. Indian journal of experimental biology.
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23923606

2012. Glycyrrhizic acid affords robust neuroprotection in the postischemic brain via anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting HMGB1 phosphorylation and secretion. Neurobiology of Disease.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.12.056

2025. Glycyrrhizin and its derivatives: an emerging secondary metabolite arsenal of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Medicinal Chemistry Research.
DOI: 10.1007/s00044-025-03376-7