Page 110 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Uses:
• Flavoring and sweetening agent.
• Demulcent
• Mild expectorant
• anti-inflammatory
• In treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Used as emulsifying agent to facilitate the absorption of poorly absorbed
drugs.

Undesirable side effects and contraindications of glycyrrhizin and liquorice
extract:

• Glycyrrhizin increases fluid and sodium retention and promotes potassium
depletion due to its mineralocorticoid effect, so persons with cardiac
problems and hypertension should avoid excessive quantities of liquorice
or prolonged use.

• Liquorice may induce hypokalemia thus:
a. may interfere with the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs ex: digoxin
b. Avoid concomitant use with stimulant laxatives.

How to avoid undesirable side effects of liquorice:
Deglycyrrhizinised powder liquorice:
Powder liquorice from which most of its glycyrrhizin has been removed used in
the treatment of peptic ulcer, and protective against gastric ulcers induced by
aspirin.
Cabenoxolone: A semi-synthetic derivative from glycyrrhizic acid (succinic
acid derivative ) Na+ or K+ salt. It does not have mineralocorticoid effect and is
used for the treatment of peptic ulcer and topical treatment of mouth ulcer.

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