Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the chief sweet-tasting constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root. Structurally it is a saponin and has been used as an emulsifier and gel-forming agent in foodstuff and cosmetics. Its aglycone is enoxolone and it has therefore been used as a prodrug for that compound, for example it is used in Japan to prevent liver carcinogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.