Identification of Glyasperin B as a Lipolytic Agent with Anti-Obesity Activity from the Licorice Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Keiichi Ishido^1, , Yuka Sasakawa¹, Michiyo Abe¹, Fumiko Nakaoka¹, Mayumi Nakao¹, Kaori Yamamoto¹, Chizuko Fukuhama¹ and Yasuo Sumida¹

¹MG Pharma Inc., Osaka 567-0085, Japan

Cite this paper:
Keiichi Ishido, Yuka Sasakawa, Michiyo Abe, Fumiko Nakaoka, Mayumi Nakao, Kaori Yamamoto, Chizuko Fukuhama and Yasuo Sumida. Identification of Glyasperin B as a Lipolytic Agent with Anti-Obesity Activity from the Licorice Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2025; 13(8):301-306. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-13-8-4

Abstract

Obesity is recognized as a significant public health concern. Although licorice extract from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis exhibits anti-obesity effects, limited knowledge regarding its active components has hindered the development of standardized preparations. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the compound responsible for the anti-obesity activity of licorice extract. By isolating and characterizing a compound exhibiting lipolytic activity against 3T3-L1 adipocytes, glyasperin B was identified. In a diet-induced obesity mouse model, the efficacy of licorice extracts correlated with glyasperin B content, suggesting that glyasperin B is a key contributor to the anti-obesity effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. This study’s findings may facilitate the standardized preparation of licorice extracts for weight management, potentially aiding in the fight against obesity.

Keywords:
licorice glyasperin B flavonoid lipolysis obesity Glycyrrhiza uralensis

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