Licochalcone A

Licochalcone A is a natural flavonoid compound isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza species, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, inflata, and uralensis (licorice). It is characterized by its enone structure and belongs to the chalcone family[1][6]. Licochalcone A exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-parasitic, osteogenic (bone-protective), neuroprotective effects, blood glucose and lipid regulation, and skin protection[2][3][5]. Its mechanisms of action are diverse and include inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production via suppression of the Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway; activation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling for antioxidant effects; induction of apoptosis in cancer cells through Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) inhibition; regulation of cell cycle; suppression of tumor invasion/metastasis; inhibition of angiogenesis; modulation through MAPK inflammatory pathways; caspase-mediated apoptosis; and acetylcholinesterase inhibition relevant to neuroprotection[2][3][5][8]. Licochalcone A has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine but is not currently an approved pharmaceutical drug. Most research focuses on its potential as an anticancer agent or for diseases involving inflammation or oxidative stress.

Other names

LicA