'Gamcho' in the Pharmacy... Confirmed Effects on Allergic Asthma

Research Team Led by Dr. Kim Yoonhee at Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine
Glycyrrhizic Acid Demonstrates Effective Relief Capability

Domestic researchers have discovered that the commonly used herbal medicine Gamcho (licorice) is effective against allergic asthma.

The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine announced that Dr. Kim Yoon-hee of the Department of Integrative Medicine Research identified the key signaling mechanism that triggers allergic asthma and found that a component extracted from Gamcho can alleviate allergic asthma.

▲Licorice. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

The research results were published on February 7 in the international peer-reviewed journal Wiley-Allergy (IF 14.71).

The research team confirmed that HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box 1), a key inflammatory substance increased by antigens that induce allergic reactions, excessively activates the NCRC4 inflammasome, causing allergic asthma. Furthermore, they revealed that glycyrrhizic acid, extracted from the widely known herbal medicine Gamcho, regulates the ‘HMGB1 protein-NCRC4 inflammasome signaling pathway,’ effectively alleviating allergic asthma in human-derived bronchial epithelial cells and asthma animal models. Glycyrrhizic acid is a major component of Gamcho and a saponin compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which has been the subject of various studies.

Dr. Kim stated, “Based on this research achievement, we will continue to study the various causes and immune systems involved in allergic diseases,” adding, “Since allergic diseases occur due to the complex interaction of multiple factors, herbal medicines containing multiple active components that can target multiple pathways may provide a new approach to treatment technology.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.