AUTHOR=Zhang Qian-hui , Huang Hao-zhou , Qiu Min , Wu Zhen-feng , Xin Zhan-chang , Cai Xin-fu , Shang Qiang , Lin Jun-zhi , Zhang Ding-kun , Han Li 

TITLE=Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Effects, and Molecular Mechanisms of Licorice in Potential Therapy of COVID-19

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.719758

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2021.719758

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=Background: Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it has become one of the most serious infectious diseases globally, and the epidemic situation is extremely difficult. Licorice, as traditional herbal medicine, has several pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, detoxification, antibacterial, antitussive and immunomodulatory effects. Relevant literature and clinical studies show that licorice could be used as a potential medicine to prevent and treat COVID-19. These studies provide a good reference point for exploring the mechanism of licorice can be useful to develop an alternative medicine for treating COVID-19.
Purpose: With the increasing number of cases of COVID-19. Nevertheless, there is still no drug to treat COVID-19. Therefore, it must provide a reference for new drug development and clinical treatments for COVID-19.
Methods: We reviewed the potential pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of licorice to assist in the treatment of COVID-19, and discussed the feasibility of using it for treating COVID-19.
Results: Recent studies have revealed the possible binding sites present on SARS-CoV2 and studied their interactions with licorice, its active substances, especially glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin have shown an important interaction with the SARS-CoV2 proteins, such as the ACE2 receptor. Studies further emphasize the activity of these active substances against COVID-19.
Conclusion: This review summarizes the available reports and evidence which support the use of licorice as potential candidates in the treatment of COVID-19.