Product name: Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate
Synonym name: Magnasweet; Monoammonium 18β-glycyrrhizinate; Monoammonium glycyrrhizate
Catalogue No.: BP0956
Cas No.: 53956-04-0
Formula: C₄₂H₆₅NO₁₆
Mol Weight: 839.973
Botanical Source: Glycyrrhiza Radix Et Rhizoma
Physical Description:
Type of Compound: Triterpenoids

Purity: 95%~99%
Analysis Method: HPLC-DAD or/and HPLC-ELSD
Identification Method: Mass, NMR
Packing: Brown vial or HDPE plastic bottle

Storage: Store in a well closed container, protected from air and light. Put into refrigerate or freeze for long term storage.
Whenever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20℃. Generally, these will be useable for up to two weeks.

The product could be supplied from milligrams to grams
Inquire for bulk scale.

Description:

Glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt has wound healing activity.

References:

Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2014;77(9):38-42.    

Study of the influence of original multicomponent gels on the process of pathological scar formation using new methodological approach.   

A new method of the quantitative macroscopic assessment of the process of a complex infected wound healing has been created. It was verified by example of the influence of original multicomponent gels consisting of cycloferon, amino acid glycine, glycyram (Glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt), and vegetable oils on the process of infected wound healing and pathological scar formation. Simultaneously, the wound healing was monitored by the conventional histomorphological method. The proposed gels more effectively prevent the formation of pathological scars in comparison to reference preparation Contractubex.   

HPLC of Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate

HNMR of Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate 

Storage conditions：Short-term storage at 2~8℃, long-term storage at -20 ~ -80℃

Introduction/Overview

Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate (CAS No.: 53956-04-0) is a natural product derived from glycyrrhiza spp., and is a salt derivative of glycyrrhizic acid. As a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient with a long history of use, monoammonium glycyrrhizate has attracted significant attention in the field of natural medicine research in recent years due to its remarkable pharmacological activity and good safety. It demonstrates broad biological effects in anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and liver protection, especially showing significant potential in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis.

This paper will systematically review the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of monoammonium glycyrrhizate (glycyrrhizate monoammonium), plant origin and extraction methods, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action, druggability evaluation and pharmacokinetic characteristics, and, combined with the current clinical application status, explore its future development prospects. It is hoped to provide theoretical basis and reference for in-depth research and clinical translation of monoammonium glycyrrhizate.

Chemical structure and physicochemical properties

Glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium is the monoammonium salt form of glycyrrhizic acid, with a molecular formula of C42H65NO16 and a molecular weight of 822.9420. Glycyrrhetinic acid itself is a triterpene saponin, with a structure consisting of a glycyrrhetinic acid and two glucose residues connected by glycosidic bonds. Glycyrrhizate monoammonium forms monoammonium salts on the carboxyl group of glycyrrhizic acid, enhancing its water solubility and stability.

In terms of physicochemical properties, the LogP value of monoammonium glycyrrhizate is about 2.35, indicating moderate lipid solubility that facilitates cell membrane penetration. The polar surface area (TPSA) is 267.04 Ų, indicating that the molecule has strong polar groups, which is beneficial for water solubility. The measured water solubility is 0.1297 mg/mL, classified as a moderately water-soluble substance. The blood-brain barrier has low permeability, suggesting limited distribution in the central nervous system. The hERG channel inhibition test was negative, indicating a low risk of cardiotoxicity. The Ames mutagenic test result was 0.0, indicating a low genotoxicity risk.

The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of monoammonium glycyrrhizate provide a basis for its pharmacokinetic behavior and efficacy in vivo, and also offer important parameter references for drug development.

Plant Origins and Extraction Methods

The parent compound of glycyrrhizate monoammonium, glycyrrhizic acid, mainly comes from plants of the genus Licorice, especially licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin). As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, licorice's roots and rhizomes are rich in glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives, serving as the main raw material for preparing glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium.

The extraction process typically includes the following steps:

1. Raw material pretreatment: Licorice is dried and crushed, then selected for suitable particle size.
2. Water extraction or alcohol extraction: extraction is carried out using water or ethanol-water mixed solvents, utilizing the water solubility of glycyrrhizic acid to extract glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives.
3. Crude extract concentration: Extract is obtained by removing part of the solvent through vacuum concentration.
4. Salinization reaction: Add ammonia water or ammonia salt solution to the concentrate to convert glycyrrhizic acid into monoammonium glycyrrhizate.
5. Purification and crystallization: By adjusting pH and temperature conditions, the crystallization of glycyrrhized monoammonium glycyrrhizate is promoted. After filtration, washing, and drying, a higher-purity glycyrrhizate monoammonium product is obtained.

Modern extraction technologies also include ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and membrane separation techniques, aiming to improve extraction efficiency and purity, reduce production costs, and meet the demands of industrial manufacturing.

Pharmacological activity research

As a salt derivative of glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizate monoammonium inherits and enhances multiple pharmacological activities of glycyrrhizic acid, especially showing outstanding performance in the field of liver diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Monoammonium glycyrrhizate has significant anti-inflammatory activity and can reduce inflammatory responses by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Its mechanism involves downregulating the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviating tissue inflammatory damage.

Antiviral effects

Multiple studies have shown that monoammonium glycyrrhizate has inhibitory effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. By interfering with the viral replication cycle and enhancing the host's immune response, it reduces viral load and promotes hepatocyte repair.

Antioxidant and cell protection

Monoammonium glycyrrhizate can enhance glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) activity, scavenge free radicals, and reduce cell damage caused by oxidative stress. At the same time, it regulates apoptosis regulatory proteins such as BCL2 and CASP3, protecting hepatocytes from damage.

Immune regulation

Monoammonium glycyrrhizate can regulate immune cell function, promote immune tolerance, regulate the inflammatory microenvironment, and aid in liver tissue repair and regeneration.

Mechanism of action and molecular targets

The therapeutic effect of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate in diseases such as hepatitis depends on its regulation of multiple key molecular targets:

• BCL2: As an anti-apoptotic protein, monoammonium glycyrrhizate upregulates BCL2 expression, inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis, and promotes cell survival.
• STAT3: By regulating signal transduction and transcription activator factor 3, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate controls cell proliferation and immune responses, promoting hepatocyte repair.
• ESR2 (estrogen receptor β): involved in regulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism, monoammonium glycyrrhizate may regulate liver function through this target.
• TNF: As a major pro-inflammatory factor, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate inhibits TNF expression and reduces inflammatory damage.
• PTGS2 (COX-2): Inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 expression and reduces the formation of inflammatory mediators.
• NFKB1: By inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, monoammonium glycyrrhizate reduces inflammatory responses and apoptosis.
• CASP3: Regulates the enzyme executing cell apoptosis; monoammonium glycyrrhizate reduces CASP3 activity and protects liver cells.
• IL6, IL1B: Inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and alleviate inflammation.
• GPX1: Enhances antioxidant enzyme activity and reduces oxidative stress.

In summary, monoammonium glycyrrhizate achieves comprehensive regulation of liver inflammation, viral infection, and cellular damage through multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic effects.

Druggability evaluation and pharmacokinetics

The druggability parameters of monoammonium glycyrrhizate indicate that it has promising potential for drug development. With a molecular weight of 822.9420, it is relatively large, but its moderate LogP (2.35) and high polar surface area (TPSA 267.04) give it advantages in both lipid and water solubility, which is beneficial for distribution in vivo.

Its water solubility is 0.1297 mg/mL, making it suitable for both oral and injectable formulation development. The blood-brain barrier has low permeability, reducing the risk of central nervous system side effects. Negative hERG channel inhibition suggests good cardiac safety. Ames test is negative, indicating low genotoxicity risk.

Pharmacokinetic studies show that monoammonium glycyrrhizinate is well absorbed orally and is enriched in the liver, mainly metabolized by the liver and excreted via bile. Its half-life is moderate, maintaining effective plasma concentrations. The main metabolic products in the body are glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives, which have certain biological activity.

However, monoammonium glycyrrhizate has a large molecular weight and strong polarity, which may limit its cell membrane penetration rate and affect bioavailability. In the future, drug formulation optimization and structural modification will be needed to enhance pharmacokinetic performance.

Prospects and outlooks for clinical applications

As a safe and effective natural medicinal ingredient, monoammonium glycyrrhizate has shown promising clinical application potential in the treatment of various liver diseases. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects provide new treatment approaches for diseases such as hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and fatty liver.

Currently, monoammonium glycyrrhizate has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicines, such as compound glycyrrhizin injection. Clinical data show it can significantly improve liver function indicators, reduce liver cell damage, and promote liver repair. At the same time, its good safety makes it suitable for long-term use.

Future research should focus on the following directions:

1. In-depth mechanism analysis: By combining multi-omics techniques, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathway networks of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate in liver diseases are further revealed.
2. Dosage Form Innovation: Developing new formulations such as sustained-release, targeted, and nanocarrier formulations to improve bioavailability and targeting.
3. Clinical trial expansion: Conduct larger-scale, multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials to verify efficacy and safety.
4. Combination drug research: Exploring the synergistic effects of monoammonium glycyrrhizate combined with antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, and other treatments.
5. New indication development: Based on its multi-target effects, it has been expanded to treat other inflammatory diseases and immune-related diseases.

In summary, as a versatile natural medicinal ingredient, monoammonium glycyrrhizate has broad clinical application prospects and development potential.

Conclusion

As a monoammonium salt derivative of glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizate monoammonium demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and liver-protective effects due to its unique chemical structure and excellent physicochemical properties. By regulating various key molecular targets, it plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis. Druggability evaluations show that it has good safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics, making it suitable for further drug development.

In the future, with deeper elucidation of molecular mechanisms and innovations in formulation technology, monoammonium glycyrrhizate is expected to become an effective drug in the field of liver disease treatment, offering patients new treatment options. Ongoing basic research and clinical validation will promote the widespread adoption of its clinical applications, advance the development of natural product pharmacology, and promote the modernization of natural medicines.