Abstract

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a natural chalcone-type flavonoid derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza species), known for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It functions as a bioactive compound that modulates cell signaling pathways, including inhibiting cancer cell migration, promoting apoptosis, and protecting organs from oxidative stress. Applications include pharmaceuticals for cancer treatment, hepatoprotection, and cardiovascular health, along with use in dietary supplements for gut and neurological health.

Description

• Source: Extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis or Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), often found in food, beverages, and tobacco products.
• Structure: It is a simple chalcone-type flavonoid and an isomer of liquiritigenin.
• Appearance: Typically a yellow powder, known for its bioactive properties in traditional medicine.

Function

• Anticancer Activity: Inhibits tumor cell proliferation, induces apoptosis (cell death), and prevents metastasis (e.g., in breast and endometrial cancers) by inhibiting PI3K, Akt, and mTOR signaling.
• Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Reduces LPS-induced inflammation (IL-1 BETA, IL-6, NF-kB) and protects against oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway modulation.
• Cardioprotection: Ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating and protecting against atherosclerosis by blocking TRPC5 channels.
• Neuroprotective & Behavioral: Acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAa-benzodiazepine receptors, offering potential sedative, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects.
• Gastroprotective: Reduces gastric acid secretion and ulcer formation.

Application

• Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals: Used for promoting gut health (as a prebiotic) and potentially aiding in mood relaxation.
• Food Industry: Used as a flavoring agent in confectionery and other foods.
• Safety Considerations: Some research on zebrafish has indicated potential neurodevelopmental toxicity and anxiety-like behavior at high concentrations, highlighting the need for careful dosage evaluation.

About Us

We focus on Cosmetic active ingredients, bioactive materials, and plant extract. In cosmetics, we develop high-purity, high-stability and skin-friendly active ingredients with anti-aging, moisturizing, repairing and brightening effects through biosynthesis, meeting the demand for natural and efficient raw materials in the global beauty industry. In bioactive raw materials, we provide safe and stable products for functional food, health care and biomedical fields. In plant extract, we strictly develop and produce high-quality APIs, supporting drug R&D and human health.

In addition, we have strong capabilities in customized peptide synthesis. We have a professional R&D team and an advanced synthesis platform, providing one-stop customized services covering linear peptides, complex cyclic peptides, peptide encapsulation and modification.