Prof. Villalain has published a new article entitled “Localization, aggregation, and interaction of glycyrrhizic acid with the plasma membrane” in the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics by Taylor & Francis Group.
Glycyrrhizic acid (GLA), the primary bioactive compound in licorice root, exhibits numerous therapeutic activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Its amphiphilic structure allows it to interact with membranes, where it adopts two forms: protonated (GLA) and deprotonated (GLAD), which localize differently within the membrane.
Using molecular dynamics simulations, researchers discovered that GLA/GLAD prefers a position between cholesterol and phospholipids, altering membrane fluidity and interacting with specific lipid types. However, both forms also aggregate in solution, which may prevent their insertion into membranes and reduce bioactivity. This aggregation suggests the need for tailored delivery systems for effective biological or clinical applications.
This work was partially funded by ‘Programa de Ayudas para la Investigación del Envejecimiento del Centro Internacional para la Investigación del Envejecimiento de la Comunidad Valenciana, ICAR, Convocatoria 2023’.
You can download the article here.