Black Licorice Compounds Offer Anti-Inflammatory Benefits for Intestinal Diseases

Researchers have identified a natural compound found in black licorice that may offer a new pathway for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance, known as glycyrrhizin, has emerged as a promising anti-inflammatory candidate according to research published in Stem Cell Reports.

The discovery was made possible through the development of a new stem cell-based model of the human intestine. This lab-grown model allows scientists to test thousands of different compounds to observe their effects on human intestinal tissue more accurately than previous methods.

In a report released by the International Society for Stem Cell Research on May 9, 2026, researchers stated that glycyrrhizin demonstrated a capacity to reduce intestinal inflammation and prevent cell death. These results were observed in both the lab-grown human tissue and in mice.

The compound specifically reduced intestinal damage linked to IBD, suggesting it could serve as a potential therapy to mitigate the cellular destruction associated with the chronic condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition defined by ongoing inflammation within the digestive tract. It is estimated that approximately 4 million people worldwide are living with the disease, a figure that researchers say continues to rise.

Patients with IBD frequently experience a range of debilitating symptoms, including abdominal pain, fatigue, and persistent diarrhea. These symptoms and their associated complications can significantly disrupt a patient’s daily life.

Current medical interventions for IBD typically include immune-targeting drugs and anti-inflammatory medications. However, these treatments often fail to provide lasting relief, and many patients do not respond sufficiently to existing therapies or continue to suffer from symptoms despite ongoing treatment.

The use of a stem cell-derived intestine model represents a shift in how new IBD treatments are discovered. By utilizing human-based tissue models, researchers can more effectively screen for compounds that might otherwise be overlooked in traditional testing.

While glycyrrhizin has shown promise in early lab and animal testing, the research focuses on its potential as a candidate for further development. The findings highlight the role of stem cell technology in identifying natural compounds that may eventually lead to more effective therapies for chronic intestinal inflammation.