University of Tokyo researchers identify licorice compound glycyrrhizin as potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

University of Tokyo researchers find that glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice, reduces intestinal inflammation in new stem cell-based IBD models.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from International Society for Stem Cell Research

A New Frontier in Stem Cell Based Drug Discovery

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a sophisticated stem cell derived model of the human intestine to address the global rise of inflammatory bowel disease. The study, led by Yu Takahashi, aimed to create a reliable platform for high throughput screening that could mimic the chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall seen in patients. According to the research team, many of the 4 million people worldwide affected by this condition receive limited benefits from standard immune targeting therapies. By inducing an IBD like state in these lab grown cells, the scientists were able to test the efficacy of thousands of compounds in a controlled environment.

Screening the Chemical Landscape for Therapeutic Hits

The investigation involved a rigorous screening of approximately 3,500 different compounds to identify those capable of preventing cell death. To ensure accuracy, the researchers exposed their intestinal model to a primary inflammatory protein known to drive the progression of the disease in humans. According to the findings published today, glycyrrhizin emerged as one of the most effective candidates for protecting the intestinal lining. This natural component, famously found in black licorice, demonstrated a high capacity for preventing the cellular destruction that leads to persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue.

Validating Protective Effects in Living Organisms

After the successful results in the stem cell model, the team transitioned to testing glycyrrhizin in mice with induced colitis. The animal trials mirrored the cellular results, showing a marked reduction in both intestinal inflammation and widespread cell death. According to the study, the compound's ability to act as a shield for the intestinal epithelium suggests it could be a potent alternative or supplement to existing anti inflammatory drugs. This dual validation in both human derived cells and living models strengthens the case for glycyrrhizin as a viable therapeutic agent.