A compound from licorice called 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid reduced inflammation and cellular aging in fat tissue of obese mice by controlling cholesterol levels, according to a 2026 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The compound’s effects were comparable to cholesterol-lowering medications, suggesting it could help combat obesity-related metabolic problems, though human studies are still needed.
A new study found that a natural compound from licorice called 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) may help protect fat tissue from aging and inflammation caused by obesity. Researchers tested this compound in obese mice and in human fat cells grown in the lab. They discovered that 18β-GA reduced inflammation, slowed down cellular aging, and helped fat cells work better. The compound appears to work by controlling cholesterol levels in fat tissue. According to Gram Research analysis, these findings suggest licorice-derived compounds could become useful supplements for people struggling with obesity-related health problems.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound derived from licorice, significantly reduced inflammation markers and cellular senescence in the fat tissue of diet-induced obese mice.
Research shows that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid restored the ability of human fat cell precursor cells to develop into mature fat cells in laboratory studies, with protective effects comparable to established cholesterol-lowering medications.
According to the 2026 research, the licorice compound reduced cholesterol accumulation in fat tissue, which directly prevents premature aging of fat cell precursor cells and reduces harmful inflammatory signals.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural compound from licorice can reduce aging and inflammation in fat tissue caused by obesity
- Who participated: Obese mice fed a high-fat diet and human fat cells grown in laboratory conditions
- Key finding: 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid significantly reduced inflammation markers and cellular aging signs in fat tissue, with effects comparable to cholesterol-lowering medications
- What it means for you: This research suggests licorice-derived supplements might help reduce chronic inflammation and metabolic problems in people with obesity, though human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness
The Research Details
Researchers used two main approaches to test their theory. First, they fed mice a high-fat diet to create obesity and then gave some mice the licorice compound to see if it helped. Second, they grew human fat cells in dishes and treated them with the compound to watch what happened at the cellular level. This combination of animal and lab-based studies helps scientists understand both how something works in a living body and the specific mechanisms at the cellular level.
The researchers also used a technique called network pharmacology analysis, which is like mapping out how a drug or compound interacts with thousands of different targets in the body. This helped them identify which specific protein (HMGCR) the licorice compound was targeting. They then confirmed this finding by comparing the licorice compound’s effects to existing medications that target the same protein.
This multi-layered approach strengthens the findings because it shows the compound works through a specific, identifiable mechanism rather than just having random beneficial effects.
Understanding how natural compounds affect fat tissue aging is important because obesity is linked to chronic inflammation and accelerated aging of cells. When fat tissue becomes inflamed and cells age prematurely, it contributes to metabolic disorders, diabetes, and heart disease. If a natural compound can slow this process, it could offer a new way to help people with obesity without relying solely on weight loss or medications.
This study combines animal models with laboratory cell studies, which is a solid research approach. The identification of a specific molecular target (HMGCR) and comparison to known medications strengthens the findings. However, the study was conducted in mice and cultured cells, not humans, so results may not directly translate. The sample size for the animal studies was not specified in the abstract, which makes it harder to assess statistical power. Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed journal, which adds credibility.
What the Results Show
The licorice compound 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid significantly reduced inflammation in the fat tissue of obese mice. Specifically, it decreased markers of cellular senescence, which is the process where cells stop dividing and become dysfunctional—essentially cellular aging. The compound also reduced something called SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype), which is a harmful inflammatory state that aged cells create.
In the laboratory-grown human fat cells, 18β-GA restored the ability of fat cell precursor cells to develop into mature fat cells, a process called adipogenic differentiation. This is important because when obesity damages this process, it can worsen metabolic problems. The researchers found that the compound’s protective effects were comparable to established cholesterol-lowering medications (HMGCR inhibitors), suggesting it works through a similar mechanism.
The key mechanism appears to be cholesterol control. The compound reduced cholesterol accumulation in fat tissue, and the researchers showed that excess cholesterol directly causes fat cell precursor cells to age prematurely. By controlling cholesterol levels, 18β-GA prevents this aging process.
The network pharmacology analysis identified HMGCR (a cholesterol-regulating enzyme) as the primary target of 18β-GA. This finding was important because it explained how the compound works and suggested it might have effects similar to statin drugs, which are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol. The study also showed that the compound’s anti-inflammatory effects were linked to this cholesterol-regulating mechanism, suggesting the benefits aren’t random but stem from a specific biological pathway.
Previous research has shown that obesity causes chronic inflammation and premature aging of fat tissue cells. This study builds on that knowledge by identifying a natural compound that can counteract these processes. The comparison to HMGCR inhibitors (cholesterol-lowering drugs) is particularly interesting because it suggests natural compounds might offer similar benefits, though this needs confirmation in human studies. The focus on cholesterol’s role in cellular aging is relatively newer in obesity research.
The study was conducted in mice and laboratory-grown cells, not in humans, so results may not directly apply to people. The abstract doesn’t specify how many mice were used, making it difficult to assess whether the findings are statistically robust. The study doesn’t address potential side effects or optimal dosing in humans. It’s unclear whether the compound would work as well in people with different genetic backgrounds or other health conditions. Long-term safety data in humans is not provided. The study doesn’t compare the compound to other natural anti-inflammatory substances, so it’s unclear if it’s uniquely effective.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid shows promise as a potential supplement for reducing inflammation and cellular aging in fat tissue. However, confidence in this recommendation is moderate because human studies are still needed. People interested in this compound should consult healthcare providers before using licorice supplements, as licorice can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone, particularly those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
This research is most relevant to people with obesity who are interested in natural approaches to reduce chronic inflammation and metabolic problems. It may also interest researchers studying aging and inflammation. People taking blood pressure medications, those with kidney disease, or pregnant women should avoid licorice supplements without medical supervision. This is preliminary research, so it shouldn’t replace established obesity treatments like diet, exercise, or prescribed medications.
In animal studies, benefits appeared within the timeframe of the experiment, but human studies would likely need weeks to months to show measurable effects. Realistic expectations would be gradual improvements in inflammation markers and metabolic measures over 8-12 weeks of consistent use, though this hasn’t been tested in humans yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can licorice supplements help with weight loss and inflammation?
A 2026 study found that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid from licorice reduced inflammation and cellular aging in obese mice by controlling cholesterol. However, this was tested in animals and lab cells, not humans, so effectiveness in people remains unproven. Consult a doctor before using licorice supplements.
How does licorice compound reduce fat tissue inflammation?
Research shows 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid works by controlling cholesterol levels in fat tissue. Excess cholesterol causes fat cells to age prematurely and become inflamed. By reducing cholesterol accumulation, the compound prevents this aging process and reduces inflammatory signals.
Is 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid safe to take as a supplement?
The 2026 study only tested this compound in mice and lab cells, not humans, so safety data in people is limited. Licorice supplements can raise blood pressure and interact with medications. Anyone considering licorice supplements should consult their healthcare provider first.
What is inflammaging and why does it matter?
Inflammaging is premature aging of cells caused by chronic inflammation, common in obesity. It contributes to metabolic disorders and disease. The 2026 study showed 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid reduced inflammaging markers in fat tissue, suggesting it could help prevent obesity-related health problems.
When will licorice supplements be available as an obesity treatment?
This 2026 research is preliminary—tested only in mice and lab cells. Human clinical trials would be needed before any supplement could be recommended for obesity. This likely requires several more years of research and testing.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily licorice supplement intake (if used) alongside weekly measurements of energy levels, bloating, and inflammation-related symptoms like joint stiffness or general soreness
- Users could log licorice supplement consumption and correlate it with dietary choices and exercise to identify patterns in how natural compounds affect their energy and inflammation markers
- Establish a baseline of inflammation-related symptoms before starting any supplement, then monitor weekly for changes in fatigue, digestive comfort, and overall inflammation markers over 8-12 weeks
This research was conducted in mice and laboratory-grown cells, not in humans. Results may not directly apply to people. Licorice supplements can interact with medications and may be unsafe for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or certain heart conditions. Pregnant women should avoid licorice supplements. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Before starting any supplement, consult with your doctor, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.