Could Black Licorice Help Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease? New Research Says Yes
Scientists have developed a revolutionary stem cell–based model of the human intestine that could speed up the discovery of new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using this lab-grown tissue, they screened thousands of compounds and found that glycyrrhizin—a natural ingredient in black licorice—significantly reduces intestinal damage and cell death in both the model and in mice. This Q&A unpacks the findings and what they mean for IBD therapy.
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and why is new treatment urgently needed?
IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing inflammation, pain, diarrhea, and tissue damage. Current treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics help many patients but are not effective for everyone and can have serious side effects. There is a critical need for safer, more targeted therapies. The new stem cell–based model allows researchers to simulate human intestinal inflammation more accurately than ever before, making it possible to test potential drugs quickly and ethically before moving to animal or human trials.
What exactly is this stem cell–based intestine model and how does it work?
Researchers created a three-dimensional tissue culture using human intestinal stem cells, which grow into structures that mimic the real lining of the small and large intestines. This “mini-gut” model displays key features of IBD, such as inflammation and cell death, when exposed to inflammatory triggers. Unlike traditional cell cultures that use only one cell type, this model includes multiple cell layers and immune interactions, providing a more realistic environment for drug testing. Because it is derived from human cells, the results are more relevant to human disease than animal models alone.
How did researchers test thousands of compounds using this model?
The team screened a large library of natural and synthetic compounds by adding each one to the inflamed mini-gut model and measuring markers of inflammation and cell survival. They automated the process to handle thousands of samples quickly. This high‑throughput approach identified glycyrrhizin as a standout candidate—it consistently reduced inflammatory signals and protected the intestinal cells from death. The screening also allowed the researchers to understand which molecular pathways the compound targets.
What is glycyrrhizin and why is it found in black licorice?
Glycyrrhizin is a natural compound extracted from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It gives black licorice its characteristic sweet taste and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe sore throats and stomach upsets. In this study, glycyrrhizin showed potent anti‑inflammatory effects by blocking a key protein involved in IBD-related tissue damage. It is important to note that the amount of glycyrrhizin in typical black licorice candy is low, and eating large quantities can have side effects—so the research is focused on purified, controlled doses.
What were the key results in lab-grown tissue and in mice?
In the mini-gut model, glycyrrhizin significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory molecules (such as cytokines) and prevented the death of intestinal cells. In mice with chemically induced colitis, treating with glycyrrhizin led to less weight loss, less colon shortening, and fewer signs of tissue damage compared to untreated mice. The compound also lowered the expression of enzymes that contribute to inflammation. These results suggest that glycyrrhizin could be developed into a therapy that not only eases symptoms but also repairs the intestinal lining.
What are the next steps before glycyrrhizin can become an IBD treatment?
More preclinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and optimal dosage in humans. Researchers must also determine the best way to deliver glycyrrhizin to the intestine—for example, as a pill, enema, or coated capsule that resists stomach acid. Because high doses of glycyrrhizin can cause potassium loss and high blood pressure (the “licorice side effect”), scientists are already exploring modified versions of the compound that retain anti‑inflammatory power without the risks. If these hurdles are overcome, clinical trials could begin within a few years.
How might this stem cell model change the way we discover drugs for other diseases?
This approach is not limited to IBD. The same technology can be used to create mini‑organs (organoids) of the liver, lung, or brain—each with a patient’s unique genetic background. By testing compounds on these human-like tissues, researchers can quickly identify promising drug candidates for a wide range of conditions, from cystic fibrosis to cancer. The stem cell model reduces reliance on animal testing and speeds up the journey from lab to clinic, ultimately bringing safer, more effective treatments to patients faster.