EFFECT OF GLYCYRRHIZIN ON ESTROGEN ACTION

Abstract
Glycyrrhizin inhibited the action of estradiol-17B on uterine weight and B-glucuronidase activity in ovariectomized mice and rats in a certain dose ratio. The inhibition was 50% or more when the dose ratio of glyrrhizin: estradiol-17[beta] was 1000 : 1. In any higher ratio of glycyrrhizin to estrogen, the inhibition was decreased or even reversed. Glycyrrhizin by itself had no effect on either uterine weight or B-glucuronidase activity in ovariectomized mice. The mechanism of the anti-estrogenic effect was discussed in relation to the effect of glycyrrhizin on biological actions and hepatic degradation of cortisone.