Inhibitory Effects of Licochalcone A Isolated fromGlycyrrhiza inflataRoot on Inflammatory Ear Edema and Tumour Promotion in Mice

Abstract

Licochalcone A, 3-α,α-dimethylallyl-4,4′-dihydroxy-6-methoxychalcone, from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata Beta (Leguminosae) (Xin-jiang liquorice) showed anti-inflammatory action towards mouse ear edema induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) by topical application. Anti-tumour promoting action of licochalcone A was also observed in vivo for mouse skin papilloma initiated by dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by TPA. It inhibited in vitro ³²P_i-incorporation to phospholipids in HeLa cells promoted by TPA. A competitive interaction of licochalcone A with the TPA-receptors in the cell membrane has been suggested.