Licorice root intertwined with a healthy kidney, symbolizing natural support for kidney function.

Glabridin: A Natural Boost for Kidney Function During Dialysis?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Can this licorice root extract help maintain residual kidney function and improve outcomes for dialysis patients?"

For individuals undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD), changes in the peritoneal membrane can lead to complications. These changes often result from the constant contact with bio-incompatible components in dialysis solutions, leading to ultrafiltration (UF) capacity decline, fibrosis, and extracellular matrix accumulation.

Researchers have been exploring potential solutions to mitigate these effects. One area of interest is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and its association with transforming growth factor ">(TGF-β), which plays a role in tissue repair. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to prevent peritoneal membrane damage.

Glabridin, a compound isolated from licorice root, has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the potential protective effects of glabridin on peritoneal function and residual renal function (RRF) in PD patients, offering a natural approach to kidney support.

Glabridin's Impact on Dialysis Patients: Study Findings

Licorice root intertwined with a healthy kidney, symbolizing natural support for kidney function.

A study published in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research explored the effects of glabridin on kidney function in dialysis patients. The study involved twenty-five participants (age range, 24 - 58 years) with a glomerular filtration rate of above 2 mL/min/1.73 m2, all undergoing PD. For six months, patients received 30 mg of glabridin daily.

Researchers closely monitored various parameters, including serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor ẞ (TGF-β), glucose levels, dialyzer clearance of urea, dialysis time, peritoneal transport status, and dialysate cancer antigen 125 (CA125).

Increased Dialysate CA125: Glabridin treatment led to a significant increase in mean dialysate CA125, suggesting a potential increase in mesothelial cell mass.
Unaffected Parameters: Serum hs-CRP, VEGF, TGF-β, CTGF, daily ultrafiltration, glucose levels, Kt/V, and peritoneal transport status remained unaffected.
Decreased Renal Function Decline: Glabridin treatment decreased the decline in peritoneal function and suppressed the elevation of profibrotic markers.

These findings suggest that glabridin could be a valuable candidate for supporting residual kidney function in dialysis patients. By potentially increasing mesothelial cell mass and decreasing the decline in peritoneal function, glabridin offers a multi-faceted approach to improving outcomes.

The Future of Glabridin in Kidney Care

The study indicates that glabridin shows promise in reducing the loss of peritoneal function and suppressing the elevation of profibrotic markers. These benefits suggest that glabridin can potentially improve the overall health and kidney function of individuals undergoing dialysis.

Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of glabridin. Future studies could explore optimal dosages, potential interactions with other treatments, and specific benefits for different patient populations.

Glabridin represents a promising natural candidate for supporting kidney function in dialysis patients. Its potential to increase mesothelial cell mass and decrease peritoneal function decline positions it as a valuable addition to comprehensive kidney care strategies. Always consult with healthcare providers before starting any new treatment.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/tjpr.v15i12.29, Alternate LINK

Title: Role Of Glabridin In Maintaining Residual Kidney Function In Dialysis Patients

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Yun-Qi Liu, Wei-Qun Zhang

Published: 2017-01-13

Everything You Need To Know

What is Glabridin and what is its significance for dialysis patients?

Glabridin, a compound extracted from licorice root, has been studied for its potential to support kidney function in dialysis patients. It shows promise in reducing the decline in peritoneal function and suppressing the rise of profibrotic markers, suggesting it could be a valuable tool for improving outcomes for individuals undergoing dialysis.

How does peritoneal dialysis impact the peritoneal membrane, and how does Glabridin address these issues?

In peritoneal dialysis (PD), the peritoneal membrane can undergo changes due to constant exposure to bio-incompatible components in dialysis solutions. These changes can lead to a decline in ultrafiltration capacity, fibrosis, and extracellular matrix accumulation. Glabridin, in the context of the study, addresses these issues by potentially increasing mesothelial cell mass and mitigating the decline in peritoneal function.

What were the main findings of the study regarding Glabridin and its effects on dialysis patients?

The study measured several parameters, including serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), glucose levels, dialyzer clearance of urea, dialysis time, peritoneal transport status, and dialysate cancer antigen 125 (CA125). The key findings were an increase in dialysate CA125, indicating a potential increase in mesothelial cell mass, and a decrease in the decline of peritoneal function. Other parameters such as hs-CRP, VEGF, TGF-β, CTGF, daily ultrafiltration, glucose levels, Kt/V, and peritoneal transport status remained unaffected.

Why are the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and TGF-β relevant in the context of dialysis, and how does Glabridin relate?

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and its connection to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) are critical because they are involved in tissue repair and the progression of peritoneal membrane damage. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are often used to prevent this damage. Glabridin's potential impact on these pathways suggests it could offer an alternative or complementary approach to protecting the peritoneal membrane.

What are the potential benefits of Glabridin for individuals undergoing dialysis treatment?

Glabridin may offer several benefits for individuals undergoing dialysis. These include a potential increase in mesothelial cell mass, a decrease in the decline of peritoneal function, and the suppression of profibrotic markers. These effects collectively suggest that Glabridin could improve overall health and kidney function, leading to better outcomes for dialysis patients.