Licochalcone A

Licochalcone A at a Glance

Licochalcone A is a prenylated retro-chalcone — the best-studied of the “licochalcones,” a small family of chalcones characteristic of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata) and, in smaller amounts, other licorice species. It is one of the more thoroughly investigated licorice flavonoids, with a broad and consistent preclinical pharmacology: anti-inflammatory (suppressing NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4 signalling), antibacterial and antimicrobial, antitumour (pro-apoptotic across many cancer-cell lines), plus antioxidant and metabolic effects ^{1,2Reference 1Maria Pia GD et al. · 2019Biological Effects of LicochalconesView study →Reference 2Liu D et al. · 2025Therapeutic potential of Licochalcone A in dermatological diseases: from basic to clinical researchView study →}.

The one place this molecule has actually reached people is the skin. Licochalcone A is used as an anti-inflammatory ingredient in commercial anti-acne and atopic-dermatitis skincare, and small human trials of those formulations are the closest thing to clinical evidence it has ^{2,5,8Reference 2Liu D et al. · 2025Therapeutic potential of Licochalcone A in dermatological diseases: from basic to clinical researchView study →Reference 5Angelova-Fischer I et al. · 2013RCTA double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acneView study →Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →}. Everything else — the large antitumour, antioxidant and metabolic literature — is cell-culture and rodent work on the isolated molecule, at concentrations well above anything documented in people.

Its reported toxicity is low, and topical cosmetic use (including in children with eczema) has been well tolerated in short studies. The main caveats are that its systemic human safety is simply uncharacterised, and that in animals it inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, a plausible drug-interaction route ^{24Reference 24Choi JS et al. · 2014AnimalEffects of licochalcone A on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats: possible role of intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition by licochalcone AView study →}.

The Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial Retro-Chalcone

Licochalcone A is a retro-chalcone: its aromatic rings carry an oxygenation pattern “reversed” relative to a common chalcone, and it bears a distinctive 1,1-dimethylallyl (prenyl) group. That lipophilic, membrane-partitioning structure is the practical reason a single molecule turns up as active in so many unrelated assays — it interacts readily with cell membranes, microbial targets and several inflammatory signalling nodes rather than one specific receptor ^{1Reference 1Maria Pia GD et al. · 2019Biological Effects of LicochalconesView study →}.

Two threads run through almost all of its biology. The first is broad anti-inflammatory signalling: across models, licochalcone A dampens NF-κB-driven transcription, blocks activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and can directly suppress Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) — the receptor tier that sits upstream of much innate inflammation ^{3,4Reference 3Yang G et al. · 2018Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomeView study →Reference 4Cai M et al. · 2023Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone A exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4View study →}. The second is antibacterial / anti-virulence activity: it inhibits bacterial growth and, at sub-inhibitory doses, suppresses the production of virulence factors such as Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin ^{10Reference 10Qiu J et al. · 2010Subinhibitory concentrations of licochalcone A decrease alpha-toxin production in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolatesView study →}.

These two threads converge on the skin. Acne is driven by inflammation around the pilosebaceous unit as much as by bacteria, and licochalcone A’s combined anti-inflammatory-plus-antibacterial profile is exactly why the cosmetic industry adopted it — see the next section.

Dermatological Use — Anti-Acne & Atopic Dermatitis

The molecule’s genuine, human-tested application is topical dermatology, where it functions as a plant-derived anti-inflammatory soothing agent rather than as a drug. This is where isolate biology and real use come closest to meeting ^{2Reference 2Liu D et al. · 2025Therapeutic potential of Licochalcone A in dermatological diseases: from basic to clinical researchView study →}.

• Acne. In a mechanistic study, licochalcone A attenuated acne-related inflammation by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome ^{3Reference 3Yang G et al. · 2018Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomeView study →}. In people, formulations containing it have been tested in controlled trials: a vehicle-controlled study of a licochalcone-A-containing skincare regimen improved mild-to-moderate acne ^{5Reference 5Angelova-Fischer I et al. · 2013RCTA double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acneView study →}; a within-person comparison found a licochalcone-A-containing regimen combined with adapalene improved tolerability and outcomes versus adapalene alone ^{6Reference 6Kantikosum K et al. · 2019RCTThe efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studyView study →}; and a licochalcone-A/L-carnitine sunscreen improved acne and post-acne pigmentation as a retinoid adjunct ^{7Reference 7How KN et al. · 2023Efficacy and Tolerability of a Sunscreen Containing Licochalcone A and L-Carnitine as an Adjunct to Retinoids in the Management of Acne and Post-Acne Pigmentation Among Malaysian PatientsView study →}.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Two randomised paediatric studies compared a licochalcone-A moisturiser against topical hydrocortisone in childhood atopic dermatitis and found it a useful, well-tolerated steroid-sparing option for mild disease ^{8,9Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}.

The honest framing: these are trials of proprietary cosmetic formulations, not of purified licochalcone A at a stated dose, so they demonstrate that the ingredient helps in the product, not a defined isolate potency.

What It's Used For

Beyond the skin, licochalcone A’s pharmacology is broad, mechanistically coherent and almost entirely preclinical. The evidence splits sharply by application — a modest but real human topical signal, versus a large body of in-vitro and rodent isolate work everywhere else.

Evidence by IndicationStrength of support · Beta

Support is an experimental score — weighted by study type (human > animal > in vitro) and volume. A beta, not a validated metric. Only the dermatological rows carry human data (and those are formulations, not the isolate), so preclinical rows stay modest by design.

01Dermatological / Anti-Acne (Topical)Promising55%Controlled human trials of licochalcone-A skincare in acne + atopic dermatitis (formulation, not isolate) ^{5,6,8,9Reference 5Angelova-Fischer I et al. · 2013RCTA double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acneView study →Reference 6Kantikosum K et al. · 2019RCTThe efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studyView study →Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}

02Anti-InflammatoryPromising50%Consistent NF-κB / NLRP3 / TLR4 suppression across cell + rodent models ^{3,4Reference 3Yang G et al. · 2018Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomeView study →Reference 4Cai M et al. · 2023Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone A exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4View study →}

03Antibacterial / AntimicrobialShaky40%In-vitro growth + anti-virulence (S. aureus α-toxin); antiviral reports ^{10,11Reference 10Qiu J et al. · 2010Subinhibitory concentrations of licochalcone A decrease alpha-toxin production in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolatesView study →Reference 11Li Z et al. · 2023Licochalcone A plays dual antiviral roles by inhibiting RSV and protecting against host damageView study →}

04Antitumour (Pro-Apoptotic)Shaky34%Many cancer-cell lines, several apoptosis/ferroptosis routes; no human data ^{12,13,14,15,16Reference 12Deng N et al. · 2023ReviewAnticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanismsView study →Reference 13Wu P et al. · 2020Licochalcone A Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis through TrxR1 Inactivation in Colorectal Cancer CellsView study →Reference 14Liu X et al. · 2021Licochalcone A inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of colon cancer cell by targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 via the NF-κB and Ras/Raf/MEK pathwaysView study →Reference 15Wu MH et al. · 2024Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expressionView study →Reference 16Han P et al. · 2024Licochalcone A decreases cancer cell proliferation and enhances ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through suppressing the IGF2BP3/MDM2 cascadeView study →}

05Antiparasitic (Historical)Shaky30%Early-1990s antileishmanial/antimalarial isolate work; parasite mitochondria ^{20,21,22,23Reference 20Chen M et al. · 1993Licochalcone A, a novel antiparasitic agent with potent activity against human pathogenic protozoan species of LeishmaniaView study →Reference 21Chen M et al. · 1994In vitroLicochalcone A, a new antimalarial agent, inhibits in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and protects mice from P. yoelii infectionView study →Reference 22Zhai L et al. · 1995The antileishmanial agent licochalcone A interferes with the function of parasite mitochondriaView study →Reference 23Mi-Ichi F et al. · 2005Parasite mitochondria as a target of chemotherapy: inhibitory effect of licochalcone A on the Plasmodium falciparum respiratory chainView study →}

06Antioxidant / HepatoprotectiveShaky28%Nrf2 activation; rodent acetaminophen-liver-injury model ^{17Reference 17Lv H et al. · 2018Licochalcone A Upregulates Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway and Thereby Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced HepatotoxicityView study →}

07Metabolic / Anti-ObesityShaky26%Adipocyte browning + PPARγ/SREBP-suppressed lipogenesis in vitro ^{18,19Reference 18Lee HE et al. · 2018Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browningView study →Reference 19Quan HY et al. · 2012Licochalcone A prevents adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis via suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathwaysView study →}

Mechanisms

The load-bearing pattern is the anti-inflammatory node (NF-κB / NLRP3 / TLR4): it explains the dermatological use directly and recurs inside the antitumour and hepatoprotective stories. The antitumour effects, by contrast, run through several unrelated death pathways — breadth that is real in vitro but untranslated to humans.

Pharmacokinetics

Human ADME for licochalcone A is not established; the available pharmacokinetics are preclinical and point to extensive metabolism and low systemic exposure. In vitro, licochalcone A undergoes substantial phase-II glucuronidation by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases ^{25Reference 25Xia YL et al. · 2019In vitroIn vitro characterization of the glucuronidation pathways of licochalcone A mediated by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferasesView study →}, and rodent/LC-MS-MS work maps extensive hepatic phase-I and phase-II metabolism of the molecule ^{26Reference 26Huang L et al. · 2017Hepatic metabolism of licochalcone A, a potential chemopreventive chalcone from licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometryView study →} — consistent with the general chalcone problem of rapid first-pass processing and modest oral bioavailability. The most decision-relevant PK finding is an interaction: in rats, licochalcone A inhibited intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising the bioavailability and plasma exposure of co-administered nifedipine ^{24Reference 24Choi JS et al. · 2014AnimalEffects of licochalcone A on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats: possible role of intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition by licochalcone AView study →}. That flags a plausible herb-drug interaction (see Toxicity) and is itself a reminder that meaningful systemic concentrations of the parent molecule are hard to reach and sustain.

Practically, this undercuts the many in-vitro potency claims: the micromolar concentrations that suppress inflammation or kill cancer cells in a dish are far above what extensive glucuronidation is likely to leave circulating after oral intake — one reason the only convincing human use is topical, where systemic PK is bypassed.

Clinical Trials

Human evidence exists only in dermatology, and only as formulations — controlled trials of licochalcone-A-containing skincare in acne ^{5,6,7Reference 5Angelova-Fischer I et al. · 2013RCTA double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acneView study →Reference 6Kantikosum K et al. · 2019RCTThe efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studyView study →Reference 7How KN et al. · 2023Efficacy and Tolerability of a Sunscreen Containing Licochalcone A and L-Carnitine as an Adjunct to Retinoids in the Management of Acne and Post-Acne Pigmentation Among Malaysian PatientsView study →} and randomised paediatric studies in atopic dermatitis ^{8,9Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}. There are no trials of purified licochalcone A at a defined dose, and none for its antitumour, metabolic or antiparasitic activities.

Last checked: July 2026.

How Licochalcone A Works

Most of licochalcone A’s repertoire collapses into two upstream themes — an anti-inflammatory signalling block and a pro-death (pro-oxidant/apoptotic) action — layered onto a lipophilic, membrane-partitioning chalcone scaffold.

Anti-Inflammatory Signalling

The recurring core: suppression of NF-κB transcription, NLRP3-inflammasome activation and TLR4 signalling ^{3,4Reference 3Yang G et al. · 2018Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomeView study →Reference 4Cai M et al. · 2023Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone A exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4View study →}. This one theme drives the dermatological anti-acne/anti-eczema effect and reappears as a supporting mechanism in the antitumour and hepatoprotective studies.

Redox & Pro-Apoptotic Action

Against cancer cells the molecule flips toward pro-oxidant behaviour — inactivating thioredoxin reductase 1 to let ROS accumulate ^{13Reference 13Wu P et al. · 2020Licochalcone A Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis through TrxR1 Inactivation in Colorectal Cancer CellsView study →} — and triggers death through ER stress (GRP78) ^{15Reference 15Wu MH et al. · 2024Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expressionView study →} and ferroptosis ^{16Reference 16Han P et al. · 2024Licochalcone A decreases cancer cell proliferation and enhances ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through suppressing the IGF2BP3/MDM2 cascadeView study →}, alongside NF-κB/PD-L1 downregulation ^{14Reference 14Liu X et al. · 2021Licochalcone A inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of colon cancer cell by targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 via the NF-κB and Ras/Raf/MEK pathwaysView study →}. The same redox lever that is cytoprotective via Nrf2 in normal liver tissue ^{17Reference 17Lv H et al. · 2018Licochalcone A Upregulates Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway and Thereby Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced HepatotoxicityView study →} becomes cytotoxic in tumour cells, a context-dependence typical of reactive chalcones.

Metabolic & Antimicrobial Effects

Peripherally, it suppresses PPARγ/SREBP-driven adipogenesis and promotes adipocyte browning ^{18,19Reference 18Lee HE et al. · 2018Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browningView study →Reference 19Quan HY et al. · 2012Licochalcone A prevents adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis via suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathwaysView study →}, and it blunts bacterial virulence (α-toxin) at sub-inhibitory doses ^{10Reference 10Qiu J et al. · 2010Subinhibitory concentrations of licochalcone A decrease alpha-toxin production in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolatesView study →} — effects that sit outside the two main themes but share the same membrane-active, multi-target character.

Isolate vs. Plant Studies

The licochalcone A file has an unusually clean split. Mechanistic and preclinical work is overwhelmingly the isolated molecule — the NLRP3/TLR4 anti-inflammatory studies ^{3,4Reference 3Yang G et al. · 2018Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomeView study →Reference 4Cai M et al. · 2023Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone A exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4View study →}, the antitumour series ^{13,14,15,16Reference 13Wu P et al. · 2020Licochalcone A Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis through TrxR1 Inactivation in Colorectal Cancer CellsView study →Reference 14Liu X et al. · 2021Licochalcone A inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of colon cancer cell by targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 via the NF-κB and Ras/Raf/MEK pathwaysView study →Reference 15Wu MH et al. · 2024Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expressionView study →Reference 16Han P et al. · 2024Licochalcone A decreases cancer cell proliferation and enhances ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through suppressing the IGF2BP3/MDM2 cascadeView study →}, the metabolic and antiparasitic work ^{18,19,20,21Reference 18Lee HE et al. · 2018Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browningView study →Reference 19Quan HY et al. · 2012Licochalcone A prevents adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis via suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathwaysView study →Reference 20Chen M et al. · 1993Licochalcone A, a novel antiparasitic agent with potent activity against human pathogenic protozoan species of LeishmaniaView study →Reference 21Chen M et al. · 1994In vitroLicochalcone A, a new antimalarial agent, inhibits in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and protects mice from P. yoelii infectionView study →} all test purified licochalcone A (or licochalcone A plus a defined extract). As an isolate mechanism base, that is a genuine strength.

The human evidence, by contrast, is neither the pure isolate nor a simple plant extract — it is cosmetic formulations in which licochalcone A is one anti-inflammatory ingredient among several, tested in acne and eczema ^{5,6,8,9Reference 5Angelova-Fischer I et al. · 2013RCTA double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acneView study →Reference 6Kantikosum K et al. · 2019RCTThe efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studyView study →Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}. So the correct reading is: strong isolate mechanism + real but formulation-level human topical data + no whole-licorice human trials attributable to this molecule. Whole-licorice pharmacology (glycyrrhizin, glabridin, glycyrrhetinic acid) is a different, largely saponin/isoflavan story and should not be folded into licochalcone A’s account.

Prevalence in Nature

Licochalcone A is a signature chalcone of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), the species with which the “licochalcone” name is most associated, and it is reported in smaller amounts from other licorice species including Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis ^{1Reference 1Maria Pia GD et al. · 2019Biological Effects of LicochalconesView study →}. Within the plant it belongs to the prenylated flavonoid / chalcone fraction of the root — the same broadly bioactive, lipophilic fraction that also carries glabridin and the chalcone glycoside isoliquiritin.

Its concentration is strongly species- and chemotype-dependent — Glycyrrhiza inflata is the classic rich source, whereas the more common G. glabra and G. uralensis are dominated by other flavonoids — and it also varies with provenance and extraction method. A reliable quantified percentage of dry root is not well established in the accessible literature, so no comparative content figure is asserted here (tracked in this molecule’s gaps note). As with all licorice chemistry, species discipline matters: results obtained with a licochalcone-A-rich G. inflata preparation do not transfer to a G. glabra whole-root tea or tincture.

Licochalcone A sits alongside its sibling licochalcone B and the flavanone/chalcone glycosides liquiritin and isoliquiritin; structurally it is a prenylated chalcone in the same broad class as hop and kava chalcones such as xanthohumol and flavokawain A, though these come from unrelated plants.

Discovery & Synthesis

Licochalcone A is a chalcone of Chinese/Xinjiang licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), and its rise to pharmacological attention is unusually well dated. In the early 1990s a Danish-led research group identified it as a novel antiparasitic agent, first reporting potent activity against human-pathogenic Leishmania species ^{20Reference 20Chen M et al. · 1993Licochalcone A, a novel antiparasitic agent with potent activity against human pathogenic protozoan species of LeishmaniaView study →} and then, in 1994, describing it as a new antimalarial effective against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and protective in rodent malaria ^{21Reference 21Chen M et al. · 1994In vitroLicochalcone A, a new antimalarial agent, inhibits in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and protects mice from P. yoelii infectionView study →}. Follow-up mechanistic work localised the action to parasite mitochondria ^{22,23Reference 22Zhai L et al. · 1995The antileishmanial agent licochalcone A interferes with the function of parasite mitochondriaView study →Reference 23Mi-Ichi F et al. · 2005Parasite mitochondria as a target of chemotherapy: inhibitory effect of licochalcone A on the Plasmodium falciparum respiratory chainView study →}. That antiparasitic programme — not the later dermatology — is what first established licochalcone A as a molecule worth studying, and it seeded the broader anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumour investigations that dominate the literature today ^{1,2Reference 1Maria Pia GD et al. · 2019Biological Effects of LicochalconesView study →Reference 2Liu D et al. · 2025Therapeutic potential of Licochalcone A in dermatological diseases: from basic to clinical researchView study →}.

Its precise first isolation and total synthesis are not documented here; the molecule is obtained for research chiefly by extraction from G. inflata root and by preparative isolation from licorice flavonoid fractions. Synthetic and semi-synthetic chalcone chemistry is well developed in general, but a verified first-synthesis record for licochalcone A specifically was not confirmed.

Patents: not yet researched.

Toxicity & Safety

Licochalcone A carries a low toxicity flag. Its only real-world human exposure is topical cosmetic use, which has been well tolerated — including in randomised studies of children with atopic dermatitis, where a licochalcone-A moisturiser was a usable steroid-sparing option ^{8,9Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}. There is no signal of serious harm from that limited, low-concentration topical use. The caveats are about absence of data, not evidence of danger.

Safety at a Glance

✅ Low / no toxicity

• Low reported toxicity, well tolerated topically. Used at low concentrations in anti-acne and atopic-dermatitis skincare, including in children, without serious adverse effects in short trials ^{8,9Reference 8Wananukul S et al. · 2013RCTRandomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitisView study →Reference 9Udompataikul M · 2011Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot studyView study →}.
• Systemic human safety is uncharacterised. There is no oral human safety record for the isolate; all systemic data are in-vitro or rodent, and extensive glucuronidation keeps systemic exposure low and hard to interpret ^{25,26Reference 25Xia YL et al. · 2019In vitroIn vitro characterization of the glucuronidation pathways of licochalcone A mediated by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferasesView study →Reference 26Huang L et al. · 2017Hepatic metabolism of licochalcone A, a potential chemopreventive chalcone from licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometryView study →}.
• CYP3A4 / P-glycoprotein inhibition. In rats, licochalcone A inhibited intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp and raised the exposure of co-dosed nifedipine — a plausible herb-drug interaction with CYP3A4/P-gp substrates to keep in mind for concentrated licorice-flavonoid products ^{24Reference 24Choi JS et al. · 2014AnimalEffects of licochalcone A on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats: possible role of intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition by licochalcone AView study →}.
• The antitumour mechanisms are double-edged. The pro-oxidant, ROS-generating, pro-apoptotic and pro-ferroptotic actions that look useful against cancer cells are not characterised for safety in healthy human tissue ^{12,13Reference 12Deng N et al. · 2023ReviewAnticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanismsView study →Reference 13Wu P et al. · 2020Licochalcone A Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis through TrxR1 Inactivation in Colorectal Cancer CellsView study →}.

No dedicated reproductive- or developmental-toxicity dataset exists for isolated licochalcone A, and its interactions and long-term systemic effects have not been assessed in humans. Pregnancy and lactation decisions belong to the licorice herb monograph and to specific products — where intake and dose are actually decided — not to this molecule-level page; note separately that whole licorice itself carries well-known cautions (blood-pressure/potassium effects from glycyrrhizin) that are unrelated to licochalcone A.

Dosage

There is no established or recommended human dose for isolated licochalcone A. Its human use is entirely topical and formulation-based, and the preclinical figures below are laboratory exposures, not convertible to self-dosing.

Because licochalcone A is extensively glucuronidated and reaches only low systemic levels, the micromolar in-vitro concentrations behind most of its claimed effects are unlikely to be achieved by oral intake ^{25,26Reference 25Xia YL et al. · 2019In vitroIn vitro characterization of the glucuronidation pathways of licochalcone A mediated by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferasesView study →Reference 26Huang L et al. · 2017Hepatic metabolism of licochalcone A, a potential chemopreventive chalcone from licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometryView study →}. These are research figures and established topical-cosmetic uses, not a personal recommendation.

References

1. Maria Pia GD, Sara F, Mario F, et al. (2019). Biological Effects of Licochalcones. Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30049263/
2. Liu D, et al. (2025). Therapeutic potential of Licochalcone A in dermatological diseases: from basic to clinical research. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41181588/
3. Yang G, et al. (2018). Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Phytotherapy Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30281174/
4. Cai M, et al. (2023). Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone A exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36309116/
5. Angelova-Fischer I, et al. (2013). A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acne. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23731195/
6. Kantikosum K, et al. (2019). The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/
7. How KN, et al. (2023). Efficacy and Tolerability of a Sunscreen Containing Licochalcone A and L-Carnitine as an Adjunct to Retinoids in the Management of Acne and Post-Acne Pigmentation Among Malaysian Patients. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38152154/
8. Wananukul S, et al. (2013). Randomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24163988/
9. Udompataikul M, Srisatwaja W (2011). Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20840345/
10. Qiu J, et al. (2010). Subinhibitory concentrations of licochalcone A decrease alpha-toxin production in both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Letters in Applied Microbiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20025648/
11. Li Z, et al. (2023). Licochalcone A plays dual antiviral roles by inhibiting RSV and protecting against host damage. Journal of Medical Virology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37635463/
12. Deng N, Qiao M, Li Y, et al. (2023). Anticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36755942/
13. Wu P, et al. (2020). Licochalcone A Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis through TrxR1 Inactivation in Colorectal Cancer Cells. BioMed Research International. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32596335/
14. Liu X, et al. (2021). Licochalcone A inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of colon cancer cell by targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 via the NF-κB and Ras/Raf/MEK pathways. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33677006/
15. Wu MH, et al. (2024). Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expression. Environmental Toxicology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38308464/
16. Han P, et al. (2024). Licochalcone A decreases cancer cell proliferation and enhances ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through suppressing the IGF2BP3/MDM2 cascade. Annals of Hematology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39264435/
17. Lv H, et al. (2018). Licochalcone A Upregulates Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway and Thereby Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29628888/
18. Lee HE, et al. (2018). Anti-obesity potential of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and licochalcone A through induction of adipocyte browning. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30093114/
19. Quan HY, et al. (2012). Licochalcone A prevents adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis via suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathways. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22563885/
20. Chen M, et al. (1993). Licochalcone A, a novel antiparasitic agent with potent activity against human pathogenic protozoan species of Leishmania. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8109916/
21. Chen M, et al. (1994). Licochalcone A, a new antimalarial agent, inhibits in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and protects mice from P. yoelii infection. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7979274/
22. Zhai L, et al. (1995). The antileishmanial agent licochalcone A interferes with the function of parasite mitochondria. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8593012/
23. Mi-Ichi F, et al. (2005). Parasite mitochondria as a target of chemotherapy: inhibitory effect of licochalcone A on the Plasmodium falciparum respiratory chain. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16387676/
24. Choi JS, et al. (2014). Effects of licochalcone A on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats: possible role of intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition by licochalcone A. Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24903704/
25. Xia YL, et al. (2019). In vitro characterization of the glucuronidation pathways of licochalcone A mediated by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Xenobiotica. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30044687/
26. Huang L, et al. (2017). Hepatic metabolism of licochalcone A, a potential chemopreventive chalcone from licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29127460/

View all 26 references▾