Preventive effects of glycyrrhizin on estrogen-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice

We have previously reported on the inhibitory effect of Glycyrrhizae radix (Gl radix) on mouse endometrial carcinogenesis. The present study was performed to clarify the effects of Gl radix and glycyrrhizin (GL), the main part of Gl radix, on estradiol (E-2)-related endometrial carcinogenesis. Both Gl radix and GL exerted a significant decrease in the COX-2, IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha mRNA expressions. GL generated a significant decrease in the incidence of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Accordingly, the preventive effects of G1 radix may be attributable to GL, thus being related with the suppression of COX-2, IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha Gl radix and GL could therefore be a promising formula for the chemoprevention of human endometrial cancer.