Efficacy of Glycyrrhetinic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

The study explores the potential of Glycyrrhetinic Acid (GA) as a treatment for acne vulgaris, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidative properties. GA was shown to interact with 37 therapeutic targets, including TNF, IL1B, and IL6, and effectively reduced inflammation and lipid synthesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. It demonstrated stronger effects than salicylic acid in reducing sebaceous lipid production and inflammatory cytokine expression. GA's ability to modulate pathways like PPAR and NF-κB suggests it could be a potent treatment for acne by regulating sebogenesis and inflammatory responses. The study indicates GA's promise as a therapeutic agent, although further research is needed to develop it as a drug for acne patients.