ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIFIBROTIC EFFECTS OF GLYCYRRHIZIC ACID FROM LICORICE ROOT (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS C

Chronic viral hepatitis C remains a major public health challenge in Uzbekistan, frequently progressing to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma if necroinflammatory processes are not adequately controlled. While direct-acting antivirals effectively suppress viral replication, residual hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis require targeted pathogenetic therapy. This article presents a comparative clinical study conducted at Andijan State Medical Institute. Using the IMRAD framework, the research investigates the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic efficacy of glycyrrhizic acid extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in the complex treatment of patients with chronic viral hepatitis C compared to standard therapy alone. The study involved 200 adult patients and utilized biochemical, immunological (ELISA for cytokines), and instrumental (transient elastography) assessment tools. The results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in serum transaminases, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), profibrogenic transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and liver stiffness parameters in patients receiving glycyrrhizic acid. The study concludes that combining standard therapy with Glycyrrhiza glabra derivatives effectively attenuates hepatocyte cytolysis and inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation, halting the progression of liver fibrosis.