Lee, Ji Hoon, Kim, Jong-Eun, Jang, Young Jin et al. · Molecular carcinogenesis · 2016 · DOI
This study examined a compound called dehydroglyasperin C (DGC) found in licorice root to see if it could prevent cancer by blocking harmful cell changes. Researchers used laboratory mouse cells and found that DGC stopped cells from transforming into cancer cells by interfering with two specific protein pathways (MKK4 and PI3K) that drive this process.
For ME/CFS patients, this research is relevant because chronic inflammation and dysregulated signaling pathways (like those involving PI3K and mitogen-activated protein kinases) have been implicated in ME/CFS pathophysiology. Understanding natural compounds that can modulate these inflammatory and cellular transformation pathways could inform investigation of supportive or preventive approaches, though direct ME/CFS research is needed.
This study does not demonstrate that DGC is effective in treating or preventing ME/CFS, as it used cancer cell transformation as a model system rather than ME/CFS-relevant disease mechanisms. The work is entirely in vitro and does not establish safety, efficacy, or appropriate dosing in humans. Licorice's traditional use for 'chronic fatigue syndrome' is mentioned only contextually; this study does not validate that connection.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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