Molecular target
Glucocorticoid Receptor
Nuclear receptor mediating cortisol's anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and metabolic effects. Activated by synthetic glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) and by endogenous cortisol amplified through 11β-HSD2 inhibition (licorice glycyrrhizin).
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Pharmaceutical agents
Drugs that act on Glucocorticoid Receptor
These medications have Glucocorticoid Receptor among their molecular targets. Sharing a target is a mechanistic relationship — it does not make any plant below an alternative to, or substitute for, these drugs.
Botanical connections
Plants whose compounds act on Glucocorticoid Receptor
Each plant below contains a named compound documented to act on Glucocorticoid Receptor. The compound and the reason for the connection are shown on every edge — a shared mechanism, not a therapeutic equivalence.
- Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid)Triterpene saponin
Inhibits 11β-HSD2, the enzyme that inactivates cortisol in the kidney — endogenous cortisol then activates the mineralocorticoid receptor, producing pseudo-aldosterone effects (hypertension, hypokalemia, sodium retention). This is a HIGH-impact pharmacological effect at chronic doses, NOT a benign 'tonic' action.
- Glycyrrhetinic acid (active metabolite)Triterpene
Active metabolite produced by gut hydrolysis of glycyrrhizin; carries the same pharmacology.
- Gedunin
Gedunin, a neem limonoid, is a documented Hsp90 inhibitor and modulator of glucocorticoid receptor maturation/signaling in mechanistic studies; this is a compound-specific named action rather than a generic anti-inflammatory claim.
- Saikosaponin a + dtriterpene saponin
Glucocorticoid-like activity (binds GR with weak affinity), modulates TNF-α and other inflammatory cytokines, and stimulates HPA axis cortisol release at meaningful doses. Underlies traditional 'shao yang' fever-resolving applications and modern hepatoprotective claims.