GLYCYRRHIZIN CORRECTION AND UPDATE

Last May 18, in issue #103 of AIDS TREATMENT NEWS, we
published an article on the experimental treatment glycyrrhizin.
Since then, we received a communication from Paul Bergner, the
editor of Medical Herbalism, correcting two points made in that
report. The first error in our article regards the exact
chemistry of glycyrrhizin. While we believed that it was one of
the sulfated polysaccharides, it is actually considered a
glucoside, resulting in a significantly different pharmacological
profile.

The other inaccuracy involves our inference that
glycyrrhizin is used in Europe as a treatment for stomach ulcers.
At least some of the European preparations derived from the
root of Glycyrrhiza have actually been "de-glycyrrhizinated" for
use in treating ulcers, since they rely on other components of
the plant for their therapeutic effect. We appreciate these
corrections, and any others from concerned readers.

Mr. Bergner also mentioned the possible use of the
Koenigsburg urine test, which might alert doctors and their
patients to possible adverse reactions to glycyrrhizin, before
symptoms appear. Persons interested in Medical Herbalism can
write to P. O. Box 33080, Portland, OR 97233.

Incidentally, we have found that the Japanese product called
Glycyron 2 is available at San Francisco's Healing Alternatives
Foundation, a buyers' club which is able to handle mail orders.
The number for Healing Alternatives is 415/626-2316.