Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural triterpenoid saponin with inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and multifaceted pharmacological properties, has emerged as a versatile building block for supramolecular hydrogels. Through reversible non‑covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effects, metal coordination, and electrostatic forces, GA molecules self‑assemble into dynamic three‑dimensional networks that exhibit tunable mechanical properties, self‑healing capability, and stimuli‑responsiveness. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying GA‑based supramolecular hydrogel formation and highlights their broad biomedical applications. These include wound healing, cancer therapy, arthritis management, treatment of neurological disorders, and sustained drug delivery. Additionally, emerging roles in biosensing and monitoring technologies are discussed. We further address the challenges and future perspectives for the clinical translation of GA-based hydrogels, emphasizing their potential as integrated therapeutic platforms that combine structural support with inherent bioactivity.
Xiao et al. (2026) studied this question.