What is "carbenoxolone"

n. (context organic compound English) A synthetic derivative of glycyrrhizinic acid having the chemical formula C₃₄H₅₀O₇; used as a drug for treatment of various conditions including esophageal inflammation

'Carbenoxolone (CBX') is a glycyrrhetinic acid derivative with a steroid-like structure, similar to substances found in the root of the licorice plant. Carbenoxolone is used for the treatment of peptic, esophageal and oral ulceration and inflammation. Electrolyte imbalance is a serious side effect of carbenoxolone when used systemically.

Carbenoxolone reversibly inhibits the conversion of cortisol to the inactive metabolite cortisone by blocking 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). 11β-HSD also reversibly catalyzes the conversion of 7-ketocholesterol to 7-beta-hydroxycholesterol.

Carbenoxolone is a modestly potent, reasonably effective, water-soluble blocker of gap junctions.