Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people worldwide, and current treatments often fail to provide lasting relief. Now, researchers have developed a new stem cell-based model of the human intestine that could help scientists discover more effective therapies. Their findings, published in Stem Cell Reports , point to glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in black licorice, as a promising candidate for reducing intestinal inflammation and preventing cell death.

IBD is a chronic condition marked by ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. Common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and other complications that can significantly affect daily life.…