The discussed mechanisms of action of glycyrrhizin through liquorice intake, namely the inhibition of ACE2 and HMGB1, both known to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and inflammation, respectively, and the efficacy of glycyrrhizin in several viral diseases, identify glycyrrhizin as a potential therapeutic in COVID-19 but also in other respiratory tract diseases. The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is viral load.