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. Researchers estimate that around 4 million people around the world are living with the disease, and the number continues to rise. Although treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and immune-targeting drugs are available, many patients do not respond well enough or continue to experience symptoms despite therapy.…