Abstract: Glycyrrhetinic acid esters of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an acyl radical of 2 to 20 carbon atoms and R.sub.1 is a lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the haloacid or alkylsulfate quaternary ammonium salts thereof as well as a process for preparing same are provided. The compounds of the invention display anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and anti-ulcer pharmacological activity.