Regular or excessive consumption of licorice can cause serious side effects, especially when combined with certain medications.
The reason lies in the compound glycyrrhizin and its effects on the kidneys, hormones, and mineral balance.
What is glycyrrhizin?
Glycyrrhizin in licorice can cause the kidneys to retain water and sodium while increasing potassium loss, which can lead to serious imbalances in the body.
Enzyme and cortisol
Glycyrrhizin blocks the enzyme HSD 11β in the kidneys, which normally converts cortisol into cortisone and limits the hormone’s effects.
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When this enzyme is inhibited, cortisol binds to receptors in the kidneys and disrupts their function.
Water and sodium retention
When the kidneys hold on to water and sodium, the amount of circulating blood in the body increases, putting more pressure on blood vessels.
Blood pressure rises
The increased blood volume can cause high blood pressure, which may be dangerous and requires attention for people under treatment.
Conflict with ace inhibitors
Licorice can counteract blood-pressure-lowering medications such as ACE inhibitors, reducing the effectiveness of drugs like captopril, sold under the brand name Capoten.
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Interaction with diuretics
Diuretics remove excess fluid but can also lower potassium levels. Since licorice has the same effect, combining the two can result in dangerously low potassium.
Signs of low potassium
Low potassium may cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and, in some cases, serious heart problems.
Increased risk with digoxin
When potassium levels drop, digoxin binds more strongly to heart cells, making the drug toxic and increasing the risk of severe side effects.
Reported case with herbal laxatives
An older man developed digoxin toxicity after using an herbal laxative containing licorice, which reduced his potassium and led to heart failure.
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Difficulty defining a safe dose
The amount of glycyrrhizin varies among candies, teas, and supplements, and individual sensitivity depends on physiology and preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure.
Recommended intake limit
Several guidelines advise limiting glycyrrhizin to 100 milligrams per day, about 60 to 70 grams of licorice candy, as higher doses may cause headaches, high blood pressure, or heart issues.
Fda warning for people over 40
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that adults aged 40 or older who eat 56 grams (2 ounces) of black licorice daily for at least two weeks could develop irregular heart rhythms requiring hospitalization.
Effects of licorice tea and supplements
A study showed that a woman who drank six cups of licorice tea daily developed dangerously low potassium and high blood pressure with hot flashes, sweating, and headaches, but her symptoms disappeared two weeks after she stopped.
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Consult health professionals
If you are taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming products containing licorice to avoid harmful interactions.
This article is based on information from Live Science.
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