Does Australian Licorice Raise Blood Pressure? A Deep Dive into Glycyrrhizin

December 23, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2024 study, even small, seemingly safe amounts of licorice containing glycyrrhizic acid can raise blood pressure in young, healthy individuals. This finding is crucial for understanding the link between candy and cardiovascular health, especially when considering the popular query: does Australian licorice raise blood pressure? This article explores the science behind this concern, focusing on the compound glycyrrhizin.

Quick Summary

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can elevate blood pressure by affecting mineralocorticoid activity in the kidneys. The quantity of glycyrrhizin varies by product. Moderation is key, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure, and a doctor should be consulted for advice.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the cause: Authentic licorice, including many Australian varieties, contains glycyrrhizin, a compound responsible for elevating blood pressure by affecting kidney function.
It mimics a hormone: Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that regulates the hormone cortisol, leading to a state of pseudohyperaldosteronism that causes the body to retain sodium and water while losing potassium.
The amount matters: Excessive consumption of licorice, particularly over a period of time, is most likely to cause a significant rise in blood pressure. Recent studies indicate even small, daily amounts can have an effect.
Not all licorice is the same: Many red licorice and other flavored candies use anise oil for flavor, which does not contain glycyrrhizin and therefore does not pose the same risk.
Check your personal risk: Individuals over 40, those with pre-existing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems should be especially cautious with licorice consumption.
Beware of drug interactions: Licorice can interfere with medications for heart failure, high blood pressure, and blood thinners. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Read the ingredients: Always check product labels for "licorice extract" or "glycyrrhizin" to understand the potential health implications.
Anise is a safe alternative: For licorice flavor without the blood pressure risk, choose products flavored with anise oil instead of genuine licorice root extract.

Understanding the Link Between Licorice and Blood Pressure

The connection between consuming black licorice and a rise in blood pressure is well-documented in medical literature. The primary culprit is a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is derived from the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). When ingested in sufficient quantities, glycyrrhizin can trigger a chain reaction that leads to hypertension.

The Mechanism of Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin's effect on blood pressure stems from its ability to inhibit an enzyme called 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2). This enzyme's normal function is to inactivate cortisol, a hormone that circulates in the body. When 11β-HSD2 is blocked, cortisol can act on the same receptors as aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance in the kidneys.

This interaction leads to a cascade of effects:

Increased Sodium Retention: The excess cortisol and subsequent mineralocorticoid activity cause the kidneys to retain more sodium.
Potassium Loss: Concurrently, the body begins to excrete potassium, potentially leading to abnormally low levels (hypokalemia).
Fluid Retention: The increased sodium retention leads to fluid buildup in the body, which increases blood volume.
Elevated Blood Pressure: The combination of increased blood volume and sodium retention puts more pressure on the blood vessel walls, resulting in hypertension.

Australian Licorice and its Glycyrrhizin Content

So, does Australian licorice raise blood pressure in the same way? The answer depends on the specific product and its manufacturing process. Authentic black licorice, including many Australian varieties, is made with real licorice root extract and therefore contains glycyrrhizin. For example, one major brand states that its Australian-style licorice contains a measurable percentage of glycyrrhizin. However, other types of licorice-flavored candies, particularly red ones, may use anise oil for flavoring instead of licorice extract, and these do not pose the same risk.

It's important to remember that not all licorice is created equal. The concentration of glycyrrhizin can vary widely based on the licorice root species, its origin, and how it was processed. This makes it difficult for consumers to know the exact amount of the compound they are ingesting without specific product information.

Potential Health Risks and Sensitive Individuals

While an occasional serving of licorice candy is unlikely to cause issues for most people, excessive consumption can lead to severe health problems, especially for sensitive individuals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health organizations have issued warnings about the risks associated with overconsumption.

Existing Hypertension: People with pre-existing high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable to the effects of licorice, as it can worsen their condition.
Heart or Kidney Disease: Individuals with heart disease or kidney problems should also exercise caution, as the fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance can put a dangerous strain on these organs.
Over 40: The FDA specifically notes that individuals over 40 may be more sensitive and can experience an irregular heart rhythm if they consume more than 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks or more.
Drug Interactions: Glycyrrhizin can interfere with certain medications, including diuretics, heart failure drugs, and blood thinners like warfarin. Anyone taking medication should consult with a doctor before consuming licorice regularly.

Glycyrrhizin Content: Licorice Products vs. Anise-Flavored Candies


Feature	Real Licorice Products (e.g., Authentic Black Licorice)	Anise-Flavored Candies (e.g., Red Licorice)
Source of Flavor	Licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra)	Anise oil, artificial flavorings, and sweeteners
Contains Glycyrrhizin	Yes, concentration varies by product	No, anise oil does not contain glycyrrhizin
Effect on Blood Pressure	Can potentially raise blood pressure, especially with high consumption	Does not have a direct effect on blood pressure
Health Warning	Often carry warnings about excessive consumption for those with hypertension	Generally not associated with blood pressure risks
Targeted Consumers	Traditional black licorice enthusiasts	General candy consumers

How to Enjoy Licorice Safely

For those who love the distinctive flavor of licorice but are concerned about their health, there are several steps you can take:

Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list. If it mentions "licorice extract" or "glycyrrhizin," the product has the potential to affect blood pressure.
Practice Moderation: The key to avoiding adverse effects is to consume licorice in small, infrequent amounts. The FDA and other health agencies recommend avoiding consistent, high-volume intake.
Choose Alternatives: Consider opting for licorice-flavored candies that use anise oil instead of licorice root, particularly if you have risk factors for high blood pressure.
Know Your Health: If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues, or if you are over 40, you should be particularly cautious with licorice consumption.
Consult a Professional: When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you take medication or have an existing health condition.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to "does Australian licorice raise blood pressure?" is a qualified yes. The potential for elevated blood pressure is tied directly to the presence of glycyrrhizin, which is found in authentic licorice root extract. While the glycyrrhizin content in Australian licorice may vary, the risk remains for those who consume it excessively or have underlying health conditions. The effects of licorice on blood pressure, though often reversible with discontinuation, can be serious and should not be ignored. By understanding the science behind glycyrrhizin and practicing mindful consumption, individuals can make informed choices to protect their health.

For more in-depth medical information on licorice-induced hypertension, you can review this article from the Canadian Medical Association Journal on a case involving licorice tea: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6538495/.

Sources

Reliant Medical Group. (2024, March 29). Can eating black licorice really increase your blood pressure? [Web article]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
WebMD. (n.d.). LICORICE - Uses, Side Effects, and More. [Reference entry]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
Linköping University. (2024, March 14). Small amounts of liquorice raise blood pressure. [News article]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
Medsafe. (2019, December 6). Liquorice – All sorts of side effects and interactions. [Professional article]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
Facebook. (2021, November 17). Wiley Wallaby Classic Black ... [Social media post]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
American Heart Association. (2022, October 28). Black licorice is a candy that should inspire caution. [News article]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Licorice Root. [Reference entry]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
PMC. (2019, May 27). Hypertensive emergency induced by licorice tea. [Case study]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Licorice Root. [Reference entry]. Retrieved October 12, 2025.

About the Author

This article was prepared by a content specialist focusing on consumer health topics. The information is based on analysis of medical literature and is not intended to provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. All cited materials were reviewed on October 12, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ingredient in licorice that raises blood pressure is glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the root extract of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol, leading to increased sodium retention, potassium loss, and fluid buildup in the body, which collectively raises blood pressure.

No, only authentic licorice products containing licorice root extract or glycyrrhizin can affect blood pressure. Many licorice-flavored candies, especially red ones, use anise oil, which has no such effect.

While recommendations vary, the FDA warns that consuming more than 2 ounces (approximately 57 grams) of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could cause health problems, especially for those over 40.

Yes, for most people, the effects of licorice on blood pressure are transient and reversible once consumption is stopped. The body’s fluid balance and electrolyte levels typically return to normal over time.

Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, and those taking certain medications like diuretics or blood thinners should avoid licorice, as it can exacerbate these conditions or interfere with treatment.

Licorice tea contains glycyrrhizin and can raise blood pressure, as shown in case studies. People with high blood pressure should avoid excessive consumption of licorice tea and other licorice-containing herbal products.