What Does Eating Black Licorice Do to Your Body? Understanding the Sweet and Dangerous Effects of Glycyrrhizin

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming as little as 2 ounces of real black licorice a day for just two weeks could lead to an irregular heart rhythm in people aged 40 and older. This surprising fact highlights the significant impact that the key compound in black licorice can have on the body, far beyond just being a sugary treat.

Quick Summary

The impact of consuming real black licorice is tied to the compound glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure and deplete potassium. This can cause heart rhythm issues, fluid retention, and other complications, particularly with excessive intake or in at-risk individuals.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the key compound: Found in real black licorice, glycyrrhizin is responsible for its characteristic flavor and potential health risks by affecting cortisol levels.
Excessive consumption raises blood pressure: The compound promotes sodium and water retention, which can significantly increase blood pressure, particularly in at-risk groups.
Dangerous potassium depletion: Glycyrrhizin causes the body to excrete potassium, potentially leading to hypokalemia, which can cause muscle weakness and heart problems.
Risk of irregular heart rhythms: The drop in potassium can cause an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which is a serious risk for individuals with heart conditions or those over 40.
Interacts with medications: Real licorice can interfere with a range of medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and heart drugs, making it unsafe for many patients.
Small amounts are generally safe: For most healthy adults, enjoying black licorice in small, infrequent amounts is not dangerous, but excessive and consistent intake should be avoided.
Licorice root has potential medicinal uses: Distinguishing between candy and licorice root extract is crucial, as the latter has been studied for digestive, liver, and anti-inflammatory benefits, though more research is needed.

The Core Chemical: Glycyrrhizin

Real black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a natural compound from the Glycyrrhiza glabra root that provides its distinct flavor and sweetness. Many licorice-flavored candies use anise oil instead of this compound, but genuine licorice products contain glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for both potential health benefits and risks.

When consumed, glycyrrhizin is converted to glycyrrhetinic acid. This acid interferes with an enzyme that regulates cortisol, a hormone impacting stress and blood pressure. This leads to an accumulation of cortisol, creating a mineralocorticoid-like effect similar to aldosterone, a hormone that manages salt and water balance. These changes can result in significant health issues.

Serious Cardiovascular and Electrolyte Risks

While occasional consumption of real black licorice is generally safe for healthy individuals, regular and high intake can cause problems. Prolonged exposure to glycyrrhetinic acid can lead to pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

The cascade of health problems can include:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Glycyrrhetinic acid promotes sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure. Individuals over 40 and those with existing heart conditions are at higher risk.
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): The compound also causes potassium to be excreted. Symptoms of low potassium include fatigue and muscle weakness.
Irregular Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia): Hypokalemia can disrupt the heart's electrical system, potentially causing abnormal heart rhythms and even cardiac arrest in severe cases.
Fluid Retention (Edema): Increased sodium and water retention can lead to swelling in the limbs and face.
Heart Failure: The increased strain from higher blood pressure can worsen existing heart conditions.

Potential Health Benefits of Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root has a history in traditional medicine, and modern extracts are being studied for various health uses. These benefits are associated with specific extracts, not with consuming large quantities of licorice candy.

Digestive Health: Licorice root extract is used to alleviate symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn by protecting the gut lining and fighting bacteria such as H. pylori.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Compounds in licorice root, including glycyrrhizin, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Liver Support: Some research indicates licorice extract may protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress and could have potential in treating chronic liver diseases.

Comparison of Licorice Consumption

A table comparing occasional and excessive licorice candy consumption with medicinal licorice root extract can be found on {Link: MSD Manual Professional Edition https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/licorice}.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Genuine licorice can interact with various medications. Consult a healthcare professional before consuming products with real licorice if you are taking medication. Interactions can occur with blood thinners like Warfarin, diuretics, Digoxin, and corticosteroids. Licorice may also interfere with hormonal therapies.

The Role of Moderation and Awareness

Occasional enjoyment of black licorice candy is unlikely to cause harm in healthy individuals. However, frequent and heavy consumption is risky, especially for those with conditions like hypertension. The FDA advises against consuming large quantities, particularly for those over 40 who are more susceptible to cardiovascular issues. Individuals with health concerns should avoid real licorice and choose anise-flavored alternatives.

Conclusion

While black licorice root has medicinal history, the candy form poses health risks due to glycyrrhizin. Excessive intake can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and irregular heart rhythms, especially for those with heart or kidney issues. Licorice root extracts show therapeutic promise, but this is distinct from licorice candy. Enjoying black licorice requires moderation and awareness of the risks. Individuals with health concerns should consult a healthcare professional before consuming it regularly.

For more information on the risks associated with black licorice, visit {Link: NCCIH https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black licorice affects blood pressure due to its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, which interferes with an enzyme that regulates cortisol. This hormonal interference causes the body to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium, leading to elevated blood pressure.

Yes, excessive or prolonged consumption of black licorice can cause heart problems. It can lead to low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which may cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and, in severe cases, potentially lead to cardiac arrest.

The key chemical is glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is this compound that causes the adverse effects on blood pressure and potassium levels when consumed in high amounts.

No, they are not the same. Many licorice candies are flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste but does not contain glycyrrhizin. Licorice root extract is a concentrated product from the plant, often used medicinally, and its safety depends on the form and dosage.

People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should avoid eating black licorice. Pregnant women should also avoid it, and those over 40 are at a higher risk of adverse effects from excessive consumption.

Side effects of consuming too much real black licorice include high blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention (edema), lethargy, and irregular heart rhythms.

Yes, genuine licorice can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (like warfarin), diuretics, digoxin, and corticosteroids. It can alter their effectiveness or increase side effects.

There is no universally specified 'safe' amount, as glycyrrhizin content varies by product. However, the FDA warns that for people over 40, eating 2 ounces daily for at least two weeks can cause heart problems. Moderate, occasional intake is generally fine for most healthy adults, but consistent consumption is not advised.