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What Happens If You Have Too Much Licorice Root? Understanding the Risks

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3 min read

The World Health Organization suggests a safe daily intake of glycyrrhizic acid, the active compound in licorice, is no more than 100 mg for most adults. Consuming too much licorice root, especially over time, can lead to serious health issues stemming from this potent compound.

Quick Summary

Excessive intake of licorice root can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and dangerous drops in potassium due to the compound glycyrrhizin.

Key Points

  • Hypertension: Excessive licorice intake can lead to high blood pressure by causing the body to retain sodium and water.

  • Hypokalemia: It can cause dangerously low potassium levels, which may lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.

  • Pseudohyperaldosteronism: Glycyrrhizin, the active compound, inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol, leading to mineralocorticoid-like effects that disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance.

  • Drug Interactions: Licorice can interfere with medications for heart conditions, blood pressure, and blood thinners, increasing health risks.

  • DGL as an Alternative: For those concerned about side effects, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a safer option as it has the glycyrrhizin removed.

  • Immediate Action: If experiencing symptoms like irregular heartbeat or severe muscle weakness after high consumption, stop and contact a healthcare provider immediately.

In This Article

The sweet, distinct flavor of licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a popular addition to candies, teas, and herbal medicines. However, the very compound responsible for its sweetness—glycyrrhizin—is also the source of its most significant health risks when consumed in excess. For years, health authorities have issued warnings about the dangers of overindulgence, which can disrupt the body's delicate balance and lead to potentially fatal outcomes. It is crucial to understand what happens if you have too much licorice root, how it affects your body, and who is most at risk.

The Mechanism of Licorice Toxicity: Pseudohyperaldosteronism

The primary danger of excessive licorice root consumption stems from a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism. This syndrome mimics the effects of having too much aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance in the body, but without elevated aldosterone levels. The root cause lies in how glycyrrhizin affects the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2).

Glycyrrhizin inhibits the 11β-HSD2 enzyme, which normally deactivates cortisol. This allows cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidneys, leading to sodium and water retention and increased potassium excretion. This disruption of electrolyte balance is the core mechanism of licorice toxicity.

Cardiovascular and Neurological Consequences

The most prominent symptoms of licorice toxicity are cardiovascular and neurological, driven by the electrolyte imbalance and fluid retention. Excessive licorice intake is strongly linked to a significant increase in blood pressure. This can range from noticeable increases after a couple of weeks to severe hypertensive encephalopathy in extreme cases.

Low potassium (hypokalemia) from licorice can cause symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and cramping. More severe hypokalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, muscular paralysis (potentially affecting respiratory muscles), and myoglobinuria due to muscle breakdown.

Important Drug Interactions

Licorice root can interfere with several medications due to its effects on fluid and electrolyte balance. It can dangerously lower potassium when combined with certain diuretics and increase the sensitivity to cardiac glycosides like digoxin. Licorice can also counteract blood pressure medications, enhance the effects of corticosteroids, and decrease the effectiveness of the blood thinner warfarin.

Natural vs. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice

Standard licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizin, while deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has this compound removed. DGL is often used for digestive benefits without the risk of high blood pressure, low potassium, or significant drug interactions associated with glycyrrhizin.

Feature Standard Licorice Root Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Glycyrrhizin Content Present Removed
Mineralocorticoid Effects Yes No
Risk of High Blood Pressure High with excessive or long-term use Negligible
Risk of Low Potassium High with excessive or long-term use Negligible
Primary Use Flavoring, traditional herbal medicine Digestive health, soothing stomach ulcers
Drug Interactions Significant potential for negative interactions Minimizes interactions related to glycyrrhizin

Conclusion: Safe Consumption and When to Be Cautious

The risks of consuming too much licorice root, primarily due to glycyrrhizin, are significant. While small, occasional amounts may be harmless for most adults, consistent or high-dose intake is dangerous. Limiting glycyrrhizin to 100 mg per day is a general guideline, which is easily exceeded with regular consumption of licorice products. Individuals with existing health conditions like hypertension, heart or kidney disease, or those on certain medications should avoid licorice root. DGL is a safer alternative for those seeking digestive benefits. If you suspect licorice toxicity, stop consumption and seek medical attention.

For more information on licorice poisoning, you can refer to the Medscape article on Licorice Poisoning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

While the safe amount can vary by individual, consuming more than 2 ounces of black licorice per day for at least two weeks may cause serious issues for adults over 40. Health authorities often recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day.

The glycyrrhizin in licorice causes the body to retain sodium and water, which in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure. This can be especially dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension.

Yes, excessive licorice consumption can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) due to dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia). In rare but severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrest.

The key difference is the presence of glycyrrhizin. Licorice root contains this compound, which causes the negative side effects. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, has had the glycyrrhizin removed, making it a safer option for obtaining certain health benefits.

The main treatment for licorice toxicity is to stop consuming it. For most, symptoms like high blood pressure and hypokalemia will resolve over several weeks as the body returns to normal. In severe cases, a doctor may need to administer potassium replacements or other medical interventions.

No. Many licorice-flavored products, particularly red licorice and certain black licorice candies in the U.S., use anise oil for flavoring instead of real licorice root extract. Anise oil does not contain glycyrrhizin and does not pose the same risks.

Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should avoid licorice. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those taking medications like diuretics, digoxin, or warfarin.

Related Topics:

#supplement safety #electrolyte imbalance #high blood pressure #Licorice Root #hypokalemia #Glycyrrhizin #herbal toxicity #licorice poisoning

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.