Hidden Risks of Black Licorice (2024)

FAQs

Hidden Risks of Black Licorice? ›

It contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause swelling and high blood pressure and deplete potassium and other electrolytes that may cause a cardiac arrhythmia or arrest.

Too much glycyrrhizin can therefore lead to problems such as raised blood pressure, fluid retention, muscle weakness and heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmia). The good news is that if liquorice has this effect on you, the changes are not normally permanent.

High blood pressure, ^{[22, 23]} including dangerously high blood pressure with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and hypertensive encephalopathy with strokelike effects (eg, hemiplegia) Spasms/tetany. Hyporeflexia, muscle wasting, weakness, flaccid paralysis.

In cases of suspected chronic toxicity, monitor electrolytes, especially potassium. Supplement potassium, as indicated. Consider potassium-sparing diuretics, as needed. Treat rhabdomyolysis, if present, with hydration.

Isoangustone A (IAA) is a novel flavonoid compound found in licorice root that has been reported to exert anticancer activity mainly by affecting cell cycle and apoptosis.

Nevertheless, studies in cell culture and in animal models have repeatedly found that glycyrrhizin and licorice extracts decrease or prevent liver injury from a variety of insults including chemotherapeutic agents, acetaminophen, prescription drugs, obesity and ischemia.

Its also popularly used as a natural laxative, so it can help with constipation, and as an aid for digestive problems. According to the medical journal, Nutrition and Cancer, substances in licorice may even protect against carcinogen-induced DNA.

Products that contain licorice must be labeled. Manufacturers list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid in the ingredient list. According to the WHO, up to 100 mg per day of glycyrrhizic acid, equal to about 2–2.5 ounces (60–70 grams) of licorice, is safe for the majority of adults.

Consumption of large doses of GZA in licorice extract can lead to hypokalemia and serious hypertension, a syndrome known as hypermineralocorticoidism. ^{[13, 14]}

Licorice with glycyrrhizin may cause serious side effects. Too much glycyrrhizin causes a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, which can cause a person to become overly sensitive to a hormone in the adrenal cortex. This condition can lead to headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks.

What medications should not be taken with licorice? ›

Liquorice extract has mineralocorticoid-like effects and can cause hypokalaemia, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and myopathy. Patients taking fludrocortisone or medicines which can deplete potassium should avoid eating liquorice or taking supplements containing liquorice extract.

Licorice also exhibits mild laxative properties, aiding in relieving constipation by promoting bowel movements. Additionally, licorice has been studied for its role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, specifically regarding the eradication of H. pylori infection.

The most prevalent compound in liquorice, and the most studied, is glycyrrhizin, also known as glycyrrhizic acid. This has hormonal effects resembling those of aldosterone, an adrenal gland hormone that is responsible for maintaining mineral balance in the blood by helping the body retain sodium and excrete potassium.

It's popular in these natural non-pharmacological therapies because licorice contains a lot of potentially healthy components, including ones that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective (protects the liver), and neuroprotective (prevents nerve cell death) properties.

Licorice that contains glycyrrhizin is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Eating licorice 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it.

If you want the most nutritious licorice available on the market, look no further than Panda all-natural sweet licorice. The list of ingredients for the licorice-based treats is impressively short. They are made from molasses, which contains a high nutritional value and is rich in protein.