Side Effects of Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a leguminous plant, native to Asia and some parts of Europe. The roots of the plant have a sweet flavor, and its extract is used in food products. The plant got its name from the Greek words, 'glyks', which means sweet and 'rhiza' which means root. Apart from its use as a sweetening agent in confectionery, the roots of this plant has been used for medicinal purposes. Ancient Greeks and Romans were well aware of the therapeutic uses of the plant. Hippocratic texts have mentioned this plant as a herbal medicine. Ancient Chinese also used the roots of this plants for treating a variety of ailments.

Licorice is recommended in treating cough, peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, ileitis, leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. Today, licorice extract is available in solid as well as liquid forms. The main component of this extract is glycyrrhizin, which gives it the sweet taste. It is believed that some of the side effects caused by the intake of licorice products is due to glycyrrhizin, which is harmful in high doses. Hence, deglycyrrhizinated licorice products are also marketed by some health care providers. The following are the negative effects of using licorice:

• Glycyrrhizin in licorice extracts, can cause a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, which is characterized by high levels of a hormone, called aldosterone, found in the body. Normally, this hormone helps in balancing the levels of sodium and potassium in the body. High levels of this hormone results in the retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium through urine, thus resulting in high blood pressure and muscle damage. Loss of potassium can cause abnormalities in the functioning of the heart and muscles. It also leads to water retention, which causes edema.
• According to the European Commission 2008 report, excessive use of licorice can lead to high blood pressure, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches, swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.
• It is also believed that licorice can cause heavy bleeding and if used by pregnant women, can lead to premature birth.
• There are also reports which suggest abnormal weight gain after a long term use of licorice.

People with medical conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, diseases of kidney, heart, or liver and menstrual problems should abstain from the intake of licorice. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and men with sexual dysfunctions should avoid this herb. Those who are already on medications like ace-inhibitors and diuretics, aspirin, digoxin, corticosteroids, insulin, oral contraceptives and laxatives should also refrain from using licorice.

Though, it is believed that the consumption of licorice candy is not as harmful as licorice extract, but both can lead to side effects if consumed in large quantities. Reports suggest moderate usage of this herb, that too for a stipulated period only. The ideal timespan suggested by some experts is six weeks. However, it is always safe to consult your doctor before taking licorice and its products.