Licorice Root Side Effects: 8 Ways It May Harm Your Health

Several side effects of licorice root extract may make you think twice about using it. Candy and beverages often contain licorice root extract. However, excess consumption may lead to health problems. Several studies have shown that overconsuming licorice can cause elevated blood pressure levels and headaches.

Knowing more about the licorice root side effects is important to avoid undesirable effects. Moreover, it may not be suitable for all. This article examines the side effects of licorice root extract, its safety, and any potential drug interactions. Take a look below.

Know Your Ingredient: Licorice Root

Short-Term Effects
High blood pressure, headache, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and allergic reactions such as asthma.

Long-Term Effects
May cause hormonal imbalance, harm the baby during pregnancy and lead to miscarriage.

Drug Interactions
It may interfere with certain medications, especially blood thinners.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience hypertension, excessive stomach issues, and allergic reactions, seek medical help.

What Are The Side Effects Of Licorice Root Extract?

1. May Elevate Blood Pressure Levels

There are several studies to back this up. Some reports recommend individuals with high blood pressure to avoid licorice root extract altogether.

It is often linked to salt and fluid retention as it suppresses aldosterone – which is a hormone responsible for controlling sodium levels in the body. One study stated that licorice tea caused hypertension in patients, and quitting it resolved the condition in two weeks (1).

Licorice was also identified as a root cause of secondary hypertension. The root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which contributes to its pro-hypertensive properties (2).

According to a study on 985 patients that included 26 trials, the increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) that followed was statistically significant. It also confirmed that consumption significantly lowers body weight in patients by 0.433 kg; 95% CI, which in turn lowers their body mass index (BMI).Another finding for the group that consumed licorice is connected to the hypernatremia that licorice is well known to produce.

2. Might Cause Constipation

Excess amounts of licorice root extract can lead to hypokalemia (low levels of potassium), with constipation being one of its symptoms (3), (4).

The onset and severity of the symptom usually depend on the dose and duration of licorice intake (3).

It is believed that licorice may cause diarrhea or aggravate irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals. However, there is no sufficient information to prove this effect. If you have any bowel issues, please check with your doctor before consuming licorice (as there is a possibility that you may react to it negatively).

Did You Know?

George Dunhill, a local chemist in England, added sugar to licorice and named it ‘Pontefract cake’. Excess consumption of this cake led to mass hypokalemia in the 1500s.

3. May Lead To Headaches

The glycyrrhizin is the culprit. It is known to trigger headaches. A Massachusetts study found that excessive consumption of the extract could lead to the constriction and dilation of cerebral arteries, often leading to thunderclap headaches (5).

In rare cases, it is complicated by hemorrhagic strokesⁱ  Strokes that damage the brain and cause neurological symptoms when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding inside the brain. (5). Though the condition is reversible, the symptoms can be severe.

4. May Lead To Dizziness And Fatigue

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery reported the development of hypertensive encephalopathyⁱ  A condition where brain function is compromised due to elevated blood pressure, causing headaches, nausea, and vomiting. in a 15-year-old boy after ingestion of a candy containing licorice (6).

This form of hypertension is accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and visual problems (7).

Licorice may also cause apparent mineralocorticoid excess, another condition characterized by hypertension. The symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headaches, and general and muscular fatigue (8).

5. May Cause Hormonal Imbalances

Mice studies have shown that isoliquiritigenin, a compound in licorice, may cause Hormonal Imbalance by interfering with the sex hormones in the ovaries. It may disrupt the production of sex hormones (9).

One major reported side effect of licorice root is reduced levels of testosterone in men (10). Some believe it may also increase estrogen and prolactin levels in women, though more research is warranted.

6. May Harm Baby During Pregnancy

Studies show that licorice consumption during pregnancy may harm the developing offspring (11).

Adolescents exposed to large amounts of licorice when in the womb performed less well in cognitive tests (11).

The glycyrrhizin in licorice was also found to be associated with preterm delivery. Hence, pregnant women are suggested to stay away from licorice (12). Some experts believe that licorice can induce preterm labor by mimicking the effects of estrogen (the female sex hormone). However, we need more research in this regard.

Licorice is also believed to cause miscarriage. There is no evidence to support this information, though.

The effect of licorice in breastfeeding women has not been studied well. Hence, breastfeeding women should avoid it.

7. May Cause Allergic Reactions

Excess licorice intake has been associated with allergies like asthma and contact dermatitisⁱ  An allergic reaction caused by contact with something that causes inflammation in the skin, including irritants like soap or fragrances. (13). It may also interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (13).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that those allergic to peas or legumes may also be allergic to licorice. Studies suggest that excess licorice consumption may lead to kidney damage and acute renal failure (14). However, research is limited to support this data.

8. May Cause Irregular Heartbeat

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can affect the body in various ways. Glycyrrhizic acid can lead to an increase in the level of cortisol, a hormone that regulates various bodily functions, including the cardiovascular system (15). Elevated cortisol levels can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, which are crucial for the proper functioning of the heart’s electrical system (16). Excessive consumption of licorice may lead to this imbalance, which may cause irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). Consult a healthcare professional to address any specific concerns about licorice consumption and its impact on your heart health.

Did You Know?

Alexander The Great was believed to take licorice root on his campaigns to help himself with thirst. It also supposedly helped him and his soldiers stay hydrated during water scarcity.

How Much Licorice Root (in mg) Is Safe?

The actual dosage of licorice could be hard to determine as it is available in various forms, including candies, supplements, and beverages. As per the European Union, 100 mg/day is the upper limit for the intake of glycyrrhizin, which is present in about 70 grams of licorice (13).

Another study has declared the safe upper limit of licorice to be 1 to 5 grams per day (13).

Given the ambiguity, you should consult your doctor regarding licorice dosage.

Infographic: Licorice Fun Facts

While the consumption of licorice above a certain dosage could bring about the various side effects listed above, it has been used since ancient times for its medicinal value as well. It is also known by different names in various parts of the world. To know more such facts about licorice and its usage, click on the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential long-term effects of consuming licorice root?

Excessive licorice root consumption may lead to health problems like hypertension and hormonal imbalances. However, more research is warranted in this area. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, consult a healthcare professional before consuming licorice root.

Does licorice cause weight gain?

There is no information that licorice may cause weight gain. In fact, some research states that it may help slow down weight gain. The effects were more pronounced with licorice root powder (15).
It is believed that licorice may affect the hormones related to metabolism, and this may lead to unhealthy weight gain. However, there is no research to support this.

Does licorice damage the liver?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals with liver disease must stay away from licorice. There is no research to back this up. In fact, one rat study states that licorice could actually be beneficial for the liver (16).

What medications should not be taken with licorice?

According to anecdotal evidence, avoid taking licorice with diuretics, digoxin, and laxatives, as it may interfere with their functions.

How long does licorice root stay in your system?

Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient of licorice root, is usually eliminated within 11 hours of ingestion (17).

Who should avoid black licorice?

According to anecdotal evidence, avoid taking excess black licorice if you face heart rhythm troubles or have high blood pressure.

Is licorice a laxative?

Yes, licorice acts as a laxative and relieves constipation. Hence, avoid consuming it if you take other laxatives.

Can licorice affect potassium levels?

Yes, excess licorice consumption may result in low potassium levels (Hypokalemia), which may lead to muscle weakness (18), (19).

Illustration: Licorice Root Side Effects: 7 Ways It May Harm Your Health

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Julie FreemanMA, RDN, LDN, RYT

   

Julie Freeman is a licensed integrative nutritionist with graduate education in psychology, counseling and education. Her post-graduate certifications include functional medicine, yoga, and mind-body medicine. She works closely with other health professionals to support personal transformation.

Read full bio of Julie Freeman

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Aparna Mallampalli