Dangerous Side Effects Of Licorice Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, sweet root or Chinese licorice, is a popular remedy for stomach ulcers, sore throats, bronchitis and liver disease. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, evidence is insufficient to determine if licorice root is effective for any of these conditions. If you use this herb in its native form, you should be aware of its side effects and potential toxicity.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a chemical that accounts for some of the herb's immune-stimulating properties. However, glycyrrhizin also mimics the effects of aldosterone, a hormone normally released by the adrenal glands. Like aldosterone, glycyrrhizin increases the secretion of potassium and the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," chronic use or high doses of licorice root can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, and hypernatremia, or high sodium levels.

Low Potassium

Normal potassium levels are essential for maintaining cellular function and optimal acid-base balance. When hypokalemia develops as a result of licorice use, it generates ion shifts that are designed to maintain electrical balance within the tissues. This results in an alkaline state, called alkalosis, which is characterized by fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches and abnormal sensations. As hypokalemia and alkalosis worsen, muscle breakdown, kidney failure, abnormal cardiac rhythms and death may result.

Edema

Glycyrrhizin's effects on sodium and water retention may lead to edema, or the accumulation of excess fluid in your tissues. For most healthy people, this is merely a cosmetic inconvenience, but if you suffer from congestive heart failure, diabetes, lung disease, neuropathy, varicose veins or high blood pressure, extra fluid in your tissues and blood vessels may make your condition worse.

High Blood Pressure

Glycyrrhizin interferes with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system -- a hormonal pathway in the kidneys and liver that is responsible for controlling blood pressure. By increasing the absorption of sodium and water in your kidneys, glycyrrhizin increases the blood volume, thereby raising your blood pressure.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Normal cardiac function is highly dependent on the proper concentrations of electrolytes and a normal acid-base balance in the bloodstream and within the cells of your heart. Glycyrrhizin's influence on potassium, sodium, acid-base status and consequently on the tissue concentrations of other ions interferes with the generation of a normal heart rhythm. As noted in a 1999 article in the "Journal of Internal Medicine," chronic use of licorice root may lead to abnormal cardiac rhythms that are potentially life threatening.

Drug Interactions

Licorice root's effects on serum electrolytes make it a bad companion for diuretics, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, that also increase secretion of potassium from the kidneys. The hypokalemia associated with chronic licorice use can trigger digitalis toxicity. Drugs that are designed to normalize the heart's rhythm may have paradoxical effects when used in conjunction with licorice root. If you take corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, licorice root may heighten the effects of your medications.

A Note About DGL

A non-glycyrrhizin form of licorice root, called DGL, is commercially available. It reportedly lacks the undesirable toxic effects of native licorice root. While its promoters believe it is as effective for most conditions as the native root, DGL would not confer any benefits that are specifically attributed to glycyrrhizin, such as stimulation of the immune system.

Precautions and Warnings

If you have liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart failure or an abnormal heart rhythm, you should not use licorice root in its native form. Pregnant women should also avoid its use. If you have any of these conditions and wish to take DGL, consult your physician. Even if you are otherwise healthy, you should not use licorice root for longer than six weeks.