Black licorice is most commonly used as a flavoring in candy but it can also be used as an herbal supplement. Though licorice may be useful as a natural remedy for a number of medical conditions, it may also have dangerous side effects and drug interactions with medications such as warfarin, a commonly used prescription blood thinner. As with all supplements, tell your health care practitioner about all medications you are taking and do not begin any herbal supplements such as black licorice without advice.
Black Licorice Use
Black licorice extract is made from the plant known by the scientific name Glycyrrhiza. It has been used as a flavoring and sweetening agent for candies and in food. It has also been used in Chinese medicine as a tonic and balancing agent in herbal remedies. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that it has demonstrated activity as an antibacterial, anti-cancer agent, anti-inflammatory and showed estrogenic activity in animals, however these effects have not been proven in human studies. When used as a supplement, licorice may cause a number of side effects and drug interactions such as with warfarin. A health care professional should be consulted before beginning a regimen including black licorice.
Warfarin Use
Warfarin is the generic name for the anti-coagulant medication sold under the brand name Coumadin. It acts by inhibiting Vitamin K activity which is important in blood clotting. Warfarin is commonly used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clot formation in cases such as deep vein thrombosis and in some other conditions such as atrial fibrillation and recurrent heart attack to prevent pulmonary embolism. Warfarin may increase the chance of bleeding and has a number of interactions with other medications and supplements such as black licorice. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid drug interactions.
Black Licorice Side Effects
When taken as a supplement, licorice may cause a number of side effects. Some patients may experience an increase in blood pressure or changes in heart rhythm. Those with cardiac conditions should not take licorice. It may also cause sodium retention and a loss of potassium in the body, which can add to cardiac side effects and may be serious. Because of licorice's estrogenic activity, it may cause sexual dysfunction in men and menstrual irregularities in women and may worsen estrogen-related conditions such as some types of cancer like breast and endometrial cancer. Black licorice should not be taken by pregnant women or children.
Black Licorice Medication Interactions
The National Institute of Health lists warfarin as a major drug interaction with black licorice. Licorice may increase the chance of blood clot formation by decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin. Most health care practitioners recommend that licorice and warfarin not be taken together. Licorice may also cause some interactions with other medications such as digoxin, estrogen, anti-inflammatory agents, and blood pressure medications.
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