Black licorice may seem like an innocent childhood treat that helps satisfy a sweet tooth, but it can pose a danger to some individuals. Although some products that taste like licorice may contain artificial flavorings, candy that contains the extract of the licorice plant can increase your risk of certain health conditions, including hypertension.
Licorice
Licorice flavoring comes from the root of the licorice plant, which goes by the botanical name of Glycyrrhiza glabra. This herb contains glycyrrhiza, or glycyrrhizin, a compound that has medicinal value and can cause serious side effects. Although medical studies are inconclusive, some people use licorice to treat indigestion, eczema, canker sores, colds and coughs. Licorice is also a common ingredient in candy, beverages, cough syrup, gum and cookies. Some tobacco products also contain licorice. The flavor of this herb closely resembles anise, a different type of herb mainly used for culinary purposes.
Hypertension
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, results when the pressure on your arteries rises to a level higher than 140 over 90. Hypertension seldom causes symptoms and may go unnoticed until you take a blood pressure test. High blood pressure is a serious condition that can increase your risk of kidney failure, heart attack, heart disease and stroke. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can help control high blood pressure. The glycyrrhizin in licorice can increase your blood pressure and may lead to a heart attack.
Effects
The active ingredient in licorice can cause your kidneys to release potassium. This mineral helps regulate the activity of your heart. Excessive amounts of licorice can result in low levels of potassium in your body, increasing your risk of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Typical licorice stick candies contain small amounts of the herb, but consuming large quantities of licorice on a regular basis can increase your risk of health problems.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises people with high blood pressure to avoid taking licorice as an herbal supplement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that eating multiple 2-oz. bags of licorice daily for more than two weeks can increase the risk of heart arrhythmias in people over the age of 40. This warning applies to black licorice, since red licorice does not contain the active ingredient from the licorice herb. Licorice can interact with certain drugs, including birth control pills, laxatives, corticosteroids and diuretics.
