Black licorice is sometimes used as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions. However, like all herbal remedies, it can cause side effects and interact negatively with many over-the-counter and prescription medications. If you are living with any kind of heart disease or on medication for a heart condition, speak with your physician before using black licorice.
Black Licorice
Licorice is a plant and the root is the part used to make medicinal products. Licorice is taken by some to manage digestive problems, cold-like symptoms, arthritis, liver disease and other conditions. Since herbal remedies are not regulated, products can vary greatly in the amount of licorice they contain. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of licorice root; however, the active chemicals found in licorice may help to decrease swelling, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in your body that heal ulcers, says MedlinePlus.
ACE Inhibitors
Black licorice, like all herbs, may contain chemicals that can interact with medications you are taking for heart disease. This includes a class of medications called ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the action of the enzyme Angiotensin II. This enzyme makes the muscles that control your blood vessels constrict, causing the blood vessels to narrow. When the blood vessels narrow there is less space for the blood to flow through which can raise your blood pressure and restrict blood flow to the heart and or brain. ACE inhibitors are used to dilate the blood vessels and can help to manage high blood pressure and heart failure and reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke. Licorice root may decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and should not be mixed with them, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diuretics
Diuretics are another type of heart medication that may not work properly when taking licorice. If the body retains fluid, there is more pressure on the blood vessel walls, which can raise blood pressure and strain the heart muscle. Diuretics help the body excrete the excess fluid, which, in turn, can lower your blood pressure. Licorice can decrease the effectiveness of diuretics and may also make your potassium level drop too low. However, one form of licorice root called deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL, does not appear to affect potassium levels, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. However, it should still only be used under medical supervision.
Additional Side Effects
Licorice products that contain a substance called glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems or make existing problems worse, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Licorice can also alter the level of certain hormones such as cortisol in the body. Weakness, paralysis and brain damage are other serious side effects that can occur. Everyone's sensitivity to licorice is different and for some just small amounts can cause health problems. If you decide to try licorice, your physician can monitor your response to prevent complications.
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