Licorice root or "sweet root," a desirable flavoring agent traditionally used to sweeten confectioneries, should not be valued for its sweetness alone. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has long been used to heal stomach ulcers, sore throat, bronchitis and infections caused by viruses, like hepatitis. Licorice root is peeled, dried or ground into a powder; and is available as a dietary supplement in tablet, capsule or liquid extract form. While most herbal supplements are considered safe, it is important to understand potential side effects.
Pseudoaldosteronism
The chemical compound found in licorice responsible for flavoring, as well as for the majority of the root's healing properties is known as glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid. This compound can cause serious side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that glycyrrhizin may cause pseudoaldosteronism (hypersensitivity to aldosterone, a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex). Pseudoaldosteronism can induce side effects such high blood pressure, heart attacks, headaches and salt and water retention. To avoid possible side effects induced by glycyrrhizin, licorice root may be purchased without glycyrrhizin and is available as DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice.
Electrolyte Abnormalities
Electrolyte abnormalities may also present as a side effect of licorice root. Medline Plus indicates that licorice alters hormonal activity which may create electrolyte imbalances. Such imbalances may cause side effects such as low potassium levels, metabolic alkalosis and sodium and fluid retention. Low potassium levels created by licorice root induced electrolyte abnormalities could cause paralysis. A case report published in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" reported that while low potassium induced paralysis can occur, it is extremely rare; with only 40 cases reported in English medical literature. Medline Plus also reports that electrolyte abnormalities can cause heart attack, kidney damage, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness. High blood pressure, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache and hypertensive encephalopathy in conjunction with stroke-like effects can also occur.
Additional Effects
Muscle pain and numbness in the legs and arms are additional side effects of licorice root noted by Medline Plus. Ocular side effects have also been reported and include transient problems or loss of vision. Frederick W. Fraunfelder, M.D., of the OHSU School of Medicine and the OHSU Casey Eye Institute, reviewed cases of herbal induced vision problems and found licorice caused temporary vision loss, similar to what someone may experience with an ocular migraine without resulting headache.
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