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Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message
Hesham R Omar1, Irina Komarova, Mohamed El-Ghonemi
1Internal Medicine Department, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, 2525 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 28, 2012
Summary
Excessive licorice intake can lead to serious health issues due to its active compound, glycyrrhetic acid. This review warns that licorice
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Herbal Medicine Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Licorice extract is widely used as a sweetener and thirst quencher.
- Its nutritive value is often overestimated, leading to potential health complications.
- Glycyrrhetic acid, the active metabolite, has significant physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of licorice.
- To detail the complications associated with excessive licorice intake.
- To emphasize the need for regulation and public awareness regarding licorice consumption.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence on licorice.
- Analysis of the mechanism of action of glycyrrhetic acid.
- Examination of reported adverse effects and clinical scenarios.
Main Results:
- Glycyrrhetic acid inhibits 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, causing mineralocorticoid effects.
- Excessive intake can lead to sodium retention and potassium reduction, mimicking aldosterone.
- Reported complications arise from chronic overconsumption, outweighing minor benefits.
Conclusions:
- Daily consumption of licorice is not justified due to adverse outcomes.
- There is a need to investigate herbal remedies used habitually versus scientifically.
- Increased public awareness and FDA regulation are crucial to prevent licorice toxicity.
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