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Related Experiment Videos

Licorice raises urinary cortisol in man.

M T Epstein, E A Espiner, R A Donald

    The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    |August 1, 1978
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

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    Licorice consumption significantly increases urine cortisol excretion in healthy individuals, mimicking Cushing's syndrome levels. This effect is likely due to altered renal handling of cortisol, not direct adrenal stimulation.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Pharmacology
    • Nephrology

    Background:

    • Licorice addiction is linked to hypokalaemic hypertension and increased urine cortisol.
    • The mechanism behind licorice's effect on cortisol metabolism is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of licorice consumption on cortisol excretion in normal subjects.
    • To determine if licorice directly stimulates the pituitary-adrenal axis.

    Main Methods:

    • 13 healthy volunteers ingested 100-200g of licorice for 1-4 weeks.
    • Pituitary-adrenal function was assessed before, during, and after licorice ingestion.
    • Urinary cortisol and steroid metabolites were measured; plasma cortisol and ACTH levels were monitored.

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    Main Results:

    • Urine cortisol excretion more than doubled in 10 of 13 subjects, with 7 showing levels similar to Cushing's syndrome.
    • Elevated urine cortisol persisted for at least 1 week after licorice withdrawal.
    • Plasma cortisol, ACTH, and urinary steroid metabolites remained unchanged; diurnal cortisol variation was maintained.

    Conclusions:

    • Licorice consumption significantly elevates urine cortisol excretion in normal individuals.
    • The observed changes are not due to direct adrenal stimulation but likely result from altered renal cortisol handling.
    • These findings suggest a potential mechanism for licorice-induced hypertension beyond mineralocorticoid effects.