Miriam GonzalesA number of negative effects of licorice root extract might make you hesitate about utilizing it. Candy and beverages often have licorice origin remove. Nonetheless, excess consumption might result in illness. Several studies have shown that overconsuming licorice can create raised high blood pressure degrees and migraines.
Recognizing a lot more concerning the licorice origin negative effects is necessary to avoid unwanted results. Moreover, it might not appropriate for all. This write-up checks out the negative effects of licorice origin essence, its safety, and any type of prospective medicine interactions. Have a look below.
Know Your Ingredient: Licorice Root
Short-Term Effects
High blood pressure, frustration, looseness of the bowels, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, wooziness, and allergic reactions such as asthma.
Long-Term Effects
Might cause hormonal inequality, hurt the child while pregnant and lead to losing the unborn baby.
Drug Interactions
It may interfere with certain medications, especially blood thinners.
When To See A Doctor
If you experience hypertension, too much stomach issues, and allergies, seek medical assistance.
In This Article
What Are The Side Effects Of Licorice Root Extract?
1. May Elevate Blood Pressure Levels
There are several studies to back this up. Some records suggest individuals with high blood pressure to stay clear of licorice origin remove entirely.
It is typically connected to salt and fluid retention as it suppresses aldosterone-- which is a hormonal agent in charge of managing salt degrees in the body. One research specified that licorice tea caused hypertension in people, and quitting it dealt with the problem in two weeks ( 1 ).
Licorice was also identified as a source of second hypertension. The origin includes glycyrrhizic acid, which adds to its pro-hypertensive properties ( 2 ).
According to a research study on 985 patients that consisted of 26 tests, the increase in diastolic high blood pressure (DBP) that adhered to was statistically significant. It likewise validated that usage substantially reduces body weight in people by 0.433 kg; 95% CI, which in turn reduces their body mass index (BMI). Another finding for the team that ate licorice is connected to the hypernatremia that licorice is popular to generate.
2. Might Cause Constipation
Excess quantities of licorice root extract can cause hypokalemia (reduced levels of potassium), with bowel irregularity being just one of its signs and symptoms ( 3 ), ( 4 ).
The start and intensity of the signs and symptom typically depend upon the dosage and duration of licorice intake ( 3 ).
It is thought that licorice may trigger looseness of the bowels or worsen short-tempered bowel syndrome in some individuals. However, there is no adequate details to verify this result. If you have any kind of digestive tract concerns, please check with your doctor prior to consuming licorice (as there is an opportunity that you may respond to it adversely).
Related: 12 Foods That Can Create Irregularity And Exactly How To Prevent It
Did You Know?George Dunhill, a regional chemist in England, added sugar to licorice and called it 'Pontefract cake'. Excess consumption of this cake brought about mass hypokalemia in the 1500s.
3. May Lead To Headaches
The glycyrrhizin is the culprit. It is recognized to cause frustrations. A Massachusetts study discovered that too much intake of the essence can cause the tightness and expansion of cerebral arteries, often causing thunderclap headaches ( 5 ).
In rare cases, it is complicated by hemorrhagic strokes i X Strokes that damage the brain and create neurological signs when a blood vessel ruptureds and causes bleeding inside the mind. ( 5 ). Though the problem is reversible, the symptoms can be severe.
4. May Lead To Dizziness And Fatigue
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery reported the development of hypertensive encephalopathy i X A problem where mind feature is compromised as a result of elevated high blood pressure, causing headaches, nausea or vomiting, and vomiting. in a 15-year-old child after consumption of a sweet consisting of licorice ( 6 ).
This form of high blood pressure is gone along with by vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and visual problems ( 7 ).
Licorice may additionally trigger noticeable mineralocorticoid excess, one more problem defined by hypertension. The signs and symptoms of this problem consist of wooziness, frustrations, and basic and muscular fatigue ( 8 ).
Connected: Top 11 Home Remedies To Relieve Weary Legs And Feet
5. May Cause Hormonal Imbalances
Mice studies have shown that isoliquiritigenin, a substance in licorice, might create Hormone Discrepancy by interfering with the sex hormones in the ovaries. It might disrupt the production of sex hormones ( 9 ).
One major reported adverse effects of licorice origin is lowered levels of testosterone in guys ( 10 ). Some think it may likewise raise estrogen and prolactin degrees in ladies, though more study is called for.
6. May Harm Baby During Pregnancy
Research studies show that licorice usage during pregnancy might hurt the developing spawn ( 11 ).
Teens revealed to huge quantities of licorice when in the womb performed much less well in cognitive tests ( 11 ).
The glycyrrhizin in licorice was also found to be associated with preterm delivery. For this reason, pregnant ladies are suggested to steer clear of from licorice ( 12 ). Some professionals think that licorice can generate preterm labor by mimicking the impacts of estrogen (the female sex hormonal agent). Nonetheless, we need a lot more study in this regard.
Licorice is also believed to cause miscarriage. There is no evidence to sustain this details, though.
The impact of licorice in nursing women has actually not been studied well. For this reason, nursing women need to prevent it.
7. May Cause Allergic Reactions
Excess licorice consumption has actually been related to allergies like asthma and get in touch with dermatitis i X An allergy caused by call with something that creates inflammation in the skin, consisting of toxic irritants like soap or fragrances. ( 13 ). It may also interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin ( 13 ).
Anecdotal proof recommends that those allergic to peas or vegetables might also be allergic to licorice. Research studies recommend that excess licorice intake might cause kidney damages and acute renal failing ( 14 ). However, research is limited to support this data.
Associated: 14 Finest Home Remedies For Skin Allergies|Causes And Signs and symptoms
8. May Cause Irregular Heartbeat
Licorice root includes glycyrrhizic acid, which can affect the body in numerous methods. Glycyrrhizic acid can result in an increase in the degree of cortisol, a hormonal agent that manages various bodily features, consisting of the cardiovascular system ( 15 ). Raised cortisol levels can cause an inequality in electrolytes, such as potassium and salt, which are vital for the proper performance of the heart's electric system ( 16 ). Too much consumption of licorice may lead to this inequality, which may trigger irregular heart beat (likewise referred to as arrhythmia). Speak with a health care professional to attend to any particular problems about licorice consumption and its effect on your heart health and wellness.
Did You Know?Alexander The Great was believed to take licorice origin on his campaigns to assist himself with thirst. It likewise supposedly helped him and his soldiers remain hydrated throughout water shortage.
How Much Licorice Root (in mg) Is Safe?
The actual dosage of licorice can be difficult to figure out as it is offered in different types, consisting of sweets, supplements, and drinks. According to the European Union, 100 mg/day is the ceiling for the intake of glycyrrhizin, which is present in around 70 grams of licorice ( 13 ).
Another study has stated the safe upper limit of licorice to be 1 to 5 grams each day ( 13 ).
Offered the uncertainty, you should consult your physician regarding licorice dosage.
Infographic: Licorice Fun Facts
While the usage of licorice above a specific dosage could bring about the numerous negative effects listed above, it has actually been used considering that old times for its medicinal value also. It is additionally understood by various names in numerous parts of the world. To understand even more such truths about licorice and its use, click on the infographic listed below.
Illustration:
Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.
Despite its typical use in beverages and confectionery, licorice origin extract might show to be unsafe if eaten in extreme quantities. There have been many researches showing the negative effects of its excessive consumption. The side effects of licorice root range from raised blood glucose degrees to hormone imbalances. Furthermore, it might cause irregularity, frustrations, or dizziness. In some cases, licorice root might cause allergic reactions or disrupt the functioning of specific medicines, especially blood thinners. Avoid such issues by limiting your intake or avoiding it altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does licorice cause weight gain?
There is no info that licorice might trigger weight gain. Actually, some research study specifies that it may assist decrease weight gain. The results were a lot more obvious with licorice root powder ( 15 ).
It is believed that licorice might affect the hormonal agents related to metabolic rate, and this may lead to unhealthy weight gain. Nonetheless, there is no research to support this.
Does licorice damage the liver?
Anecdotal evidence recommends that people with liver disease should steer clear of from licorice. There is no research to back this up. As a matter of fact, one rat study specifies that licorice could really be beneficial for the liver ( 16 ).
What medications should not be taken with licorice?
According to anecdotal evidence, avoid taking licorice with diuretics, digoxin, and laxatives, as it may interfere with their features.
How long does licorice root stay in your system?
Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient of licorice origin, is typically removed within 11 hours of consumption ( 17 ).
Who should avoid black licorice?
According to unscientific evidence, prevent taking excess black licorice if you deal with heart rhythm difficulties or have hypertension.
Is licorice a laxative?
Yes, licorice acts as a laxative and eliminates bowel irregularity. Thus, prevent consuming it if you take other laxatives.
Can licorice affect potassium levels?
Yes, excess licorice consumption may cause low potassium degrees (Hypokalemia), which may bring about muscular tissue weak point ( 18 ), ( 19 ).
Key Takeaways
- Licorice root essence may cause enhanced blood pressure and irregularity.
- This origin might interfere with sex hormonal agent manufacturing in women and create reduced testosterone in males, causing hormone imbalances.
- Consuming licorice root during pregnancy can lead to preterm delivery and possibly also losing the unborn baby.
- Overconsumption of licorice can cause allergic reactions and hinder particular medications.
- Get in touch with a physician prior to ingesting licorice as the secure upper limit is not popular.
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