Licorice is a highly distinctive flavor used in various confections, beverages, and tobacco products around the world. The sweet, aromatic profile comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which has a long history of use extending far beyond candy making. Cultures across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have historically utilized the root as an herbal remedy for general wellness and soothing ailments. This dual identity as both a sweet treat and a botanical supplement leads many to question whether licorice candy can offer any genuine health benefits.
The Core Distinction: Candy Versus Root
The connection between the licorice root and its candy counterpart is often tenuous, as many commercial products contain little to none of the actual plant extract. A significant portion of the black licorice sold in the United States is primarily flavored with anise oil, which shares a similar taste profile but lacks the bioactive compounds of the Glycyrrhiza glabra root. These confections are predominantly composed of sugar, corn syrup, and various binders, meaning consumption is chiefly an intake of calories and carbohydrates.
Even when licorice extract is included, it is typically in a low concentration diluted by sweeteners. Potential health effects are dose-dependent and tied to the concentrated compounds found in the root, not the small amounts present in a highly processed confectionery product. Therefore, consuming licorice candy for health purposes is ineffective and introduces unnecessary sugar.
Bioactive Components and Traditional Uses
The sweetness and biological activity of the licorice root are attributed to its primary active component, glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid). This compound is a triterpenoid saponin that is approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose, accounting for the intense flavor of the root extract. The glycyrrhizin content can range from 2% to 25%.
Traditional use of licorice root dates back thousands of years across multiple ancient civilizations. It was brewed into a sweet drink in ancient Egypt and was a common remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historical texts from Greek and Roman scholars document its use for treating ailments such as coughs, asthma, and issues of the throat and kidneys. These traditional applications relied on the direct consumption of the root or its concentrated extracts.
Proven Therapeutic Applications
The health benefits of licorice are strictly linked to concentrated extracts or supplements, where bioactive compounds are isolated for therapeutic dosing. One primary application is in digestive health, where licorice extract may help soothe gastric discomfort.
Specifically, deglycyrrhizinized licorice (DGL), a form with the glycyrrhizin removed, is often used to support the stomach lining and may reduce symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Research suggests that licorice extract can assist in the eradication of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which is a common cause of peptic ulcers. The compounds in licorice appear to increase the production of protective mucus in the stomach and exhibit antimicrobial effects against the bacteria.
This anti-inflammatory capability extends beyond the gut, as glycyrrhizin has shown promise in reducing inflammation associated with certain skin conditions like eczema. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin demonstrates antiviral and antimicrobial properties, making it a subject of research for various infections. Licorice extracts have been investigated for their potential to inhibit viral replication and are used intravenously in some regions, such as Japan, to treat chronic viral hepatitis. These effects are highly dose-dependent and require prescription-grade extracts.
Health Risks of Glycyrrhizin Overconsumption
Despite the potential benefits of concentrated extracts, the active compound glycyrrhizin poses serious health risks when consumed in excess. Chronic, high-dose intake of licorice, whether from supplements or certain candies, can lead to a condition called pseudoaldosteronism. This syndrome mimics the effects of having too much of the hormone aldosterone, even though aldosterone levels in the body are suppressed.
The mechanism involves glycyrrhizin’s metabolite, glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) in the kidneys. This inhibition allows the stress hormone cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors, which are normally reserved for aldosterone. The resulting activation causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, leading to elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention.
Simultaneously, the mineralocorticoid receptor activation causes a dangerous increase in the excretion of potassium, resulting in hypokalemia, or dangerously low potassium levels. Severe hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and potentially life-threatening cardiac events. Consumption of as little as 75 mg of glycyrrhetinic acid daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure in some individuals. Licorice can also interact negatively with various medications, including diuretics and certain heart drugs.