Licorice is a flavor found in various products, including candies, teas, and herbal remedies. It contains a natural compound that can impact the cardiovascular system, influencing blood pressure levels. These effects are not always immediate, and understanding how licorice works can help consumers make informed choices about their intake.
The Chemical Connection Between Licorice and Blood Pressure
The active compound in licorice that affects blood pressure is glycyrrhizin, which the body converts into glycyrrhetinic acid. This acid interferes with 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), an enzyme in the kidneys. Normally, 11β-HSD2 deactivates cortisol, preventing it from acting on mineralocorticoid receptors.
When 11β-HSD2 is inhibited, cortisol accumulates and binds to these receptors, mimicking aldosterone. This leads to the kidneys retaining more sodium and water while increasing potassium excretion. The resulting electrolyte imbalance and increased fluid volume contribute to elevated blood pressure. It is important to distinguish real licorice root from products flavored with anise oil, as anise does not contain glycyrrhizin and therefore does not carry the same blood pressure risks.
Timeframe for Blood Pressure Elevation
The rise in blood pressure from licorice consumption is not immediate. It typically develops with consistent, daily intake over time. For most individuals, noticeable changes can appear after one to two weeks of sustained daily consumption of a sufficient quantity.
The exact speed varies based on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity. Significant increases can be observed in as little as a few days with very high intake. With more moderate consumption, it may take several weeks for any measurable effect to become apparent.
Dosage and Susceptibility
The amount of glycyrrhizin, the active compound, differs significantly between licorice products like candies, herbal teas, or dietary supplements. Consistent consumption of more than 50 to 100 grams of licorice candy per day, typically containing 100 to 200 milligrams of glycyrrhizin, can increase blood pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that consuming as little as 2 ounces (approximately 57 grams) of black licorice daily for at least two weeks could cause health concerns.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to licorice’s blood pressure-raising effects. Those with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney conditions are at elevated risk, experiencing effects at lower doses or more quickly. Individuals over 40 are also particularly vulnerable to problems from daily licorice consumption.
Recognizing Symptoms and Reversing the Effects
Individuals consuming significant amounts of licorice might experience symptoms due to elevated blood pressure and low potassium levels (hypokalemia). These can include headaches, fatigue, and fluid retention, often noticeable as swelling in the legs. In more severe instances, heart palpitations or muscle weakness might occur.
Licorice-induced hypertension is almost always reversible once consumption stops. The reversal process can take several weeks for blood pressure to stabilize, and in some cases, suppression of the renin-aldosterone system might persist for a few months. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms are present or if there are concerns about blood pressure.