10 Possible Side Effects Of Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis has some side effects when used improperly, such as increased blood pressure, water retention, and electrolyte imbalances.

These side effects can be caused by the herb's active compound, glycyrrhizin, which can interfere with the body's ability to regulate potassium levels.

In severe cases, this can lead to conditions like hypokalemia, which can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and even heart palpitations, making everyday activities more challenging and potentially life-threatening.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis if used imporperly.

1. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis increases blood pressure due to its ability to elevate cortisol levels and enhance aldosterone activity.

The compound glycyrrhetic acid in Glycyrrhiza uralensis inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts cortisol into its inactive form.

This leads to an increase in cortisol levels and subsequent stimulation of aldosterone production, resulting in increased sodium reabsorption and blood volume expansion.

2. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis causes potassium loss.

This is due to its ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which helps regulate potassium levels in the body. As a result, the kidneys retain more sodium and excrete more potassium, leading to a decrease in potassium levels.

This can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart palpitations.

3. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis induces adrenal insufficiency due to its ability to inhibit the activity of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme.

This inhibition leads to an increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in aldosterone production, resulting in impaired adrenal function.

The prolonged use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis can cause a suppression of the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

4. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis affects electrolyte balance by inhibiting the enzyme aldosterone, which regulates potassium and sodium levels in the body.

As a result, it can lead to an imbalance of these essential minerals, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart palpitations.

Additionally, the herb's anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to its effects on electrolyte balance by altering the body's ability to regulate fluid and electrolyte levels.

5. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis decreases serum cortisol levels due to its ability to inhibit the activity of cortisol-metabolizing enzymes in the liver.

This leads to an accumulation of cortisol in the body, potentially causing side effects such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and changes in skin pigmentation.

Additionally, glycyrrhizin, a key component of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been shown to directly bind to glucocorticoid receptors, further contributing to decreased serum cortisol levels.

6. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis worsens hypertension due to its ability to increase aldosterone levels in the body.

Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates electrolyte and water balance, leading to fluid retention, which can further elevate blood pressure. The root's bioactive compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin, are responsible for this effect by inhibiting the breakdown of cortisol, a hormone that stimulates aldosterone production.

As a result, individuals with pre-existing hypertension may experience an increase in their blood pressure when using Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

7. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis triggers hyperkalemia due to its inhibitory effect on the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2).

This enzyme is responsible for converting cortisol into cortisone, which helps regulate potassium levels in the body.

By inhibiting this conversion, Glycyrrhiza uralensis increases cortisol levels and reduces cortisone levels, leading to an accumulation of potassium ions in the bloodstream and potentially causing hyperkalemia.

8. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis leads to edema formation due to its ability to increase the levels of cortisol in the body.

This is because glycyrrhizic acid, a main constituent of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in cortisol metabolism, thereby leading to an accumulation of cortisol in the blood and subsequent fluid retention.

As a result, people may experience swelling in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, ankles, and face.

9. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis disrupts sodium levels due to its ability to block the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels in the body.

This can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.

Additionally, prolonged use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis can cause the kidneys to retain sodium, further exacerbating this imbalance.

10. Enhances sensitivity to glucose

Glycyrrhiza uralensis lowers blood sugar levels due to its ability to inhibit enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, specifically glucosidase and sucrase.

This results in delayed carbohydrate absorption, leading to reduced glucose uptake by the body's cells.

Additionally, Glycyrrhiza uralensis can increase insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently, further contributing to its hypoglycemic effect.