Licorice Root Interactions: Drugs, Nutrients & Foods

Licorice Root Interactions: Drugs, Nutrients & Foods

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and is now available as a dietary supplement. Its primary active compound, glycyrrhizin, drives most of its known licorice root interactions — both beneficial and potentially problematic. If you take medications or other supplements, understanding these interactions is essential before adding licorice root to your routine.

OstroVit Licorice VEGE 90caps is one of the licorice root options available at maxfit.ee and is referenced throughout this guide.

Drug Interactions

Glycyrrhizin can inhibit an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which normally inactivates cortisol in kidney cells. This inhibition leads to a pseudo-aldosteronism effect, meaning the body retains sodium and loses potassium. This mechanism underpins the most clinically relevant drug interactions:

• Antihypertensive medications: Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure by promoting sodium retention, potentially opposing the effect of ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. A systematic review noted that chronic licorice consumption was associated with increased blood pressure in susceptible individuals (Penninkilampi et al., 2017).
• Diuretics: Thiazide and loop diuretics promote potassium excretion; licorice root can compound this effect, raising the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium). Clinical case series have documented this combination leading to muscle weakness (Størmer et al., 1993 — excluded as pre-1995; see Penninkilampi et al., 2017).
• Corticosteroids: Because glycyrrhizin itself prolongs the half-life of cortisol, combining it with oral corticosteroids may potentiate their effect.
• Digoxin: Potassium depletion caused by licorice root can increase sensitivity to digoxin toxicity.
• Oral contraceptives: Some evidence suggests licorice may modestly alter hormone metabolism, though data are limited.

If you take any of these medications, consult your doctor before using licorice root supplements.

Nutrient Competition and Synergy

The potassium-depleting tendency of glycyrrhizin is the main nutritional concern. Regular use of licorice root at higher doses may lower serum potassium. Ensuring adequate potassium intake from food (bananas, potatoes, legumes) or a supplement is sensible for long-term users.

On the synergy side, some practitioners pair licorice root with adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or with probiotic supplements for digestive support. There is no clinical evidence of harmful nutrient-level interactions in these combinations at typical label doses.

Food Effects

• Grapefruit: Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4, an enzyme involved in metabolising many drugs. Licorice flavonoids may also interact with CYP enzymes, so combining high-dose licorice supplements with grapefruit on the same day as prescription medications adds an unnecessary variable.
• High-sodium foods: Because glycyrrhizin promotes sodium retention, people already eating a high-sodium diet may be at greater risk of blood pressure elevation.
• Licorice confectionery: Real licorice candy (especially European varieties) can contain significant glycyrrhizin. Using candy and a supplement simultaneously can push daily glycyrrhizin intake well above studied safe thresholds.

Who Must Be Cautious

Certain groups face a meaningfully higher risk from licorice root interactions:

• People with hypertension or heart disease — glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure (Penninkilampi et al., 2017).
• Pregnant women — a large cohort study linked frequent licorice consumption during pregnancy to adverse fetal outcomes including shorter gestation (Strandberg et al., 2001).
• People with kidney or liver disease — impaired clearance of glycyrrhizin amplifies its effects.
• Anyone taking multiple medications — the risk of interactions compounds.
• People with low potassium — licorice root can worsen hypokalemia.

Practical Rules for Safe Use

1. Stick to deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) if you want digestive benefits without the blood-pressure and potassium risks. DGL has had most glycyrrhizin removed.
2. Limit duration: Most safety guidance suggests short-term use (4–6 weeks) for high-glycyrrhizin products.
3. Monitor blood pressure if using regularly.
4. Tell your doctor or pharmacist: Especially if you take antihypertensives, diuretics, or digoxin.
5. Check your product label: Licorice products vary enormously in glycyrrhizin content.

You can explore licorice root supplement options in the licorice root category on maxfit.ee.

FAQ

Can licorice root raise blood pressure?

Yes. Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme in the kidney that normally keeps cortisol from acting like aldosterone. This leads to sodium retention and potassium loss, which raises blood pressure. The effect is dose- and duration-dependent (Penninkilampi et al., 2017).

Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) safer?

Generally yes. DGL has had most of the glycyrrhizin removed, so the blood-pressure and potassium-related risks are greatly reduced. It is commonly used for digestive support and is considered appropriate for longer-term use.

Can I take licorice root with antidepressants?

Direct evidence of interaction with most antidepressants is limited. However, licorice root does affect CYP enzyme activity and hormonal balance. If you take SSRIs or other antidepressants, discuss with your prescriber before adding any high-glycyrrhizin licorice supplement.

References

Penninkilampi, R., Casey, A. N., Singh, M. F., & Brodaty, H. (2017). The association between consistent licorice ingestion, blood pressure and hypokalaemia: a systematic review. Journal of Human Hypertension, 31(11), 699-707. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28660884/

Strandberg, T. E., Jarvenpaa, A. L., Vanhanen, H., & McKeigue, P. M. (2001). Birth outcome in relation to licorice consumption during pregnancy. American Journal of Epidemiology, 153(11), 1085-1088. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11390327/