Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 20, 06/04/2009

Question

What is the mechanism by which licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) increases blood pressure and the risk for developing hypertension?

Answer

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains an ingredient called glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid and has been used in the treatment of stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat and even viral hepatitis.(1)  It is available in a number of dosage forms that include powdered forms, capsules, tablets and liquid extracts.(1)  Unfortunately, licorice ingestion can lead to excess mineralocorticoid activity that is manifested by suppressed renin levels, sodium retention, hypervolemia, edema, hypokalemia, and hypertension.(1-5)  In fact, the increase in blood pressure and development of hypertension can be significant and last several weeks before returning to baseline despite discontinuation of the licorice supplementation.(2,4)  What is the glycyrrhizic acid in the licorice doing to cause hypertension?

The normal physiology for sodium-water retention is largely influenced by the expression of.....

There is a figure with this newsletter that helps to explain the mechanism of action for which licorice causes increases in plasma volume and/or blood pressure.

Other keywords found in this issue:  gene expression, renal tubule, beta, hydroxysteroid, dehydrogenase, peritubular fluid, spironolactone, Aldactone, citrate

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