Large doses of glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid in liquorice extract can lead to hypokalemia and hypertension, from mineralocorticoid excess.
Has been used as a medication and a food sweetener.
Licorice Iinhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type 2) with subsequent increase in activity of cortisol on the kidney.
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney.
The unimpeded presence of cortisol can cause hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, fatally read meters, and renal failure.
Cortisol acts at the same receptor as the hormone aldosterone in the kidney and the effects mimic aldosterone excess.
Aldosterone remains low or normal during excessive intake of licorice.