The potassium intake should be increased. Persons with cardiac problems and or hypertension should avoid consumption of significant quantities. Increases fluid and sodium retention and promoted potassium depletion. Because of the increased loss of potassium the action of cardiotonic drugs may be potentiated. Due to the mineralocorticoid effect of glycyrrhizin, licorice root taken in excessive amounts can cause metabolic disturbances known as pseudoaldosteronism, leading to potassium depletion, sodium retention, edema, hypertension and weight gain.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is reported to be free from adverse effects listed above.
Steinberg D, Sgan-Cohen HD, Stabholz A, et al. Soma R, Ikeda M, Morise T, et al. Effect of glycyrrhizin on cortisol metabolism in humans.