In theory, because of the known effects of licorice, there may be some benefits of licorice for high potassium levels caused by a condition called hypoaldosteronism.
Hyperaldesteronism or aldosterone excess enhances sodium and water reabsorption and potassium loss by the kidneys, which leads to mild hypernatremia and simultaneously, hypokalemia and increased extracellular fluid volume.
Excessive ingestion of natural licorice can produce a syndrome similar to primary (uncommon) hyperaldesteronism.
Natural licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which acts as a mineralocorticoid. Glycyrrhizic acid contains in genuine licorice inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for converting cortisol to cortisone, and essential step in protecting the mineralocorticoid receptor from cortisol.
In this case, licorice can cause hypertension. Rare case reports suggest that a substantial elevation of blood pressure can occur in sensitive individuals after the chronic ingestion of licorice.
Eating licorice produces the symptoms of hyperaldesteronism
