High Glycyrrhizin Intake Shows No Detectable Side Effects in Dogs

Jenn Hoskins
2nd August, 2024

High Glycyrrhizin Intake Shows No Detectable Side Effects in Dogs

Key Findings

  • The study by Royal Canin assessed the effects of glycyrrhizin in dogs at three different doses over 28 days
  • No changes in blood pressure or electrolyte excretion were observed in dogs given these doses
  • This suggests that glycyrrhizin, at the tested doses, does not pose a risk of hypermineralocorticoidism in dogs
Glycyrrhizin-enriched extracts from licorice root have long been associated with numerous health benefits. These extracts are widely used in phytotherapy, leveraging their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties[2]. Despite these benefits, there has been concern about the potential side effects of glycyrrhizin, particularly its impact on cortisol metabolism and the consequent risk of hypermineralocorticoidism, which can lead to elevated potassium excretion and hypertension[1]. A recent study conducted by Royal Canin aimed to address these concerns specifically in dogs. The study assessed the effects of glycyrrhizin at three orally dosed concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg bodyweight/day) over 28 days to determine whether these doses could cause hypermineralocorticoidism in this species. This research is particularly significant as current guidelines lack reliable data on the effects of glycyrrhizin in dogs. The study found no changes in blood pressure or electrolyte excretion in dogs given these concentrations of glycyrrhizin. This is a critical finding as it suggests that the therapeutic use of licorice root in dogs, within these dosage ranges, does not pose a risk of hypermineralocorticoidism. This contrasts with earlier observations in humans and rats, where excessive glycyrrhizin intake was linked to adverse effects on cortisol metabolism[2]. The study's methodology involved careful monitoring of the dogs' blood pressure and electrolyte levels over the 28-day period. These parameters are essential indicators of hypermineralocorticoidism, a condition characterized by an imbalance in mineralocorticoids that can lead to hypertension and altered potassium levels. The absence of such changes in the dogs suggests that their metabolism of glycyrrhizin may differ from that of humans and rats. This research builds on previous findings about the benefits and risks of glycyrrhizin. For instance, glycyrrhizin has been shown to reduce the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is used by the COVID-19 virus to enter cells, thereby offering potential antiviral benefits[2]. Additionally, licorice root has been used historically across various cultures for its medicinal properties, including its ability to promote regulatory T cell (Treg) induction, which can help manage autoimmune and inflammatory diseases[3][4]. The Royal Canin study provides a nuanced understanding of glycyrrhizin's effects in dogs, suggesting that the species-specific response to this compound allows for its safe therapeutic use at the tested doses. This is particularly relevant for veterinary practices and pet owners who may consider licorice root extracts for their pets' health benefits. In conclusion, the study conducted by Royal Canin provides valuable data indicating that glycyrrhizin, at specified dosages, does not induce hypermineralocorticoidism in dogs. This finding supports the safe use of licorice root extracts in canine phytotherapy, expanding our understanding of glycyrrhizin's pharmacological actions across different species. Further research may continue to elucidate the broader implications of these findings and optimize the therapeutic use of glycyrrhizin in both human and veterinary medicine.

MedicineHealthAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Glycyrrhizin intake higher than the current international guidelines has no detectable hypermineralocorticoid-like effect in dogs.

Published 1st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.14030

Related Studies

2) Recent advances in glycyrrhizin metabolism, health benefits, clinical effects and drug delivery systems for efficacy improvement; a comprehensive review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153999

3) A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe.

Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology, Issue: Vol 99, Issue 3, Jul 2005

4) Promotion of regulatory T cell induction by immunomodulatory herbal medicine licorice and its two constituents.

https://doi.org/10.1038/srep14046


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