Licorice Root: A Supplement to Avoid

This article discusses the safety risks of licorice root for dogs with Cushing’s disease. If you give your dog supplements, we strongly recommend avoiding any products that contain this ingredient.

About Licorice Root

Licorice root comes from the edible licorice plant, Glycyrhizza glabra, a flowering legume related to beans and peas. Its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin, also known as glycyrrhizic acid, which has a chemical structure similar to corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands. Glycyrrhizin is what gives licorice root its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Safety Concerns

It’s worth noting that scientific data on the effects of licorice root in dogs with Cushing’s disease is limited. However, studies in humans and rodents show that the main compound in licorice root (glycyrrhizin) prevents cortisol from being converted into its inactive form (cortisone), which increases levels of cortisol in the kidneys. Among other things, cortisol buildup in the kidneys can raise blood pressure and increase sodium retention, both of which are concerns for those with Cushing’s disease.

If you want to give licorice to your Cushing’s dog, make sure it is deglycyrrhizinated licorice, also known as DGL. DGL is safer than regular licorice root because it does not contain glycyrrhizin.

Supplements to Avoid

The following supplements contain licorice root. Please note, there may be other licorice products out there that aren’t on this list.

Dr. Harvey’s Golden Years supplement for senior dogs

Forever Puppy Licorice Root Drops

Animal Essentials Licorice Herbal Tonic

Animal Essential Detox Blend

Sensibly Rooted supplement for allergies

Pawfy Urinary & Bladder supplement

Doggie Dailies Daily Bladder Chews

Natural Rapport Bladder Support Soft Chews

References

Licorice and Dogs, by Dogs Naturally Magazine

What is the mechanism of Glycyrrhizin? by Synapse

PubChem Compound Summary for Glycyrrhizin, by National Center for Biotechnology Information

Glycyrrhizic Acid Chapters, by Science Direct