title: Liquorice and hypertension.
abstract: Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active constituent of liquorice, inhibits renal IIbeta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This allows cortisol to stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors, which can result in hypertension and hypokalaemia. Treatment options are based on pathophysiological understanding.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: van Uum
mesh_terms: D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D002182:Candy / Q000633:toxicity; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D006035:Glycyrrhiza / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D018161:Receptors, Mineralocorticoid / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D018161:Receptors, Mineralocorticoid; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid