Pastis and hypertension—what is the molecular basis?

Abstract

through the binding of its active component to mineralGlycyrrhiza glabra ocorticoid receptors. Although the structural similarities between aldosThe therapeutic properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra were terone and glycyrrhetinic acid suggested a direct minalready known by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans in eralocorticoid effect due to glycyrrhetinic acid, several antiquity [1]. They used extracts from this plant for a observations were not in line with this concept [4–6 ]. diversity of ailments and as a sweetener. In the modern First, the affinity of glycyrrhetinic acid for mineralocorsociety it is found in drinks such as Belgian beers, ticoid receptors is negligibly low. Secondly, liquorice Ouzo, Pernod or Pastis brands. Many chewing gums has no mineralocorticoid effect in adrenalectomized contain glycyrrhetinic acid. The rationale for adding rats or in patients with Addison’s disease. Thirdly, the glycyrrhetinic acid, the active ingredient of liquorice, mineralocorticoid effect of glycyrrhetinic acid was to chewing gums is the observation that, contrary to restored when liquorice was given together with 11bglucose, liquorice does not promote bacterial growth hydroxy-glucocorticosteroids to animals or humans and adherence of cariogenic bacteria [2]. In addition without adrenal function, suggesting an interaction liquorice is often added to confectionery. The discovery between glycyrrhetinic acid and glucocorticoids, rather of the value of liquorice — previously marketed as than a direct effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on renal carbenoxolone, an oleandane derivative of glycyrrhetsodium retention and potassium excretion. inic acid — in the treatment of peptic ulcer allowed researchers to establish its adverse effect on salt and water metabolism. Mechanism of renal sodium retention and potassium loss induced by liquorice Clinical features and erroneous interpretation