What physiological effects similar to hyperaldosteronism are caused by compounds in licorice root?

Fluid retention and elevated blood pressure.

Licorice root, despite its common use as a natural sweetener, contains active components, primarily glycyrrhizin, that have significant implications for cardiovascular and renal health, especially in susceptible populations. Glycyrrhizin acts by mimicking or promoting conditions similar to hyperaldosteronism. This hormonal imbalance leads to physiological consequences characterized by the body retaining excessive sodium and water, which increases the overall blood volume. The increased blood volume subsequently results in systemic hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. For individuals whose kidneys are already compromised, this induced hypertension forces the already damaged renal filtration system to work harder against higher pressures, leading to accelerated impairment of renal function.