Andrea Farinelli

Dr. Andrea Farinelli

Department of Translational Medicine, Universita' degli studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 September 2023 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GCGiovanna Ceccuzzi
Giovanna Ceccuzzi
ARAlessandro Rapino
Alessandro Rapino
BPBenedetta Perna
Benedetta Perna
ACANNA COSTANZINI
ANNA COSTANZINI
Andrea FarinelliAndrea Farinelli
Andrea Farinelli
Matteo GuarinoMatteo Guarino
Matteo Guarino
Background: Renowned since ancient times for its medical properties, liquorice is nowadays mainly used for flavoring candies or soft drinks. Continuous intake of large amounts of liquorice is a widely known cause of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. These manifestations are usually mild, although in some cases may generate life-threatening complications, i.e., arrhythmias, muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and coma. In addition, liquorice has an important estrogenic-like activity. Methods: We summarized the current knowledge about liquorice and reviewed 104 case reports in both the English and Italian languages from inception to June 2023 concerning complications due to an excess of liquorice intake. Results: In contrast to most published data, female sex and old age do not appear to be risk factors. However, hypertension and electrolyte imbalance (mainly hypokalemia) are prevalent features. The detection of glycyrrhetinic acid in blood is very uncommon, and the diagnosis is essentially based on an accurate history taking. Conclusions: Although there is not a significant mortality rate, liquorice toxicity often requires hospitalization and therefore represents a significant health concern. Major pharmaceutical drug regulatory authorities should solicit public awareness about the potentially dangerous effects caused by excessive use of liquorice.