Licorice Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 859 found this helpful
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
1

No published animal poisoning cases associated with Glycyrrhiza glabra L. have been recorded to date.

2

Licorice is not suitable for use as feed for any animal species, including pets and livestock.

3

The plant may be confused with other potentially toxic members of the Fabaceae family.

FAQ

Is Licorice toxic to Humans?

No acute poisoning symptoms confirmed at typical consumption levels; high chronic intake may cause electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, or edema. (Low)

Is Licorice toxic to Cats?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Licorice toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Licorice toxic to Horses?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

No acute poisoning symptoms confirmed at typical consumption levels; high chronic intake may cause electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, or edema.

Cats
Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested.

Dogs
Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested.

Horses
Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo confirmed toxic plant parts documented; entire plant is unsuitable for use as animal feed
Exposure RouteOral ingestion (most common if consumed as forage, supplement, or processed licorice product)
Toxic CompoundsGlycyrrhizin (primary bioactive compound, associated with adverse effects at high chronic intake levels)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Remove all remaining licorice plant or product from the animal's mouth and environment to stop further consumption.
  • • Record the approximate quantity consumed and time of ingestion for veterinary reference.
  • • Monitor the animal for 24-48 hours for unusual behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in thirst/urination.

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • The animal has consumed very large quantities of licorice within the last 2 hours.
  • • The animal displays persistent unusual symptoms including lethargy, gastrointestinal distress, or swelling.
  • • The animal has pre-existing heart, kidney, or blood pressure conditions.

Prevention

  • • Never use licorice as a feed supplement or forage for any companion or livestock animal species.
  • • Store licorice plants and processed licorice products out of reach of pets and livestock.
  • • Confirm correct identification of Fabaceae family plants before allowing animals to graze in areas where they grow.

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Supportive gastrointestinal decontamination if large quantities were ingested recently, as directed by a vet.
  • • Symptomatic care for any observed adverse effects including gastrointestinal upset or electrolyte imbalance.
  • • Monitoring of fluid, electrolyte, and blood pressure levels for animals that consumed very large quantities.
Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameGlycyrrhiza glabra L.
AliasesCommon licorice、Sweet root、Common liquorice
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesNon-toxic
Target Organs
KidneysCardiovascular systemGastrointestinal tract
Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxic mechanism confirmed for acute exposure; high chronic intake of glycyrrhizin may disrupt electrolyte regulation and increase blood pressure.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed poisoning cases reported; the species is not suitable for use as a feed source
Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No specific toxicity data available; consumption is not recommended to avoid potential adverse effects
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild indigo Baptisia tinctoria
Fabaceae family member with similar leaf and growth structure to licorice; wild indigo is confirmed toxic to animals, and may be misidentified by foragers or growers.
Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Download on the App Store

Data Sources

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

View Full Plant Wiki
PlantFun

PlantFun

⭐ 4.9 rating · AI toxicity check

Get App