Licorice - Bromocriptine Interaction
Herbal: Licorice
Also Known As: Glycyrrhiza echinate, Alcacuz, Bois Doux, Can Cao, Deglycyrrhized Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan Zao, Glabra, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhizinic Acid, Kanzo, Lakritze, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquirizia, Mulathi, Mulethi, Orozuz, Subholz, Yashtimadhu, Yashti-Madhu
Drug: Bromocriptine
Brand names:
Parlodel

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Bromocriptine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Kent UM, Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Hollenberg PF. The licorice root derived isoflavan glabridin inhibits the activities of human cytochrome P450S 3A4, 2B6, and 2C9. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:709-15..
- Mu Y, Zhang J, Zhang S, et al. Traditional Chinese medicines Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis Baill) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) activate pregnane X receptor and increase warfarin clearance in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006;316:1369-77.
- Tu, J. H., He, Y. J., Chen, Y., Fan, L., Zhang, W., Tan, Z. R., Huang, Y. F., Guo, D., Hu, D. L., Wang, D., and Hong-Hao Zhou. Effect of glycyrrhizin on the activity of CYP3A enzyme in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2010;66(8):805-810.
- Li G, Simmler C, Chen L, et al. Cytochrome P450 inhibition by three licorice species and fourteen licorice constituents. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2017;109:182-190.
Licorice Overview

Bromocriptine Overview
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Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is used to treat symptoms of hyperprolactinemia (high levels of a natural substance called prolactin in the body) including lack of menstrual periods, discharge from the nipples, infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant) and hypogonadism (low levels of certain natural substances needed for normal development and sexual function). Bromocriptine (Parlodel) may be used to treat hyperprolactinemia caused by certain types of tumors that produce prolactin, and may shrink these tumors. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is also used alone or with other treatments to treat acromegaly (condition in which there is too much growth hormone in the body) and Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Bromocriptine (Cycloset) is used with a diet and exercise program and sometimes with other medications to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Bromocriptine (Cycloset) is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated). Bromocriptine is in a class of medications called dopamine receptor agonists. It treats hyperprolactinemia by decreasing the amount of prolactin in the body. It treats acromegaly by decreasing the amount of growth hormone in the body. It treats Parkinson's disease by stimulating the nerves that control movement. The way bromocriptine works to treat diabetes is not known.
Licorice - More Interactions
Licorice interacts with 1011 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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