A case of pseudoaldosteronism due to addiction of Jintan, a mouth refresher popular among Japanese.

A 50-year-old man with hypertension showed hypokalemia, hyporesponsive low reninemia, and low levels of aldosterone in the plasma and urine. Plasma DOC and corticosterone level, adrenal scintigram, and phlebogram were within normal limits. Hypertension and hypokalemia were correctable by spironolactone. It was revealed that he had been ingesting Jintan granules in large doses, corresponding to 150-220 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day for 10 years. Upon cessation of Jintan ingestion, blood pressure and serum potassium level were normalized after 40 days. Metabolic alkalosis, hypervolemia, hyporesponsive low reninemia, and the low levels of plasma and urine aldosterone were also improved. Thus, the present case of pseudoaldosteronism was attributed to Jintan, and raises a caution to excessive Jintan ingestion.