DGL Licorice
Deglycyrrhizinated Glycyrrhiza glabra
TL;DR
DGL at 380-1140 mg chewed before meals is licorice with glycyrrhizin stripped out, which removes the blood-pressure and potassium risk while keeping the mucosal effects. Older trials support it for functional dyspepsia and NSAID-related gastric irritation; it is a demulcent, not an acid blocker.
Ideal For
- Adults with functional dyspepsia or mild post-meal burning
- People needing regular NSAIDs who want mucosal support alongside medical advice
- Those tapering acid-suppressing medication under supervision and managing rebound
- Anyone wanting licorice's digestive benefits without the blood-pressure risk
Avoid If
- You have alarm symptoms — weight loss, dysphagia, vomiting blood or black stools
- You have confirmed peptic ulcer or H. pylori and are using DGL instead of treatment
- You are taking whole licorice rather than DGL and have hypertension or heart failure
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You take diuretics, digoxin or corticosteroids and cannot verify the product is truly deglycyrrhizinated
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Glycyrrhiza glabra has a real problem as a supplement: glycyrrhizin inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, allowing cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors, and the result is sodium retention, potassium loss and hypertension. Cases of severe hypokalaemia from licorice confectionery are well documented. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice removes that compound to below 3%, leaving the flavonoids — glabridin, liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin — that carry the digestive activity.
What DGL does is increase mucin secretion and stimulate mucosal cell turnover, thickening the protective gastric barrier rather than suppressing acid. That distinction matters clinically. It is a reasonable adjunct for functional dyspepsia, mild reflux symptoms and gastric irritation from NSAIDs, and a licorice flavonoid preparation has shown benefit against Helicobacter-associated symptoms. It is not a treatment for confirmed ulcer disease or for H. pylori eradication, which needs antibiotics.
The evidence base is old — much of it from the 1970s and 1980s, with study designs that would not pass modern review. A 2017 randomised trial of a licorice flavonoid extract for functional dyspepsia is the better-quality contemporary support. Chewable tablets taken twenty minutes before meals are the standard because the effect depends on contact with the mucosa, not on systemic exposure.
How It Works
- Increases gastric mucin secretion, thickening the protective mucosal barrier
- Stimulates epithelial cell proliferation and prolongs mucosal cell lifespan
- Glabridin and isoliquiritigenin exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity on gastric tissue
- Shows in vitro inhibitory activity against Helicobacter pylori adhesion
- Deglycyrrhizination removes 11-beta-HSD2 inhibition, eliminating the pseudoaldosteronism risk
- Acts topically on the mucosa rather than by suppressing acid secretion
Quick Facts
- Supports digestive lining
- Promotes ulcer healing
- Reduces heartburn
- Anti-inflammatory for gut
- Safe for long-term use
Benefits & Outcomes
Heartburn Relief
A reasonable symptomatic option with a long tradition and modest data.
Gut Barrier Integrity
DGL thickens the gastric mucus layer and improves dyspepsia symptoms, working on the barrier rather than by suppressing acid.
Health Concerns Addressed
No linked health concerns yet.
Supporting Research11 studies
Efficacy of a licorice flavonoid extract (Glavonoid) in functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V
A standardised licorice flavonoid extract significantly reduced total dyspepsia symptom scores versus placebo.
Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer
Kassir ZA
DGL produced ulcer healing comparable to cimetidine with fewer relapses at one year.
Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia
Baez G, Vargas C, Arancibia M +2 more
The primary objective is to assess the effects of non-Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of people with functional dyspepsia.
Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia
Baez G, Vargas C, Arancibia M +2 more
The primary objective is to assess the effects of non-Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of people with functional dyspepsia.
Efficacy of topical agents for prevention of postoperative sore throat after single lumen tracheal intubation: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Singh NP, Makkar JK, Cappellani RB +2 more
Bayesian NMA showed that magnesium (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.03 to 0.26), liquorice
Effect of GutGard in the Management of Helicobacter pylori: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study
Puram S, Suh HC, Kim SU +2 more
A randomized, double blind placebo controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of GutGard (root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra) in the management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastric load.
Effect of polyphenol compounds on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Wang Q, Yao C, Li Y +2 more
This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of polyphenol compounds (curcumin, cranberry, garlic, liquorice and broccoli) in eradicating Helicobacter pylori.
To evaluate the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of Helicobacter pylori
Hajiaghamohammadi AA, Zargar A, Oveisi S +2 more
Response to treatment was 83.3% and 62
Efficacy and Safety of GutGard in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Raj JP, Saxena U, Belhekar MN +3 more
GutGard significantly improved gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms compared with placebo.
Liquorice Toxicity: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Ceccuzzi G, Rapino A, Perna B +2 more
Continuous intake of large amounts of liquorice is a widely known cause of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism leading to hypertension and hypokalemia.
How Much Is Too Much? Exploring Pseudohyperaldosteronism in Glycyrrhizic Acid Toxicity From Chronic Licorice Root Consumption
Patel P, Aknouk M, Dawson A +2 more
glycyrrhizic acid, the active component in licorice, can cause a metabolic syndrome presenting as pseudohyperaldosteronism
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Very safe with glycyrrhizin removed. No effect on blood pressure or potassium. Chewable forms most effective - take 15-20 minutes before meals or as needed. Typical dose 400-800mg 2-3x daily. Safe for extended use.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, hormone-sensitive conditions, hypertension (for whole licorice)
Drug Interactions
- None significant for DGL (glycyrrhizin removed)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: insufficient_data
Breastfeeding: insufficient_data
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
380-1140 mg
Best Time to Take
Before meals or between meals
Best Form
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
Bioavailability
Glycyrrhizin removed to avoid mineralocorticoid effects. Used for digestive health and ulcer support. Chewable tablets often preferred. Soothing to mucous membranes. Much safer than whole licorice.
Forms Compared
Chewable DGL tablets
DGL powder
Capsules
Licorice flavonoid oil (Glavonoid)
Whole licorice root
Food & Timing
Chewed 20 minutes before meals, on a relatively empty stomach
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.