Outcome
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    DGL Licorice for Heartburn Relief

    Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice soothes reflux and dyspepsia symptoms by supporting the mucosal barrier, without the blood pressure risk of whole liquorice.

    Overview

    Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is licorice with glycyrrhizin removed - the compound responsible for licorice's serious blood pressure and potassium effects. That removal is what makes DGL usable at meaningful doses.
    DGL is a mucosal protectant rather than an acid suppressant. It does not reduce stomach acid production the way a PPI or H2 blocker does; it supports the mucus layer that protects tissue from the acid that is there. That difference sets expectations: relief tends to be modest and symptomatic. Historically DGL was studied more for peptic ulcer than reflux, and much of that work is old and methodologically weak. Its popularity for heartburn rests heavily on traditional use and clinical experience rather than modern trials.

    No studies are currently linked to this pairing

    This page reflects traditional use, established gastroenterology and conventional dosing rather than trial data attached to this outcome in our library.

    How It Works

    The proposed mechanism is cytoprotective. Licorice flavonoids are reported to increase mucin secretion and prostaglandin availability at the mucosal surface, thickening the mucus and bicarbonate layer that buffers epithelium against acid and pepsin.
    Chewable DGL is often taken before meals on the reasoning that saliva-mixed material coats the oesophagus and gastric mucosa directly, which would make it a topical rather than systemic agent. There is also in vitro activity against Helicobacter pylori, though DGL is not an eradication therapy. Notably, none of these mechanisms address the actual cause of reflux, which is inappropriate relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. DGL may make the consequences less painful without changing the reflux itself.

    Dosing & Protocol

    DGL is dosed as a chewable tablet taken before eating, which is central to how it is thought to work.
    ContextDoseFormTiming
    Standard use380-400 mgChewable DGL tabletChew 20 minutes before meals, up to 3 times daily
    Higher traditional dose760-800 mgChewable DGL tabletBefore meals and at bedtime
    Night-time symptomsOne chewable tabletChewable DGLBefore bed, alongside head-of-bed elevation
    Assessment window2-4 weeks-Persisting symptoms warrant medical review

    Chew it, do not swallow it whole

    The coating action depends on mixing with saliva. Capsules bypass the mechanism DGL is supposed to work by.

    Evidence

    There are currently no studies linked to this pairing in our library, so no study list is shown.
    The broader evidence base is thin and dated. Older trials, mostly from the 1970s and 1980s, examined DGL in gastric and duodenal ulcer with mixed results, and some compared it to antacids of that era. Small modern trials of licorice-containing herbal combinations have reported symptom improvements in functional dyspepsia, but combination products cannot isolate DGL's contribution. For reflux and heartburn specifically there is very little controlled data. DGL is best described as a traditional and widely used remedy with a plausible protective mechanism, favourable safety, and an evidence base that has never been properly built.

    Symptom relief, not healing evidence

    There is no good evidence that DGL heals oesophagitis or prevents Barrett's oesophagus. Do not use it to justify leaving significant reflux untreated.

    Safety

    Removing glycyrrhizin removes the main safety concern of licorice, and DGL is well tolerated - most complaints are of taste rather than side effects.

    Some reflux symptoms are alarm features

    Difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, unintended weight loss, or symptoms starting after age 50 need prompt medical assessment, not a supplement.

    Verify the product is genuinely deglycyrrhizinated - whole licorice extracts can raise blood pressure, lower potassium and cause fluid retention through mineralocorticoid effects, which is dangerous in hypertension, heart failure and kidney disease. Chewable tablets often contain sugar or sugar alcohols, and chest pain should never be assumed to be heartburn without excluding cardiac causes.

    Interactions & Conflicts

    True DGL has few interactions, but the difference between DGL and whole licorice dominates this table.
    Interacts withSeverityMechanismAction
    Whole licorice products, antihypertensives, diuretics or digoxin
    high
    		Glycyrrhizin causes potassium loss, sodium retention and raised blood pressureConfirm the product is deglycyrrhizinated; avoid whole licorice with these drugs
    Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers
    low
    		Different mechanisms - acid suppression versus mucosal protectionCan be used together; do not stop prescribed acid suppression abruptly
    Oral medications taken with meals
    low
    		Mucosal coating could theoretically affect absorptionSeparate by an hour if concerned
    Corticosteroids
    moderate
    		Relevant only for glycyrrhizin-containing licorice, which potentiates cortisol effectsUse DGL rather than whole licorice

    References

    No studies are currently linked to this pairing, so no reference list is available. This section will populate as evidence is added to the library.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.