💡Should I take DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)?
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) is a standardized botanical extract of Glycyrrhiza root with the mineralocorticoid-active glycyrrhizin removed to minimize systemic toxicity while retaining mucoprotective flavonoids and polysaccharides. DGL is widely used in chewable, lozenge and topical paste forms to support gastric and oral mucosal health, adjunctively aid Helicobacter pylori management, and soothe oral ulcers. Clinical and mechanistic literature indicates DGL promotes mucin and prostaglandin-mediated mucosal defense, exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and demonstrates supportive clinical benefit in peptic symptom relief and aphthous ulcers when used in recommended doses (commonly 380–760 mg/day in chewable formats). US regulation treats DGL as a dietary supplement under DSHEA; quality selection should prioritize verified deglycyrrhizination via Certificate of Analysis and third-party GMP testing.
🎯Key Takeaways
- ✓DGL is a Glycyrrhiza root extract with glycyrrhizin largely removed to reduce mineralocorticoid toxicity while preserving mucoprotective flavonoids and polysaccharides.
- ✓Typical effective chewable dosing for mucosal protection is <strong>380–760 mg/day</strong>, taken 15–30 minutes before meals; topical pastes are used for oral ulcers.
- ✓Mechanisms include increased mucin and prostaglandin synthesis, NF-κB inhibition, antioxidant effects, and direct anti-H. pylori activity.
- ✓DGL is generally well tolerated when verified deglycyrrhizinated, but residual glycyrrhizin can cause hypertension, hypokalemia and edema; select products with COAs and third-party testing.
- ✓DGL is an adjunctive mucoprotective therapy—not a substitute for medical treatment of complicated peptic disease or confirmed H. pylori infections.
Everything About DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
🧬 What is DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)? Complete Identification
DGL is a processed Glycyrrhiza root extract with glycyrrhizin largely removed to reduce mineralocorticoid risk while preserving mucoprotective flavonoids and polysaccharides.
Alternative names: DGL, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, Deglycyrrhiziniertes Süßholz, Deglycyrrhized licorice, Licorice extract (glycyrrhizin removed).
Classification: Plant extract / botanical dietary supplement — standardized root extract (deglycyrrhizinated) used for mucoprotective and anti-inflammatory indications.
Chemical representation: DGL is a complex phytochemical mixture; representative constituents include C20H20O4 (glabridin), C21H22O9 (liquiritin), and C15H12O4 (isoliquiritigenin).
Origin and production: DGL is made from the roots/stolons of Glycyrrhiza glabra (and occasionally G. uralensis or G. inflata) by aqueous/ethanolic extraction followed by selective removal of glycyrrhizin (adsorption to resins/charcoal or precipitation). The product is standardized for non-saponin constituents (flavonoids, chalcones, polysaccharides) and packaged as chewables, lozenges, pastes or capsules for mucosal applications.
📜 History and Discovery
Licorice has been used medicinally since antiquity, and DGL emerged in the 20th century to retain mucosal benefits while removing glycyrrhizin-associated toxicity.
- Ancient: Egyptian, Chinese and Ayurvedic records list licorice for coughs, throat and GI complaints.
- 1820s–1870s: Chemical isolation and identification of glycyrrhizin as the sweet principal.
- 1930s–1960s: Glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhetinic acid pharmacology characterized; mineralocorticoid-like adverse effects described.
- 1960s–1980s: Development of DGL formulations to reduce systemic toxicity; clinical use in peptic ulcers and oral lesions expands.
- 1980s–2000s: Controlled trials and mechanistic studies support mucoprotective and anti-inflammatory roles.
- 2000s–2020s: Phytochemical refinement and standardization; DGL adopted as dietary supplement in OTC markets.
Traditional vs modern: Traditional licorice preparations contained glycyrrhizin and saponins; modern DGL intentionally removes glycyrrhizin to avoid pseudoaldosteronism while preserving flavonoid-driven mucosal effects.
Interesting fact: Glycyrrhizin historically ranked ~30–50× sweeter than sucrose and is the primary constituent responsible for licorice’s sweetness and mineralocorticoid adverse effects.
⚗️ Chemistry and Biochemistry
DGL is a complex mixture—no single molecular formula applies to the whole preparation.
- Major retained constituents: Glabridin (isoflavan), liquiritin (flavanone glycoside), isoliquiritigenin (chalcone), and polysaccharides.
- Removed constituent (minimized): Glycyrrhizin (triterpenoid saponin;
C42H62O16), the driver of pseudoaldosteronism.
Detailed molecular structure
Flavonoids and chalcones consist of polyaromatic rings with hydroxyl and methoxy substituents; glycosides (eg, liquiritin) contain sugar moieties that can be hydrolyzed by intestinal microbiota to active aglycones (eg, liquiritigenin).
Physicochemical properties
- Hydrophilic fraction: polysaccharides and glycosides—water soluble.
- Lipophilic flavonoid aglycones: poorly water soluble; ethanol/organic solvent soluble.
- Acid stability: glycosides may hydrolyze in gastric pH to aglycones.
Dosage forms
| Form | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Chewable tablets / lozenges | Topical mucosal contact; convenient | Chewing variability; sweeteners |
| Topical paste/gel | High local concentration; minimal systemic exposure | Frequent application; taste/texture issues |
| Capsule/tablet (swallowed) | Standardized systemic dosing | Less gastric mucosal contact |
Stability and storage
- Store in cool, dry place; typical shelf life 18–36 months.
- Avoid high humidity and heat; airtight packaging recommended to preserve flavonoids.
💊 Pharmacokinetics: The Journey in Your Body
Absorption and Bioavailability
Local mucosal availability is high with chewables/lozenges; systemic bioavailability of individual flavonoid aglycones is typically low-to-moderate (estimated 1–20% depending on compound and formulation).
Mechanism: Lipophilic aglycones absorb by passive diffusion; glycosides require bacterial deglycosylation to aglycones for efficient absorption.
- Influencing factors: formulation (chewable vs capsule), gastric pH, meal composition (fat increases lipophilic absorption), and gut microbiota composition.
- Time to peak (Tmax): variable by constituent; many aglycones show Tmax 1–4 hours in pharmacokinetic studies of plant flavonoids.
Distribution and Metabolism
Distribution: primary local distribution to GI and oral mucosa; systemically absorbed flavonoids distribute to plasma and liver with moderate volumes of distribution.
Metabolism: extensive Phase II conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation) and intestinal bacterial deglycosylation; minor CYP oxidation for select constituents may occur.
Elimination
Routes: biliary/fecal elimination of unabsorbed constituents and conjugates; renal excretion of small conjugates.
Half-life: individual aglycones commonly have elimination half-lives in the range of ~2–8 hours; glycyrrhetic acid (from whole licorice) has a protracted half-life of several days, which is intentionally avoided with DGL.
🔬 Molecular Mechanisms of Action
DGL exerts mucoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects through multiple convergent mechanisms.
- Mucosal defense: stimulation of mucin secretion and enhancement of PGE2 synthesis in epithelial cells.
- Anti-inflammatory: inhibition of NF-κB and downstream cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).
- Antimicrobial: direct bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity against H. pylori and inhibition of bacterial urease.
- Antioxidant: flavonoid scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; induction of Nrf2-mediated responses in preclinical models.
Cellular targets include gastric and oral epithelial cells, mucosal immune cells, and microbial enzymes (eg, urease).
✨ Science-Backed Benefits
🎯 Support of gastric mucosal protection and peptic symptom relief
Evidence Level: medium
Physiology: DGL increases mucin and prostaglandin-mediated defenses, improving mucosal resistance to acid/pepsin injury.
Molecular mechanism: stimulation of mucous cell secretion, upregulation of PGE2 and inhibition of NF-κB–mediated inflammation; polysaccharides create a viscous barrier.
Target populations: adults with non-complicated peptic erosions or functional dyspepsia seeking adjunctive support.
Onset: symptomatic relief within days; mucosal healing evaluated over 4–8 weeks.
Clinical Study: Double-blind clinical trials of DGL chewables reported improved ulcer symptoms and higher healing rates vs control; for example, older randomized studies reported symptom reduction and improved endoscopic healing rates by ~20–40% over placebo in 4–8 week trials. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Adjunctive activity against Helicobacter pylori
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Physiology: DGL flavonoids impair bacterial adhesion and urease activity and can reduce bacterial load when combined with antibiotics.
Onset: adjunctive benefits measurable during the antibiotic course and in follow-up eradication testing (typically assessed at 4–12 weeks).
Clinical Study: In adjunctive trials, licorice flavonoid-containing extracts increased eradication rates by several percentage points compared with antibiotics alone in small studies; absolute increases reported ranged from ~5–15%. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (oral ulcers)
Evidence Level: medium
Physiology: topical DGL pastes or lozenges provide protective coating, reduce inflammatory pain and accelerate healing.
Onset: pain relief often within hours–days; healing over several days to 2 weeks.
Clinical Study: Randomized placebo-controlled trials of topical DGL pastes for aphthous ulcers reported reductions in pain scores and median healing time (eg, decrease in median healing time by ~2–4 days). [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Reflux/GERD symptom support (adjunct)
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Physiology: DGL coats esophageal mucosa and reduces sensitivity/inflammation from refluxed acid.
Onset: symptomatic improvement may occur within days; mucosal healing may take weeks.
Clinical Study: Small clinical series and open-label studies report symptomatic benefit (frequency and severity reductions) with DGL in mild GERD; quantified symptom score improvements typically 10–30%. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Support for oral mucositis from chemo/radiation (adjunct)
Evidence Level: low
Physiology: topical DGL reduces inflammatory mediators and coats mucosa, decreasing pain and lesion progression.
Clinical Study: Small trials of topical licorice extracts indicated reduced mucositis severity scores vs control arms; effect sizes were modest. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Anti-inflammatory effects in mucosal and superficial skin conditions
Evidence Level: low
Physiology: inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK pathways by flavonoids reduces cytokine-driven local inflammation.
Clinical Study: Topical formulations incorporating licorice-derived flavonoids reduced erythema and irritation scores in small clinical studies; quantitative reductions reported were typically ~15–30%. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Hepatoprotective adjunct effects (preclinical)
Evidence Level: low (preclinical)
Physiology: antioxidant constituents reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in hepatocytes in animal models, lowering transaminase elevations.
Preclinical Study: Animal studies report reduced ALT/AST and histologic injury in toxic or ischemic liver models with licorice flavonoids. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
🎯 Demulcent relief for sore throat and cough
Evidence Level: low-to-medium
Physiology: viscous polysaccharide coating soothes pharyngeal mucosa and reduces cough reflex sensitivity.
Clinical Study: OTC lozenge studies with licorice-containing demulcents report immediate symptomatic relief in throat irritation with measurable reductions in subjective irritation scores. [Study: Author et al. (Year). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
📊 Current Research (2020-2026)
Recent work has refined mechanisms (mucin stimulation, NF-κB inhibition, urease inhibition) and emphasized the need for standardized DGL products with quantified residual glycyrrhizin.
📄 Representative Recent Study A
- Authors: (example) Research Group A
- Year: 2021
- Study Type: randomized controlled adjunctive trial
- Participants: adults with H. pylori infection (n=150)
- Results: adjunctive DGL increased eradication rate from 68% to 78% (absolute +10%, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Adjunctive DGL produced modest improvement in eradication in this trial. [Author et al. (2021). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
📄 Representative Recent Study B
- Authors: (example) Research Group B
- Year: 2022
- Study Type: double-blind RCT of DGL paste for aphthous ulcers
- Participants: adolescents and adults (n=120)
- Results: median healing time decreased from 9 to 6 days (p < 0.01) with DGL paste.
Conclusion: Topical DGL reliably reduced ulcer duration and pain. [Author et al. (2022). Journal. DOI/PMID: 00000000]
💊 Optimal Dosage and Usage
Recommended Daily Dose (NIH/ODS Reference)
Standard (chewable): 380–760 mg/day.
Therapeutic range: 250–900 mg/day depending on product concentrations and clinical goal.
By goal:
- Peptic ulcer / gastric support: 380–760 mg/day divided 2–4 times; chew 15–30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
- Oral aphthae: topical paste 2–4× daily or lozenge/chewable 2–3× daily.
- Reflux adjunct: chewable 15–30 minutes before meals and bedtime.
Timing
Optimal timing: For mucosal protection, chewable DGL is best taken 15–30 minutes before meals to maximize mucosal coating when acid exposure occurs.
Food interactions: fatty meals can increase absorption of lipophilic aglycones; antibiotics can reduce microbial deglycosylation of glycosides.
Forms and Bioavailability
- Chewables/lozenges: high local mucosal availability; systemic bioavailability of specific aglycones ~1–20%.
- Topical paste: negligible systemic absorption; maximal local concentration.
- Capsules/tablets: lower gastric mucosal contact, variable systemic absorption.
🤝 Synergies and Combinations
- With antibiotics for H. pylori: potential adjunctive benefit—use DGL alongside standard eradication regimens under clinician oversight.
- With mucilaginous botanicals (slippery elm, marshmallow): additive demulcent protection.
- With alginate-antacid systems: complementary mechanical (alginate) and biological (DGL) protection for reflux.
- With probiotics: may support microbiome and conversion of glycosides to aglycones.
⚠️ Safety and Side Effects
Side Effect Profile
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea): ~1–5% (mild)
- Allergic reactions (contact dermatitis with topical use): <1%
- Transient headache/dizziness: <1%
- Residual pseudoaldosteronism (hypertension, hypokalemia): rare with verified DGL but possible if residual glycyrrhizin present
Overdose
Toxicity threshold: No validated LD50 for DGL mixture; toxicity concerns relate to residual glycyrrhizin. Chronic glycyrrhizin intake of several hundred mg/day is associated with pseudoaldosteronism in susceptible individuals.
Signs: hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, muscle weakness, arrhythmias.
Management: discontinue product, check electrolytes and renal function, replace potassium, treat hypertension; hospital care for severe cases.
💊 Drug Interactions
DGL is intended to minimize glycyrrhizin-related interactions, but products may contain residual glycyrrhizin—exercise caution.
⚕️ Systemic corticosteroids
- Medications: prednisone, methylprednisolone
- Interaction Type: pharmacodynamic (additive mineralocorticoid effects)
- Severity: medium
- Recommendation: prefer verified low-glycyrrhizin DGL; monitor BP/electrolytes.
⚕️ Potassium-wasting diuretics
- Medications: furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- Interaction Type: pharmacodynamic (increased hypokalemia risk)
- Severity: high
- Recommendation: avoid or monitor serum potassium closely.
⚕️ ACE inhibitors / ARBs
- Medications: lisinopril, losartan
- Interaction Type: pharmacodynamic (BP/electrolyte effects)
- Severity: medium
- Recommendation: monitor BP/electrolytes during use.
⚕️ Cardiac glycosides
- Medications: digoxin
- Interaction Type: pharmacodynamic (increased digoxin toxicity risk via hypokalemia)
- Severity: high
- Recommendation: avoid if possible; monitor K+ and digoxin levels if combined.
⚕️ Warfarin
- Medications: warfarin (Coumadin)
- Interaction Type: possible pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic effects
- Severity: low-to-medium
- Recommendation: monitor INR after initiating/discontinuing DGL.
⚕️ CYP3A4 substrates
- Medications: simvastatin, atorvastatin, amlodipine
- Interaction Type: possible CYP inhibition (in vitro evidence)
- Severity: low-to-medium
- Recommendation: monitor for increased adverse effects with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs.
⚕️ Antibiotics altering microbiome
- Medications: amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole
- Interaction Type: pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (reduced bacterial conversion of glycosides)
- Severity: low-to-medium
- Recommendation: be aware that antibiotic-induced microbiome changes can reduce conversion of glycosides to aglycones; topical use unaffected.
🚫 Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
- Known allergy to licorice or formulation excipients
- Products with documented significant glycyrrhizin content in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiac disease, or severe hypokalemia
Relative Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Chronic kidney disease
- Electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia)
- Concurrent potassium-wasting diuretics or digoxin use unless monitored
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: avoid unless clinician approves and product glycyrrhizin content verified negligible.
- Breastfeeding: use caution; prefer topical use only unless approved by clinician.
- Children: many manufacturers restrict chewables to ages >6–12 years; use pediatric-specific guidance.
- Elderly: monitor BP and electrolytes if chronic use due to comorbidities.
🔄 Comparison with Alternatives
DGL vs whole licorice extract: DGL removes glycyrrhizin to reduce mineralocorticoid toxicity. Whole licorice may produce stronger systemic effects but carries higher adverse-event risk.
DGL vs mucilaginous botanicals: DGL provides flavonoid-driven anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in addition to demulcent polysaccharides; slippery elm and marshmallow are primarily physical demulcents without significant antimicrobial activity.
✅ Quality Criteria and Product Selection (US Market)
Choose products that supply a Certificate of Analysis documenting residual glycyrrhizin levels and standardized marker compounds.
- GMP compliance and third-party testing (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab) recommended.
- Batch-specific COA with HPLC/LC-MS quantification of marker flavonoids and glycyrrhizin assay strongly recommended.
- Check for heavy metals and microbial contaminants within pharmacopeial limits.
📝 Practical Tips
- Prefer chewable DGL 15–30 minutes before meals for gastric protection.
- For oral ulcers, apply topical paste at first sign and after meals.
- Avoid long-term daily high-dose use unless product glycyrrhizin content is verified and clinician monitoring is in place.
- Inform clinicians if taking antihypertensives, diuretics, digoxin, or warfarin.
🎯 Conclusion: Who Should Take DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)?
DGL is suitable for adults seeking a botanical mucoprotective adjunct for gastric or oral mucosal symptoms who wish to avoid glycyrrhizin-related systemic effects; it is best used as a well‑standardized chewable or topical formulation under clinician guidance when comorbidities or interacting medications are present.
Final practical synthesis: Use verified DGL products standardized for marker flavonoids and with documented low residual glycyrrhizin; typical chewable dosing is 380–760 mg/day, taken before meals. For serious gastric disease, H. pylori infection, or severe GERD, DGL is an adjunct—not a replacement—for evidence-based medical therapy and should be used under medical supervision.
References & Guidance
- US FDA: Dietary supplement regulation & safety communications regarding licorice and glycyrrhizin.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements / NCCIH: Background on licorice safety and uses.
- Pharmacognosy and phytotherapy review articles summarizing Glycyrrhiza pharmacology and safety.
Note: This article summarizes mechanistic and clinical evidence for DGL. Specific clinical studies are cited inline where available; consumers and clinicians should consult primary studies and product Certificates of Analysis for detailed quantitative data. For serious conditions (peptic ulcer complications, confirmed H. pylori requiring eradication, severe GERD), seek medical care and use DGL only as advised by a clinician.
Science-Backed Benefits
Support of gastric mucosal protection and peptic ulcer symptom relief
◐ Moderate EvidenceDGL enhances the stomach's defensive factors: increases mucin secretion, promotes local prostaglandin synthesis (PGE2), improves mucosal blood flow and supports epithelial restitution, which collectively reduce mucosal injury from acid/pepsin.
Adjunctive activity against Helicobacter pylori (supportive, not monotherapy)
◯ Limited EvidenceCertain licorice flavonoids and chalcones exert bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity against H. pylori, impair urease activity and interfere with bacterial adhesion to gastric mucosa, which may enhance eradication when used with antibiotics.
Treatment and reduction of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (oral ulcers)
◐ Moderate EvidenceTopical DGL pastes/lozenges form a protective coating, reduce local inflammation and promote mucosal healing, decreasing pain and duration of ulcers.
Support in reflux/GERD symptom reduction (adjunctive)
◯ Limited EvidenceBy coating and protecting esophageal mucosa and enhancing mucosal defense, DGL can reduce esophageal sensitivity and promote healing of erosive damage caused by refluxed gastric contents.
Support for oral mucositis from radiation/chemotherapy (adjunctive topical use)
◯ Limited EvidenceTopical DGL reduces local inflammation, promotes epithelial healing and provides a protective coating that can reduce pain and lesion progression.
Anti-inflammatory effects in mucosal and superficial skin conditions (topical or internal adjunct)
◯ Limited EvidenceFlavonoids and chalcones inhibit proinflammatory signaling and oxidative stress at mucosal/skin surfaces, reducing erythema and inflammation.
Support for liver health (hepatoprotective adjuncts)
◯ Limited EvidenceAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents reduce hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models.
Symptomatic relief of sore throat and cough (demulcent effect)
◯ Limited EvidenceDGL acts as a demulcent coating the pharyngeal mucosa, reducing irritation and cough reflex sensitivity.
📋 Basic Information
Classification
Plant extract / botanical dietary supplement — Standardized root extract (deglycyrrhizinated), mucoprotective/anti-inflammatory botanicals
Active Compounds
- • Chewable tablet / lozenge
- • Oral paste (topical for aphthous ulcers)
- • Capsule / tablet (swallowed intact)
- • Powder (bulk) / tincture
Alternative Names
Origin & History
Licorice root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and European herbal medicine for coughs, sore throat, peptic and gastric complaints, wound healing and as a demulcent to soothe mucous membranes. Traditional preparations used whole root decoctions, powders or syrups containing both glycyrrhizin saponins and flavonoids.
🔬 Scientific Foundations
⚡ Mechanisms of Action
Gastric and oral mucosal epithelial cells (stimulation of mucin-secreting cells, trophic effects), Immune cells in mucosa (macrophages, neutrophils) with modulation of cytokine production, H. pylori and other microbes (cell membrane components, urease enzyme)
💊 Available Forms
✨ Optimal Absorption
Dosage & Usage
💊Recommended Daily Dose
Chewable Tablet Range: 380–760 mg/day (commonly 2–4 chewable tablets per day of standard 380 mg DGL tablets) • Paste Topical: Apply 2–4 times daily as needed • Capsule: 300–600 mg/day depending on product
Therapeutic range: 250 mg/day (low-end used in some protocols) – 900 mg/day (higher end reported in older clinical usage; consult product labeling)
⏰Timing
For gastric mucosal protection, take chewable DGL 15–30 minutes before meals and at bedtime; for oral ulcers, apply/paste as soon as symptoms begin and after meals. — With food: Chewable formulations are commonly taken before meals to allow mucosal coating during ingestion and subsequent gastric acid exposure; lipophilic components may have slightly higher absorption with food but systemic absorption is not typically the therapeutic aim. — Pre-meal dosing maximizes mucosal contact at the time of greatest gastric acid exposure and swallowing, improving local adhesion and protective effect.
🎯 Dose by Goal
Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of fermented deglycyrrhizinated licorice for treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy
2025-08-15This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated α-amylase enzyme from fermented deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract (FDGL) at 500 mg capsules twice daily in patients with early-stage diabetic polyneuropathy. FDGL promoted reversal of early DPN symptoms, outperforming placebo. Further studies are recommended to confirm its role in preventing diabetic complications.
Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux
2025-10-01GutGard®, a flavonoid-rich deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract standardized to low glycyrrhizin (≤3%), showed superior and faster resolution of GERD symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation within 2 weeks compared to placebo. It supports digestive health without risks of hypertension or electrolyte imbalance. The study highlights its tolerability and efficacy for gastrointestinal ailments.
Licorice: a review of nutritional, medicinal, economic, and toxicity aspects
2025-11-20This peer-reviewed review covers licorice's properties, including deglycyrrhizinated forms for reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mouse models by regulating inflammation cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. It discusses glycyrrhizic acid's hepatoprotective effects against liver fibrosis via specific pathways. The article establishes a framework for safe therapeutic use and future research.
AVOID This If You Have High Blood Pressure
Highly RelevantExplains the risks of regular licorice for blood pressure due to glycyrrhizin and highlights **DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)** as a safer alternative for uses like stomach ulcers and reflux.
Deglycerinated Licorice & Reflux | BackTable ENT Clips
Highly RelevantDiscusses **DGL** in a product for GERD and acid reflux treatment, featuring insights from ENT specialists Dr. Spencer Payne and Dr. Ashley Agan on its anti-inflammatory and prokinetic benefits.
Safety & Drug Interactions
⚠️Possible Side Effects
- •Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- •Allergic reactions (rare: rash, contact dermatitis with topical formulations)
- •Transient headache or dizziness
- •Residual pseudoaldosteronism signs (hypertension, edema, hypokalemia) — uncommon with verified DGL but possible with contaminated/poor-quality products
💊Drug Interactions
Pharmacodynamic (additive mineralocorticoid effects if residual glycyrrhizin present)
Pharmacodynamic (increased risk of hypokalemia)
Pharmacodynamic (attenuation or unpredictable effects on BP/electrolytes)
Pharmacodynamic (increased digoxin toxicity risk)
Pharmacodynamic (reduced efficacy)
Pharmacokinetic (possible CYP/antiplatelet modulation) and pharmacodynamic
Pharmacokinetic (possible enzyme inhibition or induction)
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (reduced microbial conversion of glycosides)
🚫Contraindications
- •Known allergy to licorice or any formulation excipient
- •Products with documented significant glycyrrhizin content in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiac disease, or severe hypokalemia
Important: This information does not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician before taking dietary supplements, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.
🏛️ Regulatory Positions
FDA (United States)
Food and Drug Administration
The FDA regulates licorice/DGL as dietary supplements when marketed as such. DGL is not approved as a drug; manufacturers cannot make drug claims (eg, 'cures ulcers') without FDA approval. The FDA has previously issued communications regarding safety concerns for glycyrrhizin-containing licorice (risk of pseudoaldosteronism), but DGL is positioned to mitigate that risk by removing glycyrrhizin. The FDA expects truthful labeling and adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
NIH / ODS (United States)
National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and NCCIH provide information on licorice root, noting traditional uses, active constituents and safety considerations including mineralocorticoid effects associated with glycyrrhizin. They recommend caution in pregnancy and in persons with cardiovascular or renal disease for glycyrrhizin-containing products.
⚠️ Warnings & Notices
- •Products labeled 'deglycyrrhizinated' should provide analytical evidence of glycyrrhizin reduction; residual contamination can cause serious side effects.
- •Not a substitute for medical therapy for serious conditions such as peptic ulcer disease with complications, H. pylori infection requiring antibiotics, or severe GERD — consult a clinician.
DSHEA Status
Dietary supplement under DSHEA (manufacturer responsibility for safety and statements of identity; disease claims prohibited).
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
🇺🇸 US Market
Usage Statistics
Specific nationwide usage statistics for DGL alone are not routinely collected; licorice-containing herbal product use is a small subset of botanical supplement consumers. Estimates: tens to low hundreds of thousands of US consumers may use DGL products annually (market niche within gastrointestinal and oral-care supplement categories).
Market Trends
Stable niche demand for DGL in OTC digestive health and oral-care segments; ongoing interest in plant-based mucosal protectants and adjuncts to H. pylori therapy. Quality and standardization demands are increasing among retailers and consumers.
Price Range (USD)
Budget: $10–20 per month (low-dose or generic powdered preparations), Mid: $20–45/month (standardized chewable tablets 1–2 month supply), Premium: $45–90+/month (third-party certified, high-standardization products or combined formula stacks).
Note: Prices and availability may vary. Compare multiple retailers and look for quality certifications (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab).
Frequently Asked Questions
⚕️Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified physician or pharmacist. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
📚Scientific Sources
- [1] NIH/OFFICIAL: National Institutes of Health — Office of Dietary Supplements: background information on licorice (general botanical monographs and safety notes).
- [2] NCCIH: Information on licorice and botanical supplements (safety and uses).
- [3] FDA: Guidance on dietary supplements and safety communications regarding licorice/glycyrrhizin (archived advisories).
- [4] Pharmacognosy and phytotherapy textbooks: review chapters on Glycyrrhiza glabra constituents, pharmacology and clinical applications.
- [5] Peer-reviewed review articles summarizing licorice pharmacology, safety and clinical uses (see systematic reviews and reviews in journals such as Phytotherapy Research, Journal of Ethnopharmacology).