Home Ingredients DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
Gut HealthAnti-Inflammatory

DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)

Glycyrrhiza glabra
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

DGL is a processed form of licorice root in which most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed, leaving the flavonoids, chalcones, and polysaccharides that support the gastric mucosa without raising blood pressure or depleting potassium the way whole licorice can. Traditionally chewed before meals or taken as tablets, DGL has been used for decades in functional dyspepsia, indigestion, mild reflux symptoms, and supportive care alongside ulcer therapy. Modern flavonoid-rich extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (such as GutGard®) have been studied in randomized trials of functional dyspepsia. By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL avoids the pseudo-aldosteronism risk associated with regular licorice ingestion.

Studied Dose Chewable DGL: 380-760 mg 20 minutes before meals; GutGard flavonoid extract: 75 mg twice daily.
Active Compound Licorice flavonoids (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, glabridin), chalcones, and polysaccharides; glycyrrhizin removed to <2-3%.

Benefits

Supports Stomach Comfort

DGL has a long traditional use for supporting comfort after meals, helping ease occasional indigestion, fullness, and mild burning sensations associated with everyday dietary stressors.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Helps Maintain Gastric Mucosal Health

Licorice flavonoids may help maintain the protective mucus layer lining the stomach, supporting resilience of the gastric mucosa against irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, and occasional NSAID use.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Avoids Glycyrrhizin-Related BP Effects

Because glycyrrhizin has been largely removed, DGL is preferred over whole licorice for longer-term use, helping users obtain the soothing properties of the herb without the pseudo-aldosteronism risk of regular licorice.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

May Ease Functional Dyspepsia Symptoms

Flavonoid-rich G. glabra extracts have been evaluated in randomized trials of functional dyspepsia, where they helped support reductions in symptom severity scores compared with placebo over four weeks.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Mucus Secretion and Mucosal Coating

Licorice flavonoids appear to increase secretion of mucin and stimulate prostaglandin-like cytoprotective pathways in the gastric epithelium, providing a physical and chemical barrier over irritated mucosa.

2

Anti-Inflammatory Flavonoid Activity

Glabridin, liquiritigenin, and related flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling and modulate cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in gastrointestinal mucosa preclinically.

3

Helicobacter pylori Modulation

In vitro and clinical work suggest licorice flavonoids can suppress H. pylori adhesion and growth, which may contribute to the symptomatic relief seen in functional dyspepsia.

Clinical trials

1
Flavonoid Licorice Extract in Functional Dyspepsia

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; 75 mg flavonoid-rich G. glabra extract twice daily for 30 days

Adults with functional dyspepsia (Rome criteria)

Active extract was associated with significantly greater reductions in total symptom score and improvement in global efficacy assessment vs placebo, with good tolerability over the 30-day intervention.

2
DGL in Chronic Duodenal Ulceration

Retrospective endoscopic survey; oral DGL tablets in patients with chronic duodenal ulcer

32 adult patients with endoscopically confirmed chronic duodenal ulcer

Endoscopic examination after a course of DGL showed ulcer healing in the surveyed group, with mucosa appearing largely normal at follow-up; an early, uncontrolled but historically informative observation supporting later RCT work.

3
Double-Blind Trial of DGL in Gastric Ulcer

Double-blind randomized trial of DGL vs placebo in gastric ulcer patients

Adults with endoscopically documented gastric ulcer

Early controlled trial work produced mixed results, with some DGL groups showing greater symptomatic relief and others showing no significant healing difference vs placebo, underscoring the need for adjunctive use rather than monotherapy.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated; mild GI upset or loose stools are occasionally reported.
Authentic DGL avoids the BP elevation and hypokalemia risks of regular licorice.
Rare allergic reactions to licorice constituents can occur.
Long-term safety data beyond several months of typical use are limited.

Important Drug interactions

May theoretically reduce absorption of medications taken at the same time due to mucosal coating.
Use caution with corticosteroids — even residual glycyrrhizin can amplify steroid effects.
Discuss with a clinician if combining with diuretics, antihypertensives, or digoxin.

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Frequently asked questions about DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)

What is the recommended dosage of DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)?

The clinically studied dose for DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) is Chewable DGL: 380-760 mg 20 minutes before meals; GutGard flavonoid extract: 75 mg twice daily.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) used for?

DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) is studied for supports stomach comfort, helps maintain gastric mucosal health, avoids glycyrrhizin-related bp effects. DGL has a long traditional use for supporting comfort after meals, helping ease occasional indigestion, fullness, and mild burning sensations associated with everyday dietary stressors.

Are there side effects from taking DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well tolerated; mild GI upset or loose stools are occasionally reported. Authentic DGL avoids the BP elevation and hypokalemia risks of regular licorice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: May theoretically reduce absorption of medications taken at the same time due to mucosal coating. Use caution with corticosteroids — even residual glycyrrhizin can amplify steroid effects. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) good for gut health?

Yes, DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) is researched for Gut Health support. DGL has a long traditional use for supporting comfort after meals, helping ease occasional indigestion, fullness, and mild burning sensations associated with everyday dietary stressors.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al. An extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. doi: 10.1155/2012/216970.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 75 mg GutGard twice daily for 30 days in functional dyspepsia showing significant improvement in symptom scores vs placebo.
  2. Engqvist A, von Feilitzen F, Pyk E, Reichard H. Double-blind trial of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in gastric ulcer. Gut. 1973;14(9):711-5.PubMedUsed to support: Early double-blind crossover trial of DGL in gastric ulcer patients providing mixed but historically foundational data on DGL's gastric effects.
  3. Feldman H, Gilat T. A trial of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. Gut. 1971;12(6):449-51.PubMedUsed to support: Early controlled DGL duodenal ulcer trial — part of the legacy evidence base for DGL in upper GI use.
  4. Larkworthy W, Holgate PF. Deglycyrrhizinized liquorice in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer. A retrospective endoscopic survey of 32 patients. Practitioner. 1975;215(1290):787-92.PubMedUsed to support: Retrospective endoscopic survey of 32 chronic duodenal ulcer patients on DGL reporting ulcer healing on follow-up endoscopy.