Home Supplements That Start With D Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Supplement: Stomach Relief, Ulcer Healing, and Safety Explained

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Supplement: Stomach Relief, Ulcer Healing, and Safety Explained

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Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (often shortened to DGL) is a specialized extract of licorice root that removes most of the glycyrrhizin—the compound responsible for licorice’s classic sweetness as well as its blood pressure–raising side effects. What remains are flavonoids and other constituents that appear to soothe the lining of the esophagus and stomach, support normal motility, and ease heartburn, regurgitation, and upper-abdominal discomfort for some people. DGL is used in chewable tablets, lozenges, capsules, and standardized extracts. It has a long history in herbal practice and, in modern trials, low-glycyrrhizin licorice preparations have shown promise for functional dyspepsia, reflux symptoms, and oral mucosal irritation. This guide explains how DGL works, when it may help, how to use it safely and effectively, and who should avoid it.

Essential Insights for DGL Users

  • May reduce heartburn and regurgitation within 2 weeks in some people.
  • Can ease upper-abdominal discomfort in functional dyspepsia in short-term studies.
  • Typical evidence-based dose: 75 mg low-glycyrrhizin extract twice daily (≈150 mg/day) for 4–8 weeks.
  • Even “deglycyrrhizinated” products can contain small amounts of glycyrrhizin; use cautiously if you have hypertension or take diuretics.
  • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding and if you have uncontrolled hypertension, kidney disease, or low potassium.

Table of Contents

What is DGL and how it works

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species) contains a saponin called glycyrrhizin. In the body, glycyrrhizin is metabolized to glycyrrhetinic derivatives that can inhibit the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2). That inhibition amplifies the effect of cortisol at the kidney, mimicking aldosterone, which can lead to sodium and water retention, potassium loss, and elevated blood pressure in susceptible people. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is produced by removing most of the glycyrrhizin so the extract can be used for digestive comfort with a lower risk of those mineralocorticoid-like effects. Modern “low-glycyrrhizin” extracts are typically standardized by their flavonoid content (for example, glabridin) and specify a maximum glycyrrhizin content; some commercial preparations list ≤0.5–3% glycyrrhizin, which means “deglycyrrhizinated” does not necessarily mean “zero.”

How might DGL help? Several mechanisms are proposed:

  • Mucosal support. Flavonoids and polysaccharides in licorice appear to increase mucin production and support the integrity of the mucosal barrier. This demulcent effect can reduce irritation from acid and bile on the esophageal and gastric lining.
  • Motility and symptom modulation. Preclinical work suggests certain licorice flavonoids may influence gastric emptying and esophageal clearance, which could reduce post-meal fullness and regurgitation sensations in functional dyspepsia and reflux-like symptom patterns.
  • Anti-adhesive and antimicrobial actions. In vitro data show licorice components can interfere with adherence of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelium and may modestly reduce microbial load; clinically, this is best viewed as supportive rather than curative.
  • Anti-inflammatory activity. Licorice flavonoids can modulate COX/LOX pathways and cytokine signaling in models, which may contribute to a soothing effect in irritated mucosa.

Traditional DGL chewables are allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth so salivary contact mixes the extract with upper-GI mucosa. Standardized capsule products deliver a measured quantity of low-glycyrrhizin extract and are often used in clinical research. Both forms aim to create short-term symptom relief while diet and lifestyle address triggers (late-night eating, large fatty meals, alcohol, nicotine, certain medications) that continue to drive reflux and dyspepsia.

It’s important to align expectations. DGL is not an antacid or proton-pump inhibitor; it does not neutralize acid or suppress acid production directly. Instead, it may reduce symptom burden and improve comfort for some people—especially when paired with structured meal timing, smaller portions, weight management when appropriate, and head-of-bed elevation for nocturnal reflux.

Finally, quality varies. Look for products that disclose glycyrrhizin content (ideally very low), provide batch-level testing, and specify the extract ratio and flavonoid standardization. Short trial periods (4–8 weeks) with clear stop-rules help you judge personal benefit without committing to long-term use.

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Benefits and when it helps

Gastroesophageal reflux–type symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation). In a modern randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (often marketed as GutGard) improved GER-related symptom scores and quality of life over 4 weeks, with some participants reporting earlier relief—within the first 1–2 weeks. The improvements were most notable for heartburn and regurgitation. While this is encouraging for non-erosive symptom patterns, it is not a substitute for endoscopic evaluation when red flags are present (unintentional weight loss, dysphagia, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent vomiting).

Functional dyspepsia. A prior double-blind RCT in adults with functional dyspepsia (Rome criteria) reported that 75 mg of a low-glycyrrhizin licorice extract taken twice daily for 30 days reduced symptom severity compared with placebo. Participants noted less post-prandial fullness, abdominal discomfort, and bloating. Functional dyspepsia is multifactorial; benefit from DGL-type extracts likely reflects combined mucosal and motility-modulating effects rather than a single target.

Oral mucosal comfort. Small trials and reviews suggest that topical or oral-contact forms of licorice (including deglycyrrhizinated preparations used as mouthwashes, lozenges, or patches) may reduce pain and speed healing in recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and may lessen the severity of oral mucositis symptoms in certain settings. For aphthous ulcers, benefit often appears within days. Because studies vary in formulation and concentration, follow product directions and limit use to short courses.

Peptic ulcers. Older double-blind trials of classic DGL tablets (e.g., Caved-S) in active gastric or duodenal ulcers did not demonstrate superior healing versus placebo over several weeks of therapy. Today, standard medical care for peptic ulcer disease focuses on eradication of H. pylori when present and avoidance of ulcerogenic drugs; DGL is not a stand-alone treatment for ulcers.

Adjunctive support for H. pylori. A randomized trial of a deglycyrrhizinated, flavonoid-rich licorice extract (150 mg/day) reported a significant reduction in H. pylori gastric load over 60 days versus placebo. This did not test eradication regimens and should not be viewed as a replacement for guideline-based antibiotic therapy. However, for people with dyspeptic symptoms and a high likelihood of H. pylori exposure, licensed clinicians sometimes consider low-glycyrrhizin licorice as a short adjunct under supervision.

When DGL is most useful. DGL is best considered when symptoms are mild to moderate, intermittent, and meal-related; when individuals prefer herbal options; or when short-term relief is needed while lifestyle and medical plans are initiated. It is not intended for alarm symptoms, erosive esophagitis, complicated ulcers, or unexplained weight loss—those require medical evaluation.

What DGL does not do. It does not acutely quench severe acid spikes like antacids; it does not prevent NSAID injury when those drugs are required; and it does not replace medical therapy for chronic GERD, peptic ulcer disease, or H. pylori eradication. Think of DGL as a symptom-modifying, mucosa-supportive option that can be tried in the short term, with clear criteria for success (e.g., ≥30% reduction in heartburn days within 2–4 weeks).

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How to take DGL correctly

Choose your form. DGL comes as chewable tablets/lozenges, capsules of low-glycyrrhizin standardized extract, and topical oral forms (mouthwashes or patches). Selection depends on your primary symptom:

  • Heartburn and regurgitation: Standardized capsules are convenient for consistent dosing; chewables may provide additional local soothing in the esophagus when dissolved slowly.
  • Functional dyspepsia (post-meal discomfort): Capsules used in clinical trials are a practical starting point.
  • Oral lesions: Lozenges, mouthwashes, or patches that maintain contact with the lesion are preferred for short, targeted courses.

Evidence-based dosing examples.

  • Low-glycyrrhizin extract (standardized, capsule/tablet): 75 mg twice daily (total 150 mg/day) for 4–8 weeks has been used in trials for functional dyspepsia and reflux-type symptoms.
  • H. pylori load reduction (adjunctive): 150 mg once daily for 60 days was used in a stand-alone study assessing gastric bacterial load.
  • Topical/oral-contact use (aphthous lesions): Follow the specific product’s directions; many studies used short-course mouthwashes or dissolving patches for several days to 2 weeks.

Timing and administration.

  • Take standardized extracts before meals (e.g., morning and evening) to maximize contact with the upper GI mucosa when symptoms are triggered by eating.
  • For chewables or lozenges, allow them to dissolve slowly rather than chewing and swallowing immediately; avoid food or drink for ~10–20 minutes afterward to prolong mucosal contact.
  • If you also take acid suppressants (PPIs/H2 blockers), separate DGL by at least 1–2 hours; DGL is not known to reduce their effectiveness, but spacing can help you track which product influences symptoms.

How long to try it.
Commit to a time-limited trial: 2–4 weeks for reflux-type symptoms and functional dyspepsia; up to 8 weeks if you are seeing steady improvement. If there is no meaningful benefit by 4 weeks, stop and reassess other strategies with your clinician.

What to combine with DGL.

  • Meal patterning: Smaller, earlier dinners; avoid lying down within 3 hours of eating.
  • Trigger audit: Reduce alcohol, mint, chocolate, very fatty foods, and large spicy meals if they worsen symptoms.
  • Night reflux: Elevate the head of the bed 10–15 cm; consider left-side sleeping.
  • Medications: Review NSAIDs, aspirin, and other agents that aggravate upper-GI symptoms.

Quality and label reading.
Look for: (1) explicit glycyrrhizin content (very low or “deglycyrrhizinated”), (2) standardization markers (e.g., glabridin %), (3) third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Choice), and (4) lot numbers with expiration dates. Avoid multi-herb blends if you need to isolate the effect of DGL.

When to stop immediately and seek care.
Stop and contact a clinician if you experience new or worsening chest pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, trouble swallowing, persistent nausea/vomiting, unexplained weight loss, fever, or severe abdominal pain. These are not typical “indigestion” symptoms and need evaluation rather than more supplements.

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DGL vs regular licorice: what’s the difference

Glycyrrhizin content is the key distinction. Regular licorice root and many confectionery or herbal products contain glycyrrhizin, the molecule that can mimic mineralocorticoid action. DGL is processed to remove most glycyrrhizin. Why does this matter? Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure, cause fluid retention, and lower potassium, especially in older adults, people on diuretics, and those with kidney or heart disease. These effects can appear even at modest intakes in sensitive individuals. DGL aims to retain soothing flavonoids while lowering mineralocorticoid-like risk.

“Deglycyrrhizinated” is not always “zero.” Quality manufacturers state a maximum glycyrrhizin content (e.g., ≤0.5–3%). That small amount is much less than regular licorice but is not none. If you have high blood pressure, a history of hypokalemia, or take diuretics, choose products with the lowest possible glycyrrhizin content and monitor your blood pressure and symptoms during a short trial.

Different standardizations, different expectations.

  • Traditional DGL chewables (e.g., Caved-type formulas): Historically used for mucosal support but did not outperform placebo for healing active peptic ulcers in older controlled trials. They may still soothe functional symptoms when used before meals.
  • Flavonoid-rich, low-glycyrrhizin extracts (e.g., GutGard-type): Standardized to specific flavonoids with tight glycyrrhizin limits; these have shown symptom improvement in functional dyspepsia and reflux-type patterns over 4–8 weeks in modern randomized trials.

Safety profile differs. Regular licorice carries meaningful risks of hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and even serious arrhythmias when overused. DGL’s lower glycyrrhizin content reduces (but does not entirely eliminate) that risk. That’s why DGL is generally preferred for digestive use, and why dose, duration, and personal risk factors still matter.

Taste and route matter. Chewables and lozenges provide topical mucosal contact—useful for esophageal symptoms and mouth ulcers. Capsules offer precise dosing and are often easier to tolerate if you dislike licorice flavor.

Cost and formulations. Expect a range of prices tied to extraction quality, testing, and standardization. Blends that add peppermint, slippery elm, or marshmallow may feel soothing but make it harder to attribute effects and can add interaction risks. For a first trial, choose a single-agent DGL product with transparent labeling.

Bottom line: For digestive comfort, choose DGL over regular licorice, confirm very low glycyrrhizin, and use it short term alongside the lifestyle steps that address the root causes of your symptoms.

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Safety, side effects, and who should avoid

Common tolerability. DGL is generally well tolerated over short periods (weeks to a few months). The most common complaints are mild: aftertaste, transient nausea, or bloating. Because formulations differ, switching from chewables to capsules (or vice versa) can sometimes solve minor tolerability issues.

Glycyrrhizin-related risks—still relevant. Even with deglycyrrhizination, trace glycyrrhizin may remain. Overexposure to glycyrrhizin (from any source) can cause pseudoaldosteronism: fluid retention, hypertension, and hypokalemia (low potassium), which can lead to weakness, cramps, or heart rhythm problems. Risk is higher in older adults, those with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, or those using diuretics (especially loop or thiazide types), corticosteroids, or digoxin. If you have any of these, discuss DGL with your clinician and consider baseline and follow-up blood pressure and electrolytes if you plan a trial.

Drug and disease interactions.

  • Diuretics, antihypertensives, and corticosteroids: Risk of potassium shifts and blood pressure changes is additive.
  • Digoxin: Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk; avoid licorice products.
  • Warfarin and other narrow-therapeutic-index drugs: Herbal products can alter metabolism or absorption; monitor per clinician guidance.
  • Liver disease: People with cirrhosis or cholestasis may be more sensitive to mineralocorticoid-like effects and to herb–drug interactions—seek medical guidance before any licorice-derived supplement.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid licorice products, including DGL, due to potential risks and limited safety data in these populations.
  • Endocrine issues: If you have primary aldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, or adrenal disorders, avoid licorice-derived products unless advised by a specialist.

Practical precautions.

  • Confirm the label: Look for “deglycyrrhizinated,” a stated maximum glycyrrhizin %, and standardization details.
  • Limit duration: Use short courses (e.g., 4–8 weeks), then take a break or stop if no clear benefit.
  • Monitor: Track blood pressure, leg swelling, fatigue, and muscle cramps; if any appear, stop and seek advice.
  • Do not combine with regular licorice candies, teas, or other licorice-containing supplements.

Red-flag symptoms—stop and seek care. Severe chest pain, fainting, palpitations, profound weakness, or signs of GI bleeding warrant urgent evaluation. For reflux/dyspepsia, alarm features (dysphagia, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, iron-deficiency anemia) require medical workup rather than supplement escalation.

Children and adolescents. Because dosing, developmental safety, and interaction risks differ in younger people, DGL should only be used under pediatric guidance.

In sum, DGL reduces but does not erase the safety concerns associated with regular licorice. Respect dose and duration, choose high-quality products, and involve your healthcare professional if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

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Evidence at a glance: what studies show

Modern randomized trials (adults).

  • Gastroesophageal reflux–related symptoms: A 4-week, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (standardized to glabridin with a specified low glycyrrhizin limit) in non-erosive GER-type symptoms reported earlier and greater reductions in heartburn and regurgitation and improved disease-specific quality of life compared with placebo. Symptom separation was detectable by 2 weeks in many participants.
  • Functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind study found 75 mg twice daily of the same style of low-glycyrrhizin extract improved global dyspepsia scores after 30 days compared with placebo. Improvements included post-prandial fullness and upper-abdominal discomfort.

Adjunctive H. pylori findings.

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using 150 mg/day of a low-glycyrrhizin licorice extract for 60 days found a significant reduction in gastric H. pylori load, assessed by ^13C-urea breath testing and stool antigen testing. This suggests a potential adjunctive role but does not replace antibiotic-based eradication therapy.

Oral mucosal health.

  • Reviews and small randomized studies indicate that licorice-containing mouthwashes, lozenges, or patches can reduce pain and accelerate healing in recurrent aphthous ulcers over days to 2 weeks. Evidence quality is moderate due to heterogeneity, but results are consistent enough to justify short topical trials for symptomatic relief.

Older ulcer trials (historic DGL tablets).

  • Multiple double-blind trials from the 1960s–1970s (e.g., Caved-type DGL) did not show superior healing of active gastric or duodenal ulcers versus placebo over 4 weeks. These studies inform current guidance: DGL is not a stand-alone ulcer therapy.

Systematic review context.

  • Broader evaluations of non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia identify licorice-based extracts among options with short-term symptom benefits and acceptable safety in trials up to 12 weeks. However, heterogeneity in products, dosing, and outcomes limits direct comparisons and long-term conclusions.

What this means for you.

  • The strongest evidence for DGL-type products is short-term symptom relief in GER-type patterns and functional dyspepsia, with onset often within 1–2 weeks.
  • Topical oral uses appear helpful for canker sores.
  • Ulcer healing and long-term disease modification are not established.
  • Quality, standardization, and very low glycyrrhizin content are critical to both effectiveness and safety.

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References

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace diagnosis, counseling, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Licorice-derived products can interact with medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change any supplement or medicine based on this article without consulting your clinician, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have cardiovascular, kidney, or endocrine disorders, or take prescription drugs.

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