DGL Licorice (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
Commonly used for
Digestive Health
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What is it? / Overview
Licorice raises mucosal prostaglandins, increases protective mucus, and prolongs the life of gastric surface cells. Deglycyrrhizination removes glycyrrhizin -- the compound responsible for whole licorice's blood-pressure- and potassium-lowering effects -- while aiming to retain the mucosal-protective flavonoids, though a rigorous 1973 trial found no ulcer-healing benefit and newer flavonoid extracts (a different product) show more promise.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (glycyrrhizin reduced to under 2-3%), chewable tablets
Typical dose studied: 760 mg chewed before meals, three times daily, historically; newer flavonoid-rich extracts use lower doses
Timing: Chewed before meals
The key safety point: whole/glycyrrhizinated licorice causes hypertension and hypokalemia -- DGL exists specifically to avoid this, so this entry is distinct from a general "licorice" listing and the cardiovascular caution above reflects residual-glycyrrhizin risk in lower-quality products, not DGL's intended profile.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Primary hypertension / High blood pressure; Heart failure / Congestive heart failure; Chronic kidney disease (Stage 3, 4, or 5) — NOT on dialysis
Interacts with: Diuretics, corticosteroids -- additive potassium loss risk if the product retains residual glycyrrhizin; Digoxin -- hypokalemia from residual glycyrrhizin can potentiate toxicity
Already taking it? DGL is specifically formulated to avoid whole licorice's blood-pressure/potassium effects, but product quality varies -- worth confirming the label states deglycyrrhizinated.
Research & references
Engqvist A et al. (1973). Double-Blind Trial of Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice in Gastric Ulcer. Gut. Kwon YJ et al. (2020). A Review of the Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Licorice Root From Corroborative Clinical Trial Findings. Journal of Medicinal Food.
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