DGL Licorice
Also known as: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, Deglycyrrhizinated Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice with the blood-pressure risk removed — a demulcent chew for reflux and ulcers, minus glycyrrhizin.
In short
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is licorice root extract with glycyrrhizin — the compound that can raise blood pressure and deplete potassium — almost entirely removed. What remains are flavonoids and glycyrrhetinic-acid metabolites that support the stomach lining by increasing mucus production and promoting tissue repair. DGL is used as a chewable before meals for acid reflux, gastritis, and peptic ulcer support, with older trials suggesting benefit comparable to some ulcer medications in symptom relief, though modern evidence is thinner. Because the glycyrrhizin is gone, the classic licorice safety warnings largely do not apply — DGL can be used long-term without the mineralocorticoid risks.
- Licorice with glycyrrhizin (the BP-raising compound) removed
- Supports stomach mucus and mucosal repair
- Chewed before meals for reflux, gastritis, ulcer support
- Safe long-term — the usual licorice warnings don't apply
What is DGL Licorice?
DGL is licorice with the dangerous part engineered out. Standard licorice is a classic heartburn remedy with a famous catch — its glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure and drains potassium, making long-term use hazardous. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice keeps the mucosa-soothing flavonoids and drops the hormone-mimicking compound to trace levels, creating an ingredient safe enough to chew daily. It is the thinking person's licorice: traditional demulcent action, modern risk engineering.
Where it comes from
Natural sources
- Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, the licorice plant
- DGL process removes glycyrrhizin to below ~3% (vs 4–20% in whole root)
- Remaining actives: flavonoids (liquiritin), glabridin, and related compounds
How it's made
Chewable tablets (380–400 mg), usually taken 20 minutes before meals.
What it does in products
Benefits
Reflux and heartburn relief
moderate evidenceMechanistically supports the esophageal and gastric lining; older trials and long clinical tradition support symptom relief, though modern randomized data are limited.
Ulcer healing support
emerging evidenceHistorical trials reported improved ulcer healing comparable to some conventional regimens; recent evidence is sparse and mostly supportive rather than definitive.
Safety versus whole licorice
strong evidenceRemoval of glycyrrhizin eliminates the mineralocorticoid effects — the single most important benefit of choosing DGL over whole root.
Side effects & safety
Safety considerations
- Avoid — even DGL carries precautionary warnings in pregnancy due to licorice's traditional hormonal associations.
- Potassium-depleting diuretics — largely a whole-licorice concern; DGL risk is minimal
- Blood-pressure medications — no significant interaction expected with DGL
- Not for: Known licorice allergy
How it's used
In supplements
380–400 mg chewed thoroughly 20 minutes before meals, up to 3 times daily; continue 2–4 weeks for mucosal support.
In skincare
Licorice derivatives (glabridin) appear in brightening skincare, but DGL itself is oral.
Regulatory status
- Sold as a dietary supplement; no FDA-approved disease claims.
- Not applicable.
Popular products containing DGL Licorice
- Enzymatic Therapy DGL — 380 mg chewable tabletsEnzymatic Therapy · Supplement
- Natural Factors DGL — Chewable deglycyrrhizinated tabletsNatural Factors · Supplement
- NOW DGL — 400 mg chewablesNOW Foods · Supplement
Product names and brands are shown for reference and belong to their respective owners.
The glycyrrhizin problem
Glycyrrhizin mimics aldosterone, causing sodium retention, potassium loss, edema, and hypertension with sustained whole-licorice use. The deglycyrrhizination process removes it while preserving the flavonoids that support the gastric mucosa — a rare case where processing a botanical makes it meaningfully safer.
Why chewing matters
DGL's traditional efficacy depends on mixing with saliva, which activates the mucin-promoting compounds. Swallowing capsules bypasses this step — the chewable-before-meals protocol is the one that matches the clinical tradition and older trial designs.
Frequently asked questions
Is DGL safe with high blood pressure?
Unlike whole licorice, DGL contains only trace glycyrrhizin and is generally considered safe. Whole licorice remains contraindicated in hypertension.
Can DGL replace my acid-reflux medication?
It may help mild symptoms, but do not stop prescribed medication without your doctor. DGL is an adjunct, not a substitute for PPI therapy in erosive disease.
How is DGL different from licorice root?
DGL has had glycyrrhizin removed, eliminating the blood-pressure and potassium risks that limit whole licorice root.
The bottom line
DGL licorice is a demulcent digestive support that keeps licorice's mucosal benefits while engineering out its one serious risk — a sensible choice for reflux and gastritis support.
References
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice in peptic ulcer. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4326882/
- Licorice — NCCIH. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
- Glycyrrhizin toxicity review. PubMed Central. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28925461/