Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root extract processed to remove most glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice-induced hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. It is used for dyspepsia, reflux-related discomfort, and gastric mucosal support, but evidence is more limited than for standard acid-suppressive therapies. Product quality matters because residual glycyrrhizin can still pose risk.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is a herb most often used for may soothe functional dyspepsia and reflux-related discomfort, supports gastric mucosal defense, may help occasional heartburn symptoms when used before meals. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging. A typical adult dose is Chewable DGL 350-760 mg 15-20 minutes before meals, up to three times daily; branded extracts vary, commonly taken as chewable dgl or standardized low-glycyrrhizin extract with glycyrrhizin content disclosed. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- Mild GI upset, nausea, or loose stool
- Sweet taste or mouth irritation with chewables
- Residual glycyrrhizin risk: elevated blood pressure, edema, low potassium, or arrhythmia if product is not truly DGL
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clinician-approved
- Hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or history of hypokalemia unless product is verified low-glycyrrhizin and clinician-approved3
The bottom line
Evidence rating emerging. Most-documented uses: may soothe functional dyspepsia and reflux-related discomfort, supports gastric mucosal defense, may help occasional heartburn symptoms when used before meals. 3 sources indexed (1978–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
DGL contains flavonoids and polysaccharide-rich constituents that may support gastric mucus production, mucosal blood flow, and epithelial defense. Removing glycyrrhizin greatly reduces mineralocorticoid-like effects, but incomplete deglycyrrhizination or high intake can still create blood pressure and potassium concerns. Chewable or powder forms are often used before meals to maximize local mucosal contact.2
Dosing & protocol.
Chewable DGL is commonly taken before meals for local mucosal contact. Separate from medications and minerals because demulcent products can reduce absorption.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Chewable DGL tablet.
Chewables are inexpensive; branded low-glycyrrhizin extracts cost more but may have better constituent control. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Mild GI upset, nausea, or loose stool
- Sweet taste or mouth irritation with chewables
- Residual glycyrrhizin risk: elevated blood pressure, edema, low potassium, or arrhythmia if product is not truly DGL
- Allergic reaction in sensitive users
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clinician-approved
- Hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or history of hypokalemia unless product is verified low-glycyrrhizin and clinician-approved3
- Use with corticosteroids, diuretics, digoxin, or antiarrhythmic drugs without medical supervision
- Unexplained weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood, trouble swallowing, or persistent severe reflux requires medical evaluation
- Avoid whole licorice substitution for DGL1,3
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Randomized controlled trials
2- 1An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyRaveendra KR et al. · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2012
GutGard improved dyspepsia symptom scores compared with placebo in a short trial.
- 2Double-blind trial of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in gastric ulcerBardhan KD et al. · Gut · 1978
An older trial evaluated DGL in gastric ulcer, supporting historical use but not replacing modern therapy.
Reference material
1- 3Licorice Root: Usefulness and SafetyNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health · NCCIH · 2024
NCCIH notes serious adverse effects from glycyrrhizin and states DGL products might be safe short term.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), drawn from the data on this page.
What is Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)?
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root extract processed to remove most glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice-induced hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. It is used for dyspepsia, reflux-related discomfort, and gastric mucosal support, but evidence is more limited than for standard acid-suppressive therapies. Product quality matters because residual glycyrrhizin can still pose risk.
What is Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) include: May soothe functional dyspepsia and reflux-related discomfort; Supports gastric mucosal defense; May help occasional heartburn symptoms when used before meals; Lower mineralocorticoid risk than whole licorice root. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging.
What is a typical dose of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)?
A typical adult dose of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is Chewable DGL 350-760 mg 15-20 minutes before meals, up to three times daily; branded extracts vary. The commonly recommended form is Chewable DGL or standardized low-glycyrrhizin extract with glycyrrhizin content disclosed. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)?
Reported side effects include mild gi upset, nausea, or loose stool, sweet taste or mouth irritation with chewables, residual glycyrrhizin risk: elevated blood pressure, edema, low potassium, or arrhythmia if product is not truly dgl, allergic reaction in sensitive users. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)?
NutriStack rates this as Emerging, meaning early RCT signal, mechanistic data, or limited human evidence. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
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