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Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a processed form of licorice root, from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which most of the compound glycyrrhizin has been removed. Glycyrrhizin gives ordinary licorice its sweetness but, in excess, can raise blood pressure and lower blood potassium; stripping it out is meant to keep licorice's soothing effects on the digestive tract while avoiding those risks. DGL is used chiefly as a herbal supplement for heartburn, indigestion, and, historically, peptic ulcers, although the clinical evidence is old and mixed.
- Soothes heartburn and reflux discomfort
- Supports the stomach lining
- Helps mouth and canker sores
- Avoids blood-pressure risk of regular licorice
- Incompletely processed products may still raise blood pressure
Overview
Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a legume native to parts of Europe and Asia, long used as a flavoring and folk remedy [4]. Its characteristic sweetness comes mainly from glycyrrhizin, also called glycyrrhizic acid, a compound many times sweeter than sugar [4]. Glycyrrhizin has a hormone-like side effect, however: its active metabolite inhibits an enzyme (11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2) that normally shields the body from excess cortisol activity at mineralocorticoid receptors, so heavy or prolonged licorice intake can cause sodium retention, potassium loss, high blood pressure, and a state resembling aldosterone excess [4].
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is made by removing most of the glycyrrhizin from licorice extract [4]. The aim is to retain the other constituents of the root, including flavonoids thought to soothe and protect the lining of the stomach and intestine, while eliminating the compound responsible for the blood-pressure and potassium problems [4]. As a result DGL can be taken more freely than whole licorice without the same risk of pseudoaldosteronism [4].
DGL was studied from the 1960s through the 1970s as a treatment for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, sometimes in comparison with antacids or, later, with the acid-blocking drug cimetidine [1][2][3]. Some of these older trials reported ulcer healing and symptom relief, and a spasmolytic, or antispasm, effect was also described [2][3]. The results across studies were inconsistent, however, and DGL was largely overtaken by modern acid-suppressing medicines such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors [3]. Today it survives mainly as a herbal supplement.
DGL is now marketed for indigestion, heartburn, and general digestive comfort, often as chewable tablets taken before meals [4]. It is regulated as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, and rigorous modern evidence for these uses is limited [4]. Because the glycyrrhizin has been removed, DGL is generally considered safer than plain licorice, although products vary in how completely the compound has been taken out [4].
Mechanism
The rationale for DGL rests on separating two different aspects of licorice [4]. Whole licorice contains glycyrrhizin, whose blocks the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2; this lets over-stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors, producing the sodium retention, potassium loss, and raised blood pressure seen with licorice overuse [4]. Removing glycyrrhizin eliminates this pathway, which is why DGL lacks the blood-pressure effect [4].
The proposed benefit that remains is local protection of the gut lining: licorice flavonoids are thought to encourage the secretion of protective mucus, support the mucosal barrier, and exert anti-inflammatory and mild antispasmodic actions in the stomach and duodenum, helping ulcers heal and easing dyspeptic symptoms [2][3]. Because DGL works on the mucosa rather than by strongly suppressing stomach acid, its effect is generally milder than that of modern acid-reducing drugs [3].
receptor fingerprint
Gastric mucus secretionincreases
Mucosal blood flowsupports
Prostaglandin turnover in mucosamodulates
Oral ulcer healingsupports
Dosingtypical ranges, not medical advice
interested in protocols and clinical dosages? make an account to see them! ^_^
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
DGL is considered very safe because the problematic glycyrrhizin is removed, so it does not raise blood pressure or deplete potassium the way whole licorice can. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Chewable forms are meant to be taken before meals for best contact with the tissue.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A safe, gut-soothing pick for heartburn and mouth ulcers; the deglycyrrhizinated form avoids the pressure and potassium issues of regular licorice.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1968first citedSome experience with deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulce…
- 2012most recentLicorice abuse: time to send a warning message
- 1.Deglycyrrhizinized liquorice in duodenal ulcer
- 2.Some experience with deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers with special reference to its spasmolytic effect
- 3.Double-blind trial in duodenal and gastric ulcers. Cimetidine and deglycyrrhizinized liquorice
- 4.Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message
4 listed here; entry last updated July 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Why deglycyrrhizinated?
Removing glycyrrhizin gets rid of the compound that raises blood pressure and lowers potassium in regular licorice.
Does it lower stomach acid?
Not really; it works by strengthening the protective lining rather than blocking acid.
Can I take it long term?
It's low risk, but if you have ongoing reflux you should still get the cause checked out.
Chewable or capsule?
Chewables are preferred for reflux and mouth ulcers because contact with the tissue matters.
Limitations of the evidence
- Modern clinical evidence is limited and dated
Adverse effects
- Incompletely processed products may still raise blood pressure
Notes and cautions
- Generally well tolerated once glycyrrhizin is removed
- Fewer blood-pressure effects than whole licorice
- Sold as a supplement, not an approved medicine