Deglycerrhizinated Licorice Root Extract
Also known as: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), Licorice root extract, DGL, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Overview
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is an extract from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with glycyrrhizin removed to minimize side effects. Licorice root contains nearly 300 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins. DGL is primarily used to support gastrointestinal health, including the treatment of acid reflux and ulcers, and has been investigated for metabolic benefits such as lipid profile improvement and weight management. It is also studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. DGL retains beneficial antioxidant flavonoids like glabridin but lacks glycyrrhizin, which can cause hypertension and hypokalemia, making it safer than whole licorice root extract for long-term use. Research maturity is moderate, with several RCTs and meta-analyses, especially on metabolic and cardiovascular effects.
Benefits
DGL has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis showed that licorice consumption significantly reduces body weight and BMI (p < 0.05). A double-blind RCT found that 12-month treatment with DGL significantly decreased LDL cholesterol and reduced carotid intima-media thickness, indicating cardiovascular benefit. DGL has also been shown to increase plasma LDL resistance to oxidation by 55% and reduce oxidative stress markers in pilot studies. Some studies suggest potential benefits for gastrointestinal protection and acid reflux, though evidence is less robust. Individuals with hypercholesterolemia and overweight or obese patients may experience the most significant benefits.
How it works
DGL's mechanism of action primarily involves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids like glabridin reduce LDL oxidation and oxidative stress. It may also exert anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of inflammatory mediators. DGL interacts with the cardiovascular system by reducing LDL oxidation and carotid artery thickness, and with the metabolic system by influencing body weight and lipid metabolism. The flavonoids in DGL, like glabridin, are bioavailable, and the removal of glycyrrhizin improves safety without compromising bioactivity.
Side effects
DGL is generally considered safe due to the removal of glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for many of the adverse effects associated with whole licorice root. Common side effects are rare, and the supplement is generally well-tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible but not well-documented. No significant rare adverse events have been reported in quality RCTs. While the risk of mineralocorticoid effects is lower than with glycyrrhizin-containing licorice, caution is still advised when taken with antihypertensives and diuretics. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid DGL due to a lack of safety data. Individuals with hypertension or hypokalemia should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Clinical studies have used doses around 0.1 g/day of licorice extract standardized to flavonoids like glabridin. An optimal dosage range appears to be 0.1 to 0.3 g/day of deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract standardized for flavonoid content for lipid and antioxidant effects. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but doses used in trials up to 12 months have shown good safety. Daily dosing for several months (3-12 months) is needed for cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Standardized DGL extracts with quantified flavonoid content (e.g., glabridin) are recommended. Taking DGL with meals may improve the absorption of flavonoids.
FAQs
Does DGL help with acid reflux?
Evidence is inconclusive; lifestyle changes and conventional medications are generally more effective for acid reflux.
Is DGL safe for long-term use?
Yes, DGL is generally safe when glycyrrhizin is removed, with no major side effects reported in trials lasting up to 12 months.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Metabolic and cardiovascular benefits typically appear after 3 months or longer of consistent use.
Can DGL cause high blood pressure?
Unlike whole licorice root, DGL has a minimal risk of causing hypertension due to the removal of glycyrrhizin.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433679/ – This meta-analysis of clinical trials found that licorice consumption significantly reduced body weight and BMI (p < 0.05). The analysis included multiple RCTs with n≥30 per group, but noted heterogeneity in study designs and doses. The study was considered a high-quality meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Licorice-Flavonoids-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n=94) on hypercholesterolemic adults found that 12-month DGL treatment significantly reduced LDL-c, decreased carotid intima-media thickness, and improved LDL oxidation resistance. The study was well-controlled and showed statistically significant results, but was limited by a single population and no long-term follow-up beyond 12 months.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root – This is a general overview of licorice root, its benefits, and potential side effects. It highlights the traditional uses of licorice root and the importance of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to minimize side effects related to glycyrrhizin.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2019.4459?doi=10.1089%2Fjmf.2019.4459 – This review of the pharmacological efficacy and safety of licorice focuses on clinical evidence, finding that licorice and DGL have multiple therapeutic effects including liver, GI, and cardiovascular benefits. It notes that DGL is safer due to glycyrrhizin removal, but is less rigorous than meta-analyses and includes some data from animal studies.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dgl-for-acid-reflux – This article discusses the use of DGL for acid reflux, noting that while some people find it helpful, the evidence is not conclusive. It suggests that lifestyle changes and conventional medications are generally more effective for managing acid reflux symptoms.