Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Dgl Extract

Also known as: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, licorice root extract without glycyrrhizic acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra

Overview

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a specialized extract from the roots and underground stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a plant native to Western Asia, Turkey, and Greece. Unlike whole licorice extracts, DGL undergoes a processing step to remove glycyrrhizic acid, the compound responsible for adverse effects such as hypertension. This removal makes DGL a safer alternative while retaining beneficial flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. Primarily used as a herbal supplement for digestive health, DGL is highly regarded for its efficacy in treating and preventing gastric and peptic ulcers. It is often formulated as chewable tablets to enhance local contact with the gastric mucosa. While research maturity is moderate with several clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evidence is stronger for ulcer treatment than for acid reflux, with studies showing comparable effectiveness to standard anti-ulcer drugs.

Benefits

DGL demonstrates significant efficacy in healing gastric and peptic ulcers. Clinical trials show it can reduce ulcer size by 78% and achieve complete healing in 44% of patients, significantly outperforming placebo. Its effectiveness is comparable to standard anti-ulcer drugs like cimetidine and ranitidine, but with a superior safety profile. DGL also shows potential in reducing gastric bleeding caused by aspirin and NSAIDs, suggesting a protective role for individuals on ulcerogenic medications. Patients with gastric ulcers, particularly those requiring long-term NSAID or aspirin therapy, are most likely to benefit. While some preliminary evidence suggests benefits for GERD symptoms, these findings are based on smaller, non-placebo-controlled studies and are considered inconclusive. The benefits, particularly for ulcer healing, are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment.

How it works

DGL primarily acts on the gastrointestinal tract by enhancing the natural defense mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the production of mucus and enhancing the integrity of the gastric mucosal barrier, which protects the stomach lining from acid and digestive enzymes. DGL may also exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to the presence of retained flavonoids. Unlike acid-suppressing medications, DGL works by promoting tissue repair and strengthening the mucosal lining rather than reducing stomach acid. It is administered orally, often as chewable tablets, to maximize local contact with the gastric mucosa, although bioactive flavonoids are absorbed systemically, the primary therapeutic effects are localized within the GI tract.

Side effects

DGL is considered very safe, especially when compared to whole licorice extracts that contain glycyrrhizic acid. Clinical trials at therapeutic doses have reported no significant adverse effects, making it generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are rare, and no consistent uncommon or rare side effects have been documented in high-quality studies. There are no major drug interactions reported, but caution is advised when combining DGL with drugs affecting gastric mucosa or certain chemotherapy agents like cisplatin, due to potential, though unconfirmed, interactions. While DGL is much safer than whole licorice for individuals with hypertension or hypokalemia due to the removal of glycyrrhizic acid, prudence is still recommended in these populations. Data for special populations are limited, but DGL is generally considered safe for adult use.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for DGL, particularly for ulcer healing, is approximately 760 mg of DGL extract taken three times daily. This dosage has been consistently used in successful clinical studies. While a maximum safe dose is not precisely defined, studies have utilized up to 760 mg three times daily without reporting adverse effects. DGL is typically recommended to be taken between meals to optimize its contact with the gastric mucosa. For best results, especially for local action on the stomach lining, chewable tablets are the preferred form of administration, as chewing enhances mucosal exposure. No specific cofactors are established as necessary for DGL's efficacy.

FAQs

Is DGL safe for long-term use?

Yes, clinical data support the safety of DGL for use over periods of several weeks to months, with no significant adverse effects reported.

Can DGL replace standard ulcer medications?

DGL may be as effective as some H2 blockers for ulcer healing, but its use should always be supervised by a medical professional.

Does DGL help acid reflux?

Evidence for DGL's effectiveness in treating acid reflux is inconclusive; lifestyle changes and conventional medications remain primary treatments.

Are there risks of hypertension with DGL?

No, DGL is processed to remove glycyrrhizic acid, the compound responsible for hypertension associated with whole licorice extracts.

How soon will I see results?

Ulcer healing effects have been observed within 4 weeks in clinical trials, though individual symptom relief may vary.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7348626/ – This RCT compared DGL to placebo for gastric ulcer healing, showing DGL significantly reduced ulcer size by 78% versus 34% for placebo, with 44% complete healing in the DGL group. It also highlighted DGL's comparable efficacy to standard anti-ulcer drugs like cimetidine with fewer side effects.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dgl-for-acid-reflux – This source discusses DGL's potential for acid reflux, noting that while some preliminary evidence exists, it's often from small, non-placebo-controlled studies, making the findings inconclusive for GERD.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – This comprehensive review of Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts highlights their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It emphasizes that DGL is safer due to the removal of glycyrrhizin, supporting its bioactivity and safety profile.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/216970 – This RCT on a licorice extract (GutGard) for GI symptoms showed alleviation of symptoms and supported its use for ulcer treatment. While not specific to DGL, it reinforces the general gastroprotective benefits of licorice extracts.