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Gutgard Dgl Licorice Root Extract

Also known as: GutGard, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, Licorice root extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard DGL)

Overview

GutGard is a standardized deglycyrrhizinated extract derived from the root of *Glycyrrhiza glabra*. It is specifically processed to remove glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for potential side effects like hypertension, making it safer for gastrointestinal applications. Primarily utilized as a herbal supplement for various gastrointestinal conditions, GutGard exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-*Helicobacter pylori* properties. Its main applications include managing functional dyspepsia, supporting peptic ulcer healing, and aiding in the eradication of *H. pylori* infection. Research on GutGard is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and some systematic reviews supporting its efficacy and safety profile.

Benefits

GutGard offers several evidence-based benefits for gastrointestinal health. For functional dyspepsia, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that 75 mg of GutGard twice daily for 30 days significantly reduced symptom scores (e.g., upper abdominal fullness, epigastric pain) and improved quality of life compared to placebo, with a 56% symptom improvement rate. It also shows significant anti-*H. pylori* effects; an RCT indicated that after 60 days, 56% of GutGard-treated subjects tested negative for *H. pylori* stool antigen, and 48% were negative by ^13C-urea breath test, significantly higher than placebo. Animal studies further support its anti-ulcer activity, showing dose-dependent effects in various rat models of induced ulcers. The ingredient has a good safety profile, with no major adverse effects reported in human trials, even at high doses in animal studies.

How it works

GutGard's mechanism of action primarily involves protecting the gastric mucosa and inhibiting bacterial growth. By increasing mucus secretion and enhancing antioxidant activity, it reduces inflammation and strengthens the stomach lining against damage. The extract also directly inhibits the growth of *Helicobacter pylori*, likely by interfering with its adhesion to gastric cells and disrupting its survival mechanisms. The crucial deglycyrrhizination process ensures that the mineralocorticoid effects associated with whole licorice, such as potential blood pressure elevation, are minimized, enhancing its safety profile. GutGard demonstrates good oral bioavailability, allowing for effective twice-daily dosing.

Side effects

GutGard is generally considered safe, with clinical trials at doses of 75 mg twice daily reporting no significant side effects. Due to the removal of glycyrrhizin, common adverse effects associated with whole licorice, such as hypertension or electrolyte imbalances, are not observed with GutGard. No significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed studies. While the overall safety profile is good, data on contraindications and use in special populations like pregnant women or children are limited, and caution is advised in these groups. Acute oral toxicity studies in rats indicate a high safety margin, with no observed toxicity up to 5,000 mg/kg, and no genotoxicity.

Dosage

The effective dosage for GutGard, as established in clinical trials, is 75 mg taken twice daily. This regimen has been successfully used for managing functional dyspepsia and aiding in *H. pylori* eradication over periods of 30 to 60 days. While animal studies have explored dose ranges from 12.5 to 50 mg/kg for anti-ulcer effects, these are not directly translatable to human dosing. There is no established maximum human dose, but acute toxicity studies suggest a very high safety margin. For optimal efficacy, consistent twice-daily dosing is recommended, aligning with the protocols used in successful clinical studies.

FAQs

Is GutGard safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety data for GutGard are limited; however, short-term use (30-60 days) has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials.

Can GutGard replace antibiotics for *H. pylori*?

GutGard shows significant *H. pylori* eradication potential, but it may be best considered as an adjunct therapy rather than a standalone replacement for antibiotics, pending further large-scale trials.

Does GutGard cause high blood pressure?

No, GutGard is a deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice, meaning the compound responsible for potential blood pressure elevation has been removed, minimizing this risk.

How soon do benefits appear?

Symptom improvements, particularly for functional dyspepsia, have been noted as early as 15 days, with further significant gains observed by 30 days of consistent use.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3123991/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated GutGard for functional dyspepsia. It found that 75 mg of GutGard twice daily for 30 days significantly reduced symptom scores and improved quality of life in participants compared to placebo, with no reported adverse effects.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2013/263805 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed GutGard's efficacy against *H. pylori*. After 60 days, 56% of GutGard subjects tested negative for *H. pylori* stool antigen and 48% by breath test, demonstrating significant eradication compared to placebo.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3892500/ – This research, including animal studies, demonstrated GutGard's dose-dependent anti-ulcer effects in various rat models. It also confirmed GutGard's safety, showing no acute toxicity up to 5,000 mg/kg and no genotoxicity.