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Gutgard Licorice Extract

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

Overview

GutGard is a standardized extract derived from the deglycyrrhizinated root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root. This specific formulation is designed to minimize the side effects associated with glycyrrhizin, such as hypertension, while retaining the beneficial compounds. It is primarily utilized as a herbal supplement for the management of various gastrointestinal conditions, including functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and Helicobacter pylori infection. GutGard is characterized by its anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-H. pylori properties, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies, supports its efficacy and safety in improving symptoms and quality of life for individuals with functional dyspepsia and GER. While broader licorice derivatives have been subject to systematic reviews, specific meta-analyses for GutGard are less common, but the existing evidence base is considered moderate and growing.

Benefits

GutGard offers several evidence-based benefits for gastrointestinal health: - **Functional Dyspepsia:** A high-quality randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving approximately 100 patients demonstrated that GutGard, at a dose of 75 mg twice daily for 30 days, significantly reduced total symptom scores, including upper abdominal fullness and epigogastric pain, compared to placebo. A notable 56% of patients reported marked improvement, contrasting with 0% in the placebo group. Significant improvements in quality of life, as measured by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), were also observed. - **Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER):** Clinical trials have shown that GutGard significantly improves symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, with improvements often noted within 1-2 weeks of treatment. Patients experienced better quality of life outcomes, and importantly, no rebound effects were observed after discontinuing the treatment. - **Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity:** GutGard has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing markers of H. pylori infection. A randomized, placebo-controlled study with 100 subjects found that 56% of those treated with GutGard tested negative for H. pylori antigen after 60 days, compared to only 4% in the placebo group, indicating a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). Preclinical animal studies further support its dose-dependent anti-ulcer and anti-H. pylori effects. While not a first-line antibiotic, it shows promise as an adjunctive or alternative approach.

How it works

GutGard's therapeutic actions are primarily mediated through its anti-inflammatory and mucoprotective effects. It enhances the secretion of mucus, which forms a protective barrier over the gastrointestinal mucosa, shielding it from irritants and promoting healing. Additionally, GutGard exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against *Helicobacter pylori*, helping to reduce bacterial load and the associated gastric inflammation. The deglycyrrhizinated nature of GutGard ensures that while the problematic glycyrrhizin compound is minimized, the beneficial bioactive flavonoids and other phytochemicals responsible for these therapeutic effects are retained. The standardized extract form optimizes absorption and bioavailability, ensuring consistent delivery of active compounds to the gastrointestinal system.

Side effects

GutGard is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used at the recommended doses, typically 75 mg twice daily. Clinical trials have reported no significant adverse effects or serious side effects, and importantly, no instances of hypertension or hypokalemia, which are common concerns with traditional licorice extracts containing glycyrrhizin. The incidence of adverse events in GutGard-treated groups has been comparable to that in placebo groups. Furthermore, studies have indicated no rebound symptoms upon cessation of treatment. While specific drug interactions and contraindications for GutGard are not extensively documented, caution is generally advised for individuals with pre-existing hypertension or those taking medications that affect potassium levels, given the broader class effects of licorice. However, the deglycyrrhizinated nature of GutGard significantly mitigates these risks. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use due to limited specific data.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for GutGard, based on clinical trials, is 75 mg taken twice daily, totaling 150 mg per day. This dosage has been effectively used for durations ranging from 30 to 60 days in studies addressing functional dyspepsia and *H. pylori* infection. There is no clearly established maximum safe dose in humans, though animal toxicity studies suggest a high safety margin (up to 5000 mg/kg in rats). GutGard can be taken with or without food, and the twice-daily timing helps maintain consistent levels of the active compounds. It is crucial to use a standardized deglycyrrhizinated extract (GutGard®) to ensure consistent bioavailability and to minimize the risk of glycyrrhizin-related side effects. The standardized nature of the extract ensures consistent absorption and efficacy.

FAQs

Is GutGard safe for long-term use?

Current clinical studies on GutGard have evaluated its safety for up to 60 days. While short-term use appears safe and well-tolerated, more extensive long-term safety data is currently limited.

Can GutGard replace antibiotics for *H. pylori*?

GutGard demonstrates significant anti-*H. pylori* activity, but it is not considered a first-line antibiotic treatment. It may serve as an adjunctive therapy or an alternative in specific cases, but always consult a healthcare professional.

Does GutGard cause hypertension?

GutGard is a deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract, meaning the compound responsible for hypertension (glycyrrhizin) has been largely removed. Clinical trials have reported no instances of hypertension with GutGard use.

How soon do benefits appear?

Improvements in GER symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, can often be noticed within 1-2 weeks. For functional dyspepsia, significant symptom improvements are typically observed within 15-30 days of consistent use.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3123991/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated GutGard's efficacy in functional dyspepsia. It found that 75 mg BID significantly reduced symptom scores and improved quality of life compared to placebo over 30 days, with no significant adverse events.
https://karger.com/cmr/article/32/1/26/920395/Efficacy-and-Safety-of-GutGardR-in-Managing – This clinical trial demonstrated that GutGard significantly improved symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation in GER patients within 1-2 weeks. It also noted better quality of life outcomes and no rebound effects after treatment cessation, indicating its efficacy and safety for GER.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3892500/ – This study included animal and genotoxicity assessments of GutGard. It confirmed the extract's safety up to 5000 mg/kg in rats and demonstrated dose-dependent anti-ulcer and anti-H. pylori effects in animal models, providing preclinical support for its gastrointestinal benefits.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2013/263805 – This randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 100 H. pylori-infected subjects showed that 56% of GutGard-treated individuals tested negative for H. pylori antigen after 60 days, compared to only 4% in the placebo group. This indicates significant anti-H. pylori efficacy.