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DGL Licorice supplement
Herbal Gastroprotectant

DGL Licorice: Benefits, Dosage, Forms & Research

Herbal Gastroprotectant

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

TL;DR — Quick Answer

DGL licorice is a safe form of licorice with glycyrrhizin removed to prevent blood pressure side effects. It protects the stomach lining by stimulating mucus production and enhancing mucosal blood flow. Chew 380-760mg DGL tablets 20 minutes before meals for heartburn, gastritis, or ulcer support.

Key Facts

What it is
Licorice root extract with glycyrrhizin removed, retaining gastroprotective flavonoids and saponins
Primary benefits
  • Stimulates gastric mucus production
  • Enhances mucosal blood flow
  • Supports healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers
  • Soothes heartburn and GERD symptoms
Typical dosage
380-760mg chewable tablets 20 minutes before meals
Evidence level
Moderate
Safety profile
Generally Safe

What the Research Says

DGL has moderate clinical evidence for gastroprotection and ulcer support. The Morgan et al. (1985) comparison with cimetidine remains an important study showing DGL can maintain ulcer healing. The GutGard standardized extract has more recent clinical evidence for dyspepsia. DGL works by enhancing the stomach's natural defenses (mucus, blood flow, prostaglandins) rather than suppressing acid, making it complementary to acid-reducing medications. It is one of the most widely recommended natural gastroprotectants in integrative medicine.

Benefits of DGL Licorice

  • Gastric mucosal protection — DGL stimulates mucin secretion and prostaglandin E2 production, which protect the gastric epithelium from acid damage (van Marle et al., 1981)
  • Ulcer healing — Morgan et al. (1985, n=100) found DGL was as effective as cimetidine (an H2 blocker) for maintaining healed duodenal ulcers over 2 years of follow-up
  • H. pylori activity — a standardized licorice extract (GutGard) showed anti-H. pylori activity and reduced dyspepsia symptoms in an RCT (Raveendra et al., 2012, n=120)
  • GERD symptom relief — DGL increases mucosal resistance to acid, providing symptomatic relief for reflux without suppressing acid production
Did you know?

DGL has moderate clinical evidence for gastroprotection and ulcer support.

Forms of DGL Licorice

FormBioavailabilityBest For
DGL Chewable TabletsHigh (oral mucosa + GI)Standard form — chewing activates salivary factors that enhance efficacy; must be chewed, not swallowed
DGL CapsulesModerateConvenience — for those who prefer capsules, though chewable form is traditionally considered superior
GutGard (standardized extract)HighStandardized to glabridin content — most clinically studied DGL form

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 380-760mg DGL chewable tablets, 20 minutes before meals, 3x daily

Timing: 20 minutes before meals; must be chewed for optimal effect

Dosage by Condition

ConditionRecommended DoseEvidence
GERD/heartburn380-760mg chewable before mealsModerate
Gastric/duodenal ulcer support760mg 3x daily before mealsModerate
Functional dyspepsia75-150mg GutGard twice dailyModerate

Upper limit: 2,280mg DGL per day (760mg 3x daily)

Side Effects and Safety

Safety profile: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated — glycyrrhizin removal eliminates the main licorice safety concerns
  • Mild nausea in some individuals
  • Extremely rare allergic reactions

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Regular licorice/glycyrrhizin-containing products — do not combine; DGL is safe but regular licorice causes hypertension
  • Warfarin — licorice flavonoids may have mild antiplatelet activity
  • Generally very few drug interactions due to glycyrrhizin removal
Check DGL Licorice interactions with other supplements →
BenefitsDosage GuideSide EffectsTypes & FormsResearchFAQ

Related Conditions

Gut Health & Digestion

Related Supplements

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DGL and regular licorice?

Regular licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which inhibits cortisol metabolism and causes pseudo-aldosteronism (hypertension, fluid retention, low potassium). DGL has glycyrrhizin removed, eliminating these risks while retaining the gastroprotective compounds. Always use DGL for medicinal purposes, especially long-term.

Why do DGL tablets need to be chewed?

Traditional teaching holds that chewing DGL tablets mixes them with saliva, which contains epidermal growth factor (EGF) that synergizes with DGL for mucosal repair. While this mechanism is debated, clinical studies typically used chewable forms. Swallowing DGL capsules may still provide benefit but chewable is the traditional recommendation.

Can I take DGL with a PPI?

Yes. DGL works by a completely different mechanism than PPIs. PPIs reduce acid production; DGL enhances mucosal defense. They are complementary, not conflicting. DGL may provide additional symptom relief and mucosal support while taking a PPI, and may support PPI tapering when appropriate under medical guidance.

References

  1. (). Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut. DOI
  2. (). An extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI