What is DGL licorice?

DGL means deglycyrrhizinated licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra extract processed to reduce glycyrrhizin, the constituent linked to hypertension, hypokalemia and fluid retention. The residual threshold varies by product and study.

GutGard is a proprietary flavonoid-rich extract. The 2025 product was standardized to ≥3.5% glabridin, ≥10% total flavonoids and ≤3.0% glycyrrhizin. That identity does not automatically transfer to retail DGL tablets. [1]

Typical DGL Licorice Protocols

No RDA, AI or UL exists. Extract milligrams do not describe glycyrrhizin exposure without a lot specification.

Extract

Record brand, lot, glabridin, flavonoids and glycyrrhizin limit.

Per administration

Keep 75 mg per dose separate from 150 mg daily.

Timing

The GutGard trials administered it after meals.

Outcomes

Track reflux, regurgitation, dyspepsia, blood pressure, edema and stopping.

What is DGL licorice commonly used for?

It is used mainly for dyspepsia, reflux and gastric discomfort. The strongest recent trials concern GutGard and short-term symptoms. They do not establish healing of esophagitis or ulcers and do not replace assessment of dysphagia, bleeding, anemia, weight loss or persistent pain.

Which forms and labels matter?

Look for Glycyrrhiza glabra, mass per capsule or tablet, glycyrrhizin percentage or ceiling, flavonoid markers and co-ingredients. Historical chewable tablets, GutGard capsules, whole root and licorice candy are not interchangeable.

What does the human evidence show?

Raj et al. randomized 200 adults with reflux symptoms to GutGard 75 mg or placebo twice daily after meals for four weeks. Baseline-adjusted GERD-HRQL favored GutGard on day 28 (p=0.014), but only 78 active and 87 placebo participants contributed to that analysis. Total symptom count at day 28 was neutral (p=0.093), while frequency, severity and distress favored the extract. [1]

Raveendra et al. randomized 50 adults with functional dyspepsia. GutGard 75 mg twice daily after meals for 30 days improved symptom scores and the dyspepsia index on days 15 and 30 versus placebo. The small sample, baseline differences and proprietary extract limit generalization. [2]

Bardhan et al. randomized 96 people with gastric ulcer. After four weeks, endoscopic or radiographic healing, ulcer-area reduction and clinical improvement did not differ from placebo. Modern symptom signals should not become a healing claim. [3]

How might it work?

Flavonoids and other constituents may affect mucosal defense, motility or sensory signaling. The trials measure symptoms and questionnaires, not proof of tissue repair. Reducing glycyrrhizin primarily aims to reduce mineralocorticoid activity.

What are the risks and interactions?

Even a product called DGL may contain residual glycyrrhizin. Higher blood pressure, lower potassium, edema, weakness, palpitations or interactions remain possible if actual exposure is sufficient or the product is poorly characterized.

Take particular care with diuretics, digoxin, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, proarrhythmic drugs and renal, cardiac or electrolyte disorders. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require professional review. Whole licorice must not be substituted for the study product.

Status in the United States and Canada

In the United States, DGL is sold as a supplement and is not an approved reflux drug. In Canada, verify the NPN and product-specific conditions. The term DGL alone guarantees neither uniform content nor GutGard equivalence.

What should be monitored?

Record product and lot, mass per dose, frequency, after-meal timing, glycyrrhizin limit, co-ingredients, reflux or dyspepsia symptoms, rescue medicines, blood pressure, edema, cramps or palpitations and reason for stopping.

What happens after stopping?

No withdrawal syndrome or taper is established. Symptoms may return if the extract was helping; persistent reflux or alarm features require reassessment.

How should it be stored?

Keep sealed, dry and away from heat. Retain the lot number because residual specifications determine transferability and safety.

Community experiences

Anecdotes often merge whole licorice, generic DGL, chewables and GutGard. Rapid symptom improvement does not establish healing or absence of glycyrrhizin.

How does it compare with other approaches?

Alginates, antacids, acid suppressants and dietary measures have different mechanisms and evidence. DGL may be a short-term symptom option for some adults, while alarm features and diagnosis take priority.

Frequently asked questions

What dose did the GutGard trials use?

75 mg after meals twice daily: four weeks for reflux and 30 days for dyspepsia. [1][2]

Does DGL mean zero glycyrrhizin?

No. The trials reported different residual ceilings, ≤3.0% in 2025 and ≤0.5% in 2012. [1][2]

Was the reflux trial fully analyzed?

200 were randomized, while 78 and 87 contributed to day 28 GERD-HRQL. [1]

Does DGL heal ulcers?

Evidence does not establish that; the 96-person trial was null after four weeks. [3]

Should blood pressure be monitored?

Yes when glycyrrhizin is unknown, use is prolonged or cardiovascular, renal or drug risk exists.

Is whole licorice equivalent?

No. It can provide much more glycyrrhizin and materially change risk.

Glossary

Terms used in this guide.

DGL

Licorice processed to reduce glycyrrhizin; the residual ceiling depends on the product.

Glycyrrhizin

Licorice constituent that can produce mineralocorticoid activity.

GERD-HRQL

Questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease-related quality of life.

Attrition

Randomized participants who do not contribute to a later analysis.

Proprietary extract

Preparation made to a specific specification that may not represent other products.

How this guide was researched

This guide prioritizes the two open GutGard reports and the historical null controlled trial. Sources and correction fields were checked October 9, 2026.

How this guide was made

Sources

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