What Is DGL Licorice?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which is commonly abbreviated DGL, is a nutritional supplement used primarily to promote gastrointestinal health. DGL is extracted from the Glycyrrhiza glaba, or licorice plant, which is cultivated in various subtropical regions. Licorice has been used since Ancient Greek times for a variety of health-promoting purposes. As with any nutritional supplement, you should talk to your doctor before self-medicating with DGL.

DGL Versus Licorice Root Supplements

Today, there are two types of licorice supplements commonly available; licorice root and DGL licorice, and each is suitable for different conditions. Standard licorice root supplements contain a naturally occurring substance called glycyrrhizin, which can cause blood pressure to rise and also cause water retention; DGL is considered superior to licorice root extract in this respect, because it does not cause these undesirable side effects.

Beneficial Effects on the Gastrointestinal System

DGL is primarily used to rebuild stomach and intestinal health in individuals with compromised gastrointestinal systems. DGL contains flavonoids that inhibit acid secretion in your stomach, thereby helping prevent and treat heartburn. DGL also increases blood flow to the mucosal cells of your stomach, and helps build up a protective mucosal layer, states Beth Lay, M.D., on the website blpublications.com.

Peptic Ulcers Treatment

Preliminary research, cited in the April 1969 edition of "GUT: An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology" examined the effects of DGL on patients with peptic ulcers. The placebo-controlled study was conducted on thirty-three patients, seventeen of which were given 760 mg of DGL, three times daily for one month. The patients given the DGL experienced significant healing of ulcers by an average of 78 percent without developing adverse reactions.

DGL and Hepatitis

People use DGL in Japan to improve liver function. DGL may also be a helpful adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hepatitis. The July 1994 edition of "Nippon Rinsho" journal, examined the effects of DGL when combined with the conventional drug interferon. The study found that the combination was useful for improving liver function and hypothesized it was due to an effect that DGL had on cellular immunity. More research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of DGL supplements for the treatment of hepatitis, however.

Additional Uses and Considerations

Alternative medical practitioners also use DGL to help treat atopic dermatitis and muscle cramps and to help promote weight loss, states "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." There is currently insufficient reliable evidence to evaluate the usefulness of DGL for these purposes, however. DGL is sold in capsule, tablet, chewable and liquid extract form. For the best results, Dr. Lay recommends taking DGL twenty minutes before each meal and before bedtime.