Deglycerized Licorice Benefits

Licorice, or glycyrrhiza glabra, is an herb that naturally occurs in parts of Asia, Europe, Greece and Turkey. This perennial herb bears an extensive root system consisting of wrinkled brown roots. Manufacturers harvest and peel these roots to create licorice supplements. Licorice roots contain an active ingredient called glycyrrhiza that can cause side effects in humans. Scientists have been able to remove this substance to make deglycerized licorice, more commonly called deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. Deglycerized licorice supplements offer health benefits.

Stomach Ulcers

Deglycerized licorice might help heal peptic and gastric ulcers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one study found that 100 people who consumed deglycerized licorice extract for six weeks experienced improved stomach ulcer symptoms. Deglycerized licorice combined with antacids may treat stomach ulcers as effectively as some prescription medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking deglycerized licorice supplements to treat any type of stomach ulcer.

Canker Sores

Canker sores, also known as apthous ulcers, are shallow, small sores inside of the mouth. Commonly caused by food or bacterial allergies, these painful lesions typically form at the base of the gums, under the tongue or on the inner part of your lips. The University of Maryland Medical Center says research participants who gargled four times a day with deglycerized licorice and warm water reported a significant reduction in canker sore pain. According to the "Journal of the Association of Physicians of India," one study had participants use a mouthwash containing DGL for 14 days. Most subjects reported improvements in canker sore symptoms after the first day of using the mouthwash. Many reported that their canker sores healed after the third day of use.

Dysphagia Symptoms

Patients who suffer from dysphagia typically have trouble swallowing and often feel like food is sticking in the throat or chest. Dysphagia can also cause heartburn, a sore throat and belching. These symptoms generally occur because your body has trouble moving food through your esophagus and into your stomach. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming deglycerized licorice extract can help reduce dysphagia symptoms. They suggest consuming 250 mg of DGL extract about one hour before you eat a meal.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a medical condition that occurs when your stomach lining becomes inflamed. Gastritis can be caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or by the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause bile to back up into your stomach and eat away part of the lining. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming deglycerized licorice about an hour before meals can help prevent the condition. It recommends taking between 250 and 500 mg of DGL extract three times a day.

Considerations

Although deglycerized licorice causes few side effects, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions you not to take any type of licorice supplements for longer than seven days without consulting your health care practitioner. Avoid DGL if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby. Licorice supplements might interfere with the effects of ACE inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin and insulin.