Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice 10:1 Aqueous Extract
Also known as: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract, DGL 10:1 aqueous extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) 10:1 aqueous extract is a concentrated herbal supplement derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It is specifically processed to remove glycyrrhizin, a compound found in whole licorice root that can cause adverse effects like hypertension and hypokalemia. The 10:1 ratio signifies that 10 parts of raw licorice root yield 1 part of this concentrated extract. DGL is primarily utilized for its gastrointestinal benefits, particularly in promoting the healing of peptic ulcers and gastritis, as it supports mucosal regeneration without the typical side effects associated with whole licorice. The aqueous extraction method ensures the preservation of beneficial water-soluble flavonoids such as glabridin and isoliquiritigenin, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research on DGL is well-established, with clinical trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy in mucosal protection and ulcer healing.
Benefits
DGL offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on gastrointestinal health. It effectively promotes the healing of peptic ulcers and oral mucosal ulcers (recurrent aphthous stomatitis) by stimulating mucosal regeneration and increasing protective mucus secretion. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, attributed to flavonoids like glabridin and isoliquiritigenin, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in GI tissues. Beyond GI effects, a double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 94 hypercholesterolemic adults demonstrated that DGL extract containing glabridin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and carotid intima-media thickness over 12 months, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. For instance, LDL was reduced from 183 to 174 mg/dL. Neuroprotective effects, such as the reduction of amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative stress, have been observed in in vitro and animal models, though clinical evidence is limited. Preclinical studies also indicate potential anti-cancer properties of licorice flavonoids, but human clinical data is currently lacking. DGL is particularly beneficial for individuals with peptic ulcers, oral ulcers, and hypercholesterolemia, with ulcer healing effects typically observed within weeks (e.g., 4-8 days for oral ulcers and 8-16 weeks for peptic ulcers).
How it works
DGL primarily functions by enhancing the natural defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract. It stimulates the secretion of mucus, which forms a protective barrier against stomach acid and digestive enzymes, thereby promoting the healing of damaged mucosal lining. It also encourages epithelial cell growth and repair, aiding in the regeneration of the GI mucosa. The flavonoids present in DGL, such as glabridin and isoliquiritigenin, exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress pathways. The removal of glycyrrhizin is crucial as it eliminates the mineralocorticoid-like side effects (e.g., hypertension, hypokalemia) associated with whole licorice, while preserving the beneficial compounds. For optimal efficacy in ulcer healing, DGL must be chewed to mix with saliva, as this interaction is believed to enhance its bioavailability and local action on the esophageal and gastric mucosa.
Side effects
DGL is generally considered safe with a low incidence of side effects, primarily due to the removal of glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for most adverse effects associated with whole licorice. Unlike whole licorice root, DGL does not typically cause hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Rare side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or nausea. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported for DGL. However, as with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use. While generally safe, data on specific populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women is limited, and caution is advised. Long-term use beyond 3-4 months should ideally be monitored by a healthcare provider, although DGL is considered safe for extended periods within recommended dosages.
Dosage
For the treatment of peptic ulcers, the typical recommended dosage of DGL is 2-4 chewable tablets, each containing 380 mg of DGL, taken approximately 20 minutes before meals. This regimen should be continued for 8 to 16 weeks to achieve optimal healing. It is crucial that DGL is taken in chewable form, as capsules are significantly less effective because the active compounds need to mix with saliva to activate their therapeutic properties for mucosal protection. For cardiovascular benefits, specifically cholesterol lowering, studies have used doses providing approximately 4 mg of glabridin daily. While there is no officially established maximum safe dose, it is advisable to adhere to the dosages that have been clinically studied and shown to be effective. Always follow product-specific instructions and consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.
FAQs
Is DGL safe long-term?
Yes, DGL is generally considered safe for up to 3-4 months of continuous use. For longer durations, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for monitoring.
Can DGL be taken in capsule form?
While available in capsules, chewable tablets are significantly more effective for GI issues. DGL needs to mix with saliva to activate its beneficial compounds for optimal mucosal healing.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Relief from oral ulcers can be seen within days (4-8 days). For peptic ulcers, healing typically occurs over several weeks to months (8-16 weeks).
Does DGL cause high blood pressure?
No, DGL is processed to remove glycyrrhizin, the compound in whole licorice that can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, DGL does not typically cause this side effect.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/216970 – This double-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a DGL extract containing glabridin on hypercholesterolemic adults. It found that daily supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels (from 183 to 174 mg/dL) and decreased carotid intima-media thickness over 12 months, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits. The study was a high-quality RCT with a placebo control.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7348626/ – This clinical review discusses the efficacy and dosing of licorice and DGL for various conditions, particularly focusing on peptic ulcer healing. It emphasizes that DGL is effective for ulcers and highlights the necessity of using chewable tablets for optimal results, providing reliable clinical dosing guidelines based on multiple studies.
- https://ijms.sums.ac.ir/article_49057.html – This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of topical licorice extracts for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (oral ulcers). It concluded that licorice extract significantly reduces pain, ulcer size, and accelerates healing time within 4-8 days of treatment. The review noted consistent positive effects despite some heterogeneity in study formulations and small sample sizes.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Licorice-Flavonoids-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This source, while not a direct study, summarizes research on licorice flavonoids, including liquiritigenin, for their neuroprotective potential. It highlights in vitro and animal model findings suggesting these compounds can reduce amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative stress, indicating a possible role in cognitive health, though clinical human data is needed.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ – This article discusses the anti-cancer properties of various licorice flavonoids, such as isoliquiritigenin and glabridin, based on preclinical studies. It outlines their mechanisms of action in inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation, providing insights into potential therapeutic applications, although clinical evidence in humans is still lacking.