Gutgard Licorice
Also known as: Licorice root, GutGard, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra
Overview
GutGard is a standardized extract derived from the deglycyrrhizinated root of *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, commonly known as licorice root. This specialized form is engineered to minimize the side effects associated with glycyrrhizin, a compound found in whole licorice, while preserving its beneficial therapeutic properties. It is primarily utilized for its efficacy in managing *Helicobacter pylori* infections and various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia and acid reflux. GutGard exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and antimicrobial properties, particularly against *H. pylori*. Research, including randomized controlled trials and animal studies, supports its use, indicating a growing body of clinical validation for its role in gastrointestinal health. It works by inhibiting bacterial adhesion, promoting mucosal protection, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects within the digestive tract.
Benefits
GutGard offers several evidence-based benefits for gastrointestinal health. Its primary and most significant effect is the reduction of *H. pylori* gastric load. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 107 participants demonstrated that 56% of GutGard-treated subjects achieved negative stool antigen test results for *H. pylori* at 60 days, compared to only 4% in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the ^13C-urea breath test showed 48% negativity in the GutGard group, indicating effective bacterial clearance. This is clinically meaningful, especially given concerns about antibiotic resistance. Secondary benefits include significant improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia, as reported in another RCT, supporting its role in symptomatic relief without major adverse effects. Animal studies have also shown dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity and safety at high doses, suggesting its potential in protecting the gastric mucosa. Adults with *H. pylori* infection and functional dyspepsia are the primary beneficiaries, with potential applications in acid reflux management due to its ability to increase mucus production, which protects the esophageal lining. Benefits are typically observed after 30 to 60 days of consistent daily supplementation.
How it works
GutGard exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its antibacterial activity against *Helicobacter pylori* and its gastroprotective properties. It works by inhibiting the adhesion of *H. pylori* to the gastric mucosa, thereby preventing colonization and reducing bacterial load. Beyond direct antimicrobial action, GutGard promotes gastric mucosal protection by stimulating increased mucus secretion, which forms a protective barrier against stomach acid and irritants. It also possesses anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation in the gastric lining. While specific molecular targets are still being fully elucidated, its mechanisms likely involve interference with *H. pylori* adhesion factors and modulation of inflammatory mediators within the gastric tissue. As a deglycyrrhizinated extract, it ensures better bioavailability of its active flavonoid compounds while minimizing the side effects associated with glycyrrhizin.
Side effects
GutGard is generally well-tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no major adverse events. Common side effects have not been reported above a 5% incidence in randomized controlled trials. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been noted, and animal toxicity studies indicate a high safety margin, with safety demonstrated at doses up to 5000 mg/kg in rats. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when used concurrently with medications that affect gastric pH or antibiotics, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly studied. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation due to limited data on safety in these populations; therefore, its use is not recommended. Safety in children and individuals with severe comorbidities has also not been established, warranting caution in these groups. Unlike traditional licorice, the deglycyrrhizinated form of GutGard significantly reduces the risk of licorice-associated side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia, which are primarily attributed to glycyrrhizin.
Dosage
The effective dosage for GutGard in managing *H. pylori* infection, as demonstrated in randomized controlled trials, is 150 mg once daily. For broader gastrointestinal support, such as for reflux and dyspepsia, an optimal range of 75-150 mg twice daily has been used in studies. While animal studies indicate a high safety margin up to 5000 mg/kg, the maximum safe human dose is not precisely defined, but no adverse effects have been reported at the studied dosages. For optimal results, daily dosing for a period of 30 to 60 days is recommended, based on the duration of clinical trials where benefits were observed. GutGard is typically available in oral capsules or tablets, standardized for its deglycyrrhizinated extract. The deglycyrrhizination process not only enhances safety by removing glycyrrhizin but also improves the bioavailability of the active compounds. No specific cofactors are required for its absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is GutGard safe for long-term use?
Clinical data support its safety for up to 60 days. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are currently limited, so extended use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Does GutGard replace antibiotics for *H. pylori*?
GutGard may serve as an adjunct therapy or an alternative in mild cases or for antibiotic-resistant *H. pylori* strains. It is not considered a first-line replacement for standard antibiotic regimens.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Significant benefits, particularly for *H. pylori* eradication and symptom improvement, are typically observed after 30 to 60 days of consistent daily supplementation.
Can GutGard cause hypertension like traditional licorice?
No, GutGard is a deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice. This processing significantly reduces the glycyrrhizin content, thereby minimizing the risk of licorice-associated side effects like hypertension and hypokalemia.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3623263/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=107) investigated 150 mg GutGard daily for 60 days in adults with *H. pylori*. It found a significant reduction in *H. pylori* load, measured by stool antigen and ^13C-urea breath tests (p=0.00), demonstrating its efficacy in bacterial clearance. The study had strong methodology despite a moderate sample size.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2013/263805 – This source appears to be a duplicate or related publication to the first study, confirming the findings of significant *H. pylori* reduction with GutGard. It reinforces the evidence for GutGard's effectiveness in managing *H. pylori* infection through its antimicrobial properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3892500/ – This research includes an animal model study demonstrating dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity and safety of GutGard up to 5000 mg/kg in rats. It also references an RCT on functional dyspepsia symptoms, showing significant symptom improvement with GutGard versus placebo, thus supporting both its mucosal protective and symptomatic relief benefits.
- https://foodguides.com/blogs/from-the-experts/examining-licorice-root-for-acid-reflux-relief – This article discusses the potential of licorice root, including deglycyrrhizinated forms like GutGard, for acid reflux relief. It highlights the mechanism of increased mucus production and protection of the esophageal lining, providing a plausible explanation for its use in managing reflux symptoms.
- https://www.casi.org/deglycyrrhizinated-licorice-in-promoting-gastric-mucosal-health – This source provides information on deglycyrrhizinated licorice's role in promoting gastric mucosal health. It likely elaborates on how this form of licorice supports the integrity of the stomach lining, contributing to its anti-ulcer and protective effects against various gastrointestinal irritants.
Supplements Containing Gutgard Licorice
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