Dgl Licorice — Explained by Medical Evidence, Not Myths

DGL licorice is a form of licorice root processed to remove most glycyrrhizin, the compound linked to many classic licorice-related side effects. It is commonly marketed for digestive symptoms such as heartburn or indigestion, but medical evidence is mixed and it should not replace proper evaluation of ongoing symptoms.

What DGL Licorice Is and What It Is Used For

DGL licorice is short for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a processed form of licorice root in which most of the compound called glycyrrhizin has been removed. Glycyrrhizin is the part of licorice that can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and cause fluid retention in some people, especially when regular licorice is used often or in large amounts. Because of this removal step, DGL products are marketed as a gentler option than whole licorice root.

DGL licorice is most often sold as chewable tablets, capsules, powders, or teas. It is commonly promoted for heartburn, indigestion, stomach irritation, and upper abdominal discomfort. Some product claims also mention support for the stomach lining or soothing the digestive tract, although these claims are not the same as proof from high-quality clinical trials.

Medical evidence does not show that DGL licorice is a first-line treatment for digestive disease. Some small or older studies suggest it may help certain symptoms in some people, but the research is not strong enough to conclude that it works reliably for everyone. For this reason, it is best viewed as a supplement that may have a limited supportive role, not as a substitute for diagnosis or standard care.

How It Differs From Regular Licorice

Regular licorice root and licorice candy are not the same as DGL licorice. The main difference is glycyrrhizin. In standard licorice root preparations, glycyrrhizin may still be present and can cause well-known adverse effects, particularly with frequent use. DGL processing removes most of that compound, which is why DGL is often chosen when people want to avoid the classic safety concerns of licorice.

Even so, the phrase “glycyrrhizin removed” does not mean “risk free.” Supplements can still vary in quality, strength, and ingredients. A product may also contain additional herbs, sweeteners, or flavorings that matter for people with allergies, diabetes, or medication sensitivities.

Another common source of confusion is that many candies labeled as licorice contain anise flavoring and little or no true licorice root. That means candy should not be used as a guide to how DGL licorice works or whether it is safe. For health decisions, it is important to read the product label carefully and discuss supplement use with a qualified clinician when symptoms are persistent.

What the Medical Evidence Actually Suggests

The main reason people try DGL licorice is symptom relief in the upper digestive tract, especially mild indigestion or reflux-like discomfort. Some laboratory and early clinical research suggests compounds in licorice may support mucus production or help protect the stomach lining. These effects are biologically plausible, but that does not automatically prove meaningful clinical benefit in day-to-day patient care.

Current evidence for DGL licorice is limited by small study size, inconsistent product formulations, and older research methods. In other words, one cannot assume that every DGL supplement has the same effect, or that a positive result in one study applies broadly. For common digestive problems such as reflux or dyspepsia, doctors usually rely first on careful history, examination, and evidence-based treatments rather than supplements alone.

If a person has occasional mild symptoms, a clinician may suggest lifestyle changes first and may discuss when over-the-counter options are reasonable. But symptoms such as frequent heartburn, recurrent upper abdominal pain, or sour regurgitation may point to conditions like reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease, and these need proper medical review. Supplements can sometimes mask symptoms and delay diagnosis, which is why evidence-based assessment remains important.

DGL licorice should also not be seen as a treatment for infection with Helicobacter pylori, severe ulcers, bleeding, or complicated digestive disease. Those conditions require formal testing and medical treatment. In people with significant reflux symptoms, standard approaches may include dietary adjustments, medicines, or a specialist evaluation such as gastroenterology assessment when symptoms are persistent or unclear.

Possible Benefits, Limits, and Side Effects

Some people report that DGL licorice feels soothing, especially when taken in chewable form before meals. This may reflect an effect on saliva, the upper digestive lining, or simply a short-term calming sensation. A limited symptom benefit may be possible for some users, particularly those with mild and occasional discomfort.

However, its limits are just as important as its possible benefits. DGL licorice has not been proven to cure chronic heartburn, close an ulcer, reverse inflammation in the esophagus, or prevent complications. If symptoms continue despite self-care, the issue may not be simple indigestion and should not be managed with supplements alone.

Side effects can still occur. Some people may develop bloating, nausea, stomach upset, headache, or allergy-like reactions depending on the product. Because supplements are not identical across brands, ingredient quality and contamination concerns can also matter.

Although DGL has much less glycyrrhizin than regular licorice, caution is still sensible in people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, or those taking several medicines. It may also be unsuitable in pregnancy unless a doctor specifically advises otherwise. Patients should bring the supplement container to appointments if they are unsure what they are taking.

Who Should Be Careful With DGL Licorice

Any supplement can interact with a person’s health conditions, medicines, and overall treatment plan. This is particularly important for older adults, people with multiple chronic illnesses, and anyone taking prescription medicines regularly. Even if DGL licorice has reduced glycyrrhizin, it is still an herbal product and should be used thoughtfully.

People should speak with a healthcare professional before using DGL licorice if they:

• have high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• take diuretics, blood pressure medicines, corticosteroids, blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or multiple daily prescriptions
• have ongoing heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss
• have had ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or difficulty swallowing

Children should not be given herbal digestive supplements unless a pediatric clinician recommends them. In people with recurrent digestive symptoms, a specialist may need to look for causes such as inflammation, ulcer disease, gallbladder disease, or other digestive disorders. If symptoms point to a structural or persistent problem, doctors may consider tests and, in selected cases, procedures related to endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract directly.

Safer Ways to Manage Digestive Symptoms

For many people, symptom control starts with practical steps rather than supplements. Eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down soon after eating, limiting trigger foods, reducing alcohol intake, and managing body weight can all help with reflux-type symptoms. Stopping smoking is also important, since smoking can worsen upper digestive irritation and slow healing.

If symptoms are occasional, a doctor or pharmacist may advise short-term use of proven over-the-counter medicines, depending on the person’s age, health conditions, and other medicines. These may include antacids or acid-reducing medicines, but the right choice depends on the symptom pattern and how often it occurs. Ongoing symptoms should not be repeatedly self-treated without medical input.

When symptoms are frequent, wake a person at night, or keep returning, clinicians may recommend evaluation by a digestive specialist. This may include a review of diet, medicines, and alarm symptoms, and in some cases a tailored plan through GERD treatment or related upper gastrointestinal care. The goal is to treat the cause, not only the symptom.

Near the end of a patient’s care journey, if specialist support is needed, Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists and JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat digestive conditions for international patients. A structured medical review can help distinguish simple indigestion from conditions that need targeted treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care

Medical care is recommended if heartburn or upper abdominal discomfort is frequent, severe, or lasts more than a few weeks. Symptoms that interfere with eating, sleep, work, or daily comfort deserve proper assessment. This is especially true if a person has started relying on supplements or over-the-counter medicines regularly.

Urgent assessment is needed for warning signs such as trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, fainting, or severe dehydration. These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition and should not be explained away as simple indigestion.

People over a certain age with new symptoms, or anyone with a history of ulcers, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, or long-term anti-inflammatory medicine use, should also seek medical advice promptly. If symptoms seem related to persistent acid exposure, a clinician may evaluate for gastritis or other upper digestive conditions and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Frequently asked questions

What does DGL stand for in DGL licorice?

DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. This means most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed from licorice root to reduce the risk of some side effects associated with regular licorice.

Is DGL licorice effective for heartburn?

It may help some people with mild symptoms, but the medical evidence is limited and not strong enough to consider it a proven main treatment. Frequent or severe heartburn should be assessed by a doctor because many different conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Is DGL licorice safer than regular licorice?

It is generally considered lower risk than regular licorice because most glycyrrhizin has been removed. However, lower risk does not mean no risk, and people with chronic illness, pregnancy, or regular medication use should still seek professional advice.

Can DGL licorice heal an ulcer?

There is not enough strong evidence to say that DGL licorice heals ulcers in a reliable, medically proven way. Ulcers may be related to medicines, acid injury, or infection and often require formal diagnosis and standard treatment.

Who should avoid DGL licorice?

People who are pregnant, have significant heart, kidney, or liver disease, or take multiple medicines should ask a clinician before using it. It should also be avoided as a substitute for medical care in anyone with alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.

Can DGL licorice be taken with other digestive medicines?

Sometimes it may be used alongside other products, but interactions and duplicate self-treatment are possible. A pharmacist or doctor can help decide whether it is appropriate and whether symptoms need further investigation instead.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.