DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice)
Glycyrrhizin-removed liquorice for dyspepsia and peptic ulcer healing, preserves the mucosal benefit without the blood-pressure risk.
Why
Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) is liquorice root extract with the glycyrrhizin removed, preserving the mucosal-protective flavonoids and isoflavones while eliminating the principal cause of hypertension, fluid retention and hypokalaemia seen with whole liquorice. Older RCTs (Caved-S) compared DGL with cimetidine and antacids for peptic ulcer healing with comparable results. Modern use is mostly for functional dyspepsia and as adjunct in H. pylori-positive gastritis.
How it works
Stimulates mucin secretion, lengthens gastric epithelial cell life, and increases prostaglandin-mediated mucosal protection. Glabridin and other flavonoids inhibit H. pylori adhesion in vitro.
Expected onset · Symptom relief over 1–2 weeks
How to take
Dosage
DGL chewable tablets: 380–760 mg, 3–4 times daily 20 min before meals.
Timing
20 min before each meal and at bedtime
On the label
Specify 'DGL' or 'deglycyrrhizinated liquorice' (<3% glycyrrhizin). Chewable tablets release the active material in the mouth and upper GI tract.
Ideal for
Adults with functional dyspepsia, recurrent acid-related symptoms, or as mucosal-protective adjunct.
Safety
Evidence
Raveendra 2012 RCT (n=50 functional dyspepsia): DGL extract 75 mg twice daily reduced symptom severity by 41% vs 18% on placebo over 30 days. Older Caved-S trials in peptic ulcer reported healing rates comparable to cimetidine. DGL preserves the mucosal benefit of liquorice without the glycyrrhizin-driven mineralocorticoid effects.
Where to get it
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