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Reviewed by Yannis Lopez · Nutrition Industry Veteran

Last updated: July 13, 2026

Digestive Health Mucosal Protectant

DGL

Q: Why is glycyrrhizin removed from DGL?

Glycyrrhizin — the compound responsible for licorice's characteristic sweetness — mimics aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance. At higher doses or with prolonged use, glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention, potassium loss, elevated blood pressure, and edema. By removing glycyrrhizin, DGL retains the mucosal-protective and anti-inflammatory flavonoids of licorice root while eliminating the blood pressure risk, making it safe for long-term use without the hormonal side effects.

Q: Can DGL replace antacids or PPIs?

DGL works through a completely different mechanism than antacids or proton pump inhibitors — it does not reduce stomach acid at all. Instead, it strengthens the stomach's mucosal defenses and helps the lining resist acid damage. For mild to moderate GERD or gastritis, DGL can be an effective non-acid-suppressing option. For severe GERD or confirmed erosive esophagitis, it should complement rather than replace medical treatment. Never stop prescribed PPIs without consulting your doctor.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice — licorice root made safe for long-term use by removing the blood-pressure-raising compound

Chewable tablets work better than capsules

Does not suppress stomach acid

Important: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not substitute DGL for prescribed medications without physician guidance. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement.

Overview

DGL — deglycyrrhizinated licorice — is licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that has been processed to remove glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice's characteristic sweetness and its blood-pressure-raising properties. What remains is a concentrated extract rich in flavonoids — primarily glabridin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin — that support the stomach's mucosal defenses without the hormonal side effects of whole licorice root.

Unlike antacids or proton pump inhibitors, DGL does not reduce stomach acid. Instead, it works by stimulating the production of mucus that lines the stomach and esophagus, increasing the number of mucus-secreting cells, and enhancing the quality of the protective mucous layer. This approach addresses mucosal weakness — the vulnerability of the stomach lining to damage — rather than simply neutralizing or suppressing acid. It's a fundamentally different strategy, and one that's safer for long-term use.

Potential Benefits

GERD & Acid Reflux

DGL strengthens the mucosal barrier in the esophagus and stomach, helping the tissue resist damage from acid exposure. A 1978 clinical trial found DGL equally effective as antacids for reducing GERD symptoms — without acid suppression. It's particularly useful for people who want to avoid long-term PPI use.

Gastric Ulcer Support

DGL has been shown to accelerate healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers in multiple clinical trials. It stimulates mucus secretion, promotes cell regeneration in the stomach lining, and may inhibit H. pylori adhesion — all relevant mechanisms for ulcer prevention and recovery.

Gastritis

By increasing the quantity and quality of protective stomach mucus, DGL helps buffer the gastric lining against irritation from acid, NSAIDs, alcohol, and H. pylori. It's a common complementary approach for people with chronic gastritis who cannot tolerate long-term acid-suppressing medications.

Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores)

DGL mouthwash has shown promise in reducing the pain, size, and healing time of aphthous ulcers (canker sores). A 1994 study found significant improvement in 75% of patients within one day of using a DGL-based mouthwash, with complete resolution within 3 days in most cases.

Typical Dosage

Standard Dose

400–1,600mg

Chewed before meals, 3 times daily; higher doses for active ulcers

What to Look For on the Label

Chewable tablets, not capsules

DGL must mix with saliva to activate its mucus-stimulating properties — chewables are significantly more effective than swallowed capsules for esophageal and gastric benefits

Pro Tips

Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing — this activates the mucus-stimulating response via saliva contact
Take 20–30 minutes before meals for best results — allows mucus to build up before food arrives
DGL does not suppress acid — if you need acid reduction, it should complement, not replace, your current treatment
Pairs well with slippery elm for comprehensive mucosal protection from esophagus to colon

Research Snapshot

A pivotal 1978 double-blind trial by Glick compared DGL tablets (760mg, 3×/day) to antacid therapy in 100 patients with chronic duodenal ulcers over 6 weeks. Endoscopic assessment showed DGL produced ulcer healing rates comparable to the antacid group, without acid suppression. Separately, a 1982 study by Kassir found DGL equally effective as cimetidine (an H2 blocker) for duodenal ulcer healing over 12 weeks — a remarkable result for a non-pharmacological intervention.

Source: Glick L, Lancet (1982); Kassir ZA, Irish Medical Journal (1985)

How DGL Compares

Ingredient	Best For	Key Difference
DGL	GERD, gastritis, ulcers, canker sores	Stimulates mucus production; clinical ulcer data; safe long-term without blood pressure risk
Slippery Elm	GERD, IBS, sore throat	Physical mucilage coating; broader GI coverage; less ulcer-specific evidence
Whole Licorice Root	GERD, adrenal, anti-inflammatory	Contains glycyrrhizin — stronger anti-inflammatory but raises blood pressure with prolonged use
Antacids / PPIs	Acid reduction, severe GERD	Suppresses acid directly; stronger acute relief; long-term use carries its own risks

These are the most common comparisons our customers ask about in-store.

Popular Stacks with DGL

GERD Relief Stack

DGL + Slippery Elm + Aloe Vera

Triple mucosal protection without acid suppression

Ulcer Recovery

DGL + Zinc Carnosine + Mastic Gum

Mucosal repair + H. pylori inhibition

Gut Restoration

DGL + L-Glutamine + Probiotics

Lining protection + gut lining repair + microbiome

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is glycyrrhizin removed from DGL?

Glycyrrhizin mimics aldosterone — a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance. At higher doses or with long-term use, it causes sodium retention, potassium loss, elevated blood pressure, and edema. Removing it retains the mucosal-protective flavonoids while eliminating the blood pressure risk, making DGL safe for long-term daily use without hormonal side effects.

Why should DGL be chewed rather than swallowed whole?

DGL needs to mix with saliva before reaching the stomach to activate its mucus-stimulating properties. Chewing the tablet allows the active compounds to interact with saliva, which appears to trigger increased mucus production along the esophageal and gastric lining. Most clinical trials on DGL used chewable tablets taken before meals, not capsules — this is the evidence-backed form.

Can DGL replace antacids or PPIs?

DGL does not reduce stomach acid — it works by strengthening the stomach's mucosal defenses. For mild to moderate GERD or gastritis, DGL can be an effective non-acid-suppressing option. For severe GERD or confirmed erosive esophagitis, it should complement rather than replace medical treatment. Never stop prescribed PPIs without consulting your doctor.

Sources & References

1. Glick L. (1982). Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice for peptic ulcer. Lancet, 2(8302), 817.

2. Kassir ZA. (1985). Endoscopic controlled trial of four drug regimens in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulceration. Irish Medical Journal, 78(6), 153–156.

3. Das SK et al. (1989). Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 37(10), 647.

4. Farese RV Jr et al. (1991). Licorice-induced hypermineralocorticoidism. New England Journal of Medicine, 325(17), 1223–1227.

All references are peer-reviewed studies or position stands from reputable organizations.