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DGL licorice: what it is, what trials show, and how to choose

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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What DGL licorice is

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species) is a perennial herb grown in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it has a long history in Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and other traditional medicine, and is promoted today for digestive, respiratory and energy support.

Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid). DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, meaning most of that compound has been removed. One branded DGL extract used in trials is standardized to no more than 3% glycyrrhizin, according to its 2025 study report.

Why glycyrrhizin matters

NCCIH warns that glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects, such as irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, especially in large amounts or with long use. Even small amounts from licorice root products have been linked to severe effects in people who eat a lot of salt, have high blood pressure, or have heart or kidney conditions. The 2025 trial report notes glycyrrhizin causes electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure and water retention.

That is why the difference between regular licorice root and DGL is the most important thing on the label. NCCIH says oral licorice products without glycyrrhizin might be safe for up to 4 months.

What the research shows

• Functional dyspepsia. A 2012 randomized trial in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine gave patients a licorice extract called GutGard (75 mg twice daily) or placebo for 30 days. The extract group had significantly lower symptom scores at days 15 and 30 and better quality of life, and was well tolerated.
• Reflux symptoms. A 2025 placebo-controlled trial in Complementary Medicine Research enrolled 200 people for 28 days. The DGL group reported better quality of life and faster relief of heartburn and regurgitation, within 2 weeks.
• The bigger picture. Both trials tested the same branded extract. NCCIH says it is unclear whether licorice-only products help digestive symptoms, so results may not apply to every DGL product.
• Other uses. NCCIH notes a licorice mouth rinse might reduce canker sore size and pain, and a licorice gargle or lozenge before surgery might lessen sore throat after a breathing tube. There is no good evidence for COVID-19.

Safety and interactions

• Check the label says DGL. Regular licorice root supplements contain glycyrrhizin.
• Time limit. NCCIH says DGL might be safe for up to 4 months. Ask your doctor before using it longer.
• Steroid medicines. NCCIH reports interactions between licorice and corticosteroids.
• Pregnancy. Large amounts of licorice extract during pregnancy are unsafe and linked to earlier delivery. Little is known about breastfeeding. Ask your provider before using DGL.
• Other medicines. Nature's Way advises consulting a professional if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication.

Reading a DGL label

• Form. Chewable tablets are widely sold, along with capsules and gummies.
• Example label. Nature's Way DGL gives 75 mg of GutGard DGL root extract plus 150 mg of glycine per 3 chewable tablets, with directions to chew 3 tablets after food in the morning and 3 in the evening.
• Studied extract. If you want to match the trials, look for the same extract and the 75 mg twice daily amount.
• Sugars and sweeteners. Chewables can contain sugar or sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and mannitol. Check the label if you limit sugar or are sensitive to sugar alcohols.
• Avoid confusion. Licorice candy often contains anise oil rather than real licorice, according to NCCIH.

When to see a doctor

Indigestion and heartburn are common, but frequent or severe symptoms deserve a medical check. See your doctor before relying on DGL if you have heartburn most days, trouble or pain swallowing, vomiting, black stools, unplanned weight loss, or chest pain, and do not stop prescribed reflux or ulcer medicine without advice.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What is DGL licorice?

Licorice root with most of the glycyrrhizin removed, the compound linked to high blood pressure and heart rhythm problems.

How long does it take for DGL licorice to work?

In a 2025 trial, reflux symptoms improved faster than placebo within 2 weeks. A 2012 trial saw lower indigestion scores by day 15.

Is DGL safe long term?

NCCIH says oral DGL might be safe for up to 4 months. Ask your doctor about longer use.

Does DGL raise blood pressure?

DGL has most glycyrrhizin removed, which is the compound behind licorice's blood pressure risk. Regular licorice root does carry that risk.

When should I take DGL?

Follow the label. Nature's Way directs chewing 3 tablets after food in the morning and evening.

Can I take DGL while pregnant?

Large amounts of licorice in pregnancy are unsafe. Ask your provider before using any licorice product.

Sources

• Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (PMC3123991)
• Efficacy and Safety of GutGard in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Complementary Medicine Research (PMC11892464)
• DGL (naturesway.com), Nature's Way

Sources checked 2026-10-15.