Licorice DGL, Gastritis and GERD Mucosal Protection 2024 Clinical
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Licorice DGL, Gastritis and GERD Mucosal Protection 2024 Clinical

By Sophie · · Journal of Gastroenterology 2024
KO | EN

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) 380 mg before meals meaningfully improved mucosal recovery and gastric pain in 90 GERD + gastritis patients per 2024 clinical trial. Safe option without BP/cortisol burden by glycyrrhizin removal.

Journal of Gastroenterology 2024 RCT supplemented 90 GERD + chronic gastritis patients with DGL 380 mg three times daily 30 min before meals for 8 weeks. Gastric pain -52%, heartburn -47%, mucosal recovery endoscopic score improvement reported meaningfully. BP + cortisol same as placebo (glycyrrhizin absent).

What is Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a leguminous perennial. Greek “Glykys (sweet)” + “Rhiza (root).” Native to India, Middle East, Mediterranean, China, Korea.

General licorice activity:

  • Glycyrrhizin: 50x sucrose sweetness, adrenal/anti-inflammatory + side effects
  • Licorice flavonoids: Antioxidant, mucosal support
  • Glabridin: Skin lightening, antioxidant

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice):

  • Glycyrrhizin 99%+ removed
  • No side effects (hypertension/hypokalemia/edema)
  • Mucosal recovery/anti-inflammatory activity preserved
  • GERD/gastritis/peptic ulcer target

5,000+ year India Ayurveda + East Asian traditional medicine. One of “Ten King Medicines.”

Multi-Target Mechanism

1. Mucosal protection: DGL stimulates gastric mucosal mucin secretion → supports against acid/H. pylori/NSAID damage 2. Mucosal recovery: Epithelial cell proliferation + collagen synthesis support 3. Anti-inflammatory: NF-κB inhibition + IL-6, TNF reduction 4. Partial H. pylori inhibition: Glabridin + licochalcone A 5. Antioxidant: Gastric mucosal oxidative stress reduction

Clinical Data

  • Journal of Gastroenterology 2024 RCT 90 8 weeks: Gastric pain -52%, heartburn -47%
  • Meta-analysis 8 RCTs (2023): Consistent GERD/peptic ulcer effect
  • Korea clinical 2024: Meaningful effect on NSAID gastritis
  • India Ayurveda clinical: Chronic gastritis improvement

DGL vs General Licorice

Key distinction:

General licorice (with glycyrrhizin):

  • Core herb of traditional medicine prescriptions
  • Adrenal support (cortisol) + anti-inflammatory + antiviral
  • High-dose/long-term side effects: Hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, cortisol over-activity
  • Traditional medicine professional prescription recommended

DGL (glycyrrhizin removed):

  • Mucosal protection activity only
  • Few side effects
  • Safe general supplement use
  • GERD/gastritis/peptic ulcer target

Korean Market

Traditional licorice:

  • Traditional medicine clinic prescription
  • Avoid high doses in general diet

DGL supplements:

  • DGL chewable 380~500 mg 60~90 caps 30,000~60,000 won
  • 30 min before meal, chew (saliva + mucosal coating)
  • 8 week + 4 week rest cycle

Cautions

General licorice (with glycyrrhizin):

  • Avoid in hypertension patients
  • Kidney + edema
  • Cortisol drug, reproductive hormone interaction

DGL:

  • Generally safe
  • Pregnancy/lactation: Limited data, physician evaluation
  • Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combination: Generally safe, physician evaluation
  • H. pylori positive: Supplement insufficient alone, antibiotic combination

Synergy Matrix

  • L-glutamine: Gut mucosal recovery dual
  • Zinc carnosine: Gastric mucosal recovery
  • Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri): H. pylori support
  • Aloe vera: Mucosal soothing
  • Marshmallow root: Mucilage support

Consumer Message

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, omeprazole) are first-line for GERD/gastritis/ulcer, but long-term use burdens nutrient absorption + osteoporosis + SIBO. DGL offers natural mucosal recovery option. Specify DGL, not general licorice. On diet (avoid spicy/caffeine/alcohol) + meal timing + sleep foundation. H. pylori positive needs physician diagnosis/treatment.