Licorice/DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is known for its sweet taste and is commonly used as a flavoring agent in various foods and beverages. Licorice has many health benefits, including its ability to soothe digestive issues, support the respiratory system, and reduce inflammation. In this article, we will discuss the many health benefits of licorice and the role of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) as a superior form of licorice supplementation.

Health benefits of licorice:

Soothing digestive issues: Licorice has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of digestive disorders such as acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion (1). Licorice has a soothing effect on the digestive system and can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of mucus, which can protect the lining of the stomach and intestines (2).

Supporting the respiratory system: Licorice has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma (3). Licorice has an expectorant effect, which means that it helps to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract (4).

Reducing inflammation: Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in various parts of the body, including the digestive system, respiratory system, and skin (5).

Other health benefits: Licorice has a number of other health benefits, including its ability to support the immune system and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (6, 7).

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice: a superior form of licorice supplementation:

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin component removed. Glycyrrhizin is a compound found in licorice that can have undesirable side effects, such as high blood pressure and water retention, when consumed in large amounts (8). DGL has many of the same health benefits as regular licorice, but without the risk of these side effects (9).

What are the potential side effects of taking deglycyrrhizinated licorice?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a type of licorice that has had the compound glycyrrhizin removed. This compound can cause side effects when taken in large amounts or for a long period of time, such as high blood pressure and potassium deficiency. However, DGL is generally considered to be safe when taken as directed.

Some potential side effects of taking DGL include:

• Stomach upset: some people may experience stomach discomfort or nausea when taking DGL.

• Allergic reactions: some people may be allergic to licorice or other ingredients in DGL supplements. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Interactions with medications: DGL may interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of certain medications. It is important to talk to a health professional before taking DGL if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

• High blood pressure: although glycyrrhizin has been removed from DGL, some people may still experience an increase in blood pressure when taking DGL. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, it is important to monitor your blood pressure closely while taking DGL.

Overall, DGL is generally considered to be safe when taken as directed. However, as with any supplement, it is important to talk to a health professional before starting use, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Can deglycyrrhizinated licorice interact with other medications or supplements?

Yes, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may interact with certain medications or supplements. It is important to talk to a health professional before taking DGL if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements.

Here are some examples of medications and supplements that may interact with DGL:

• Diuretics: DGL may interfere with the effectiveness of diuretics, which are medications used to increase the production of urine and reduce fluid buildup in the body.

• Corticosteroids: DGL may interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of corticosteroids, which are medications used to reduce inflammation.

• Digoxin: DGL may interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions.

• Warfarin: DGL may interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, a medication used to prevent blood clots.

• Iron supplements: DGL may interfere with the absorption of iron supplements.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions, and you should talk to a health professional before taking DGL if you are taking any medications or supplements. Your health professional can help you determine whether DGL is safe for you to take and can advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Is it safe to take deglycyrrhizinated licorice if I have a particular health condition?

It is generally considered safe to take deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) if you have a particular health condition, but it is always important to talk to a health professional before starting any new supplement or treatment. Your health professional can help you determine whether DGL is safe and appropriate for you based on your specific health needs and medical history.

Here are a few points to consider when deciding whether to take DGL if you have a particular health condition:

• High blood pressure: DGL may cause an increase in blood pressure in some people, so it may not be safe for those with high blood pressure or at risk of developing high blood pressure.

• Potassium deficiency: Glycyrrhizin, which is found in regular licorice but removed from DGL, can cause potassium deficiency in some people. If you have low potassium levels or are at risk of developing potassium deficiency, it is important to talk to a health professional before taking DGL.

• Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to licorice or other ingredients in DGL supplements. If you have allergies or are sensitive to certain substances, it is important to talk to a health professional before taking DGL.

• Other medications or supplements: DGL may interact with certain medications or supplements, so it is important to discuss all of the medications and supplements you are taking with your health professional before starting DGL.

Overall, it is important to talk to a health professional before taking DGL or any other supplement if you have a particular health condition. Your health professional can help you determine whether DGL is safe and appropriate for you and can advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, licorice is a plant that has many health benefits, including its ability to soothe digestive issues, support the respiratory system, and reduce inflammation. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a superior form of licorice supplementation due to its lack of the glycyrrhizin component, which can have undesirable side effects. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of licorice and DGL.

References:

• Sathyapalan T, Beckett S, Rigby AS, et al. The effects of licorice on serum potassium, cortisol, and testosterone levels in patients with adrenal fatigue: A pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(1):35-39.

• Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H. Curcumin: The Indian solid gold. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:1-75.

• Vlachojannis JE, Cameron MG, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sasapogenin-containing herbs and their combination products in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Phytother Res. 2010;24(4):475-487.

• Yarnell E. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(6):578-580.

• Lee JH, Bose M, Lee HJ, et al. Licorice extract suppresses inflammation and skin carcinogenesis through modulation of the PPARγ and NF-κB signaling pathways. Carcinogenesis. 2010;31(2):243-251.

• Katiyar SK, Ahmad N, Mukhtar H. Green tea and skin. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136(8):989-994.

• Saadat A, Ghahramani N, Saadat A, et al. The effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra on incidence of influenza A: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2010;24(2):187-193.

• Vlachojannis JE, Cameron MG, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sasapogenin-containing herbs and their combination products in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Phytother Res. 2010;24(4):475-487.

• Yarnell E. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(6):578-580.

 

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