Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, commonly called DGL, is a specially processed form of licorice root used in herbal digestive products.
Health Canada recognizes DGL preparations made from species including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflata and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The medicinal material comes from the root and related underground portions of the plant.
At Village Vitamin Store, you can compare DGL products from established natural health brands, including concentrated licorice extracts and chewable digestive-support formulas. Village Vitamin Store
What Is Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice?
DGL is licorice that has undergone processing to remove most of its naturally occurring glycyrrhizin.
Health Canada defines deglycyrrhizinated licorice as licorice from which glycyrrhizin has been removed and specifies that finished DGL products under its oral monograph must contain no more than 3% of the original quantity of glycyrrhizic acid found in the source material.
This makes DGL different from conventional licorice root products, tinctures and teas.
DGL vs Regular Licorice Root
DGL and regular licorice come from related botanical sources, but they are not the same preparation.
DGL licorice has had most of its glycyrrhizin removed.
Regular licorice root retains its naturally occurring glycyrrhizin and may have different traditional uses, dosage instructions and safety considerations.
When shopping for digestive support specifically associated with DGL, look for Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice or DGL on the medicinal ingredient panel rather than assuming any licorice product is equivalent.
What Is DGL Used For?
Health Canada's current oral DGL monograph recognizes Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice as a demulcent used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve minor inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and to help relieve abdominal pain and a burning sensation in the stomach.
The exact authorized wording can vary between licensed products, so check the NPN of the individual formula.
Why Are DGL Tablets Usually Chewable?
The way DGL is taken is an important part of the product.
Health Canada's current oral monograph states that DGL must be mixed with saliva to ensure efficacy. For products licensed through this monograph, accepted formats include chewable tablets, chewable gels or gummies, chewable granules and other chewable forms.
This is why many familiar DGL products are designed to be chewed rather than swallowed whole.
How to Choose a DGL Supplement
DGL Ingredient
Look specifically for Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) on the medicinal ingredient panel.
Licorice Species
DGL may be prepared from recognized licorice species such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflata or Glycyrrhiza uralensis.
Extract Concentration
Some products use concentrated DGL extracts. An extract ratio such as 10:1 describes the relationship between the original botanical material and the resulting extract.
Dried-Herb Equivalent
Some labels state how much original licorice root the concentrated extract represents. This can be more useful than comparing extract milligrams alone.
Chewable Format
For DGL products following Health Canada's current oral monograph, chewing allows the ingredient to mix with saliva before swallowing.
NPN
Check the Natural Product Number for the exact medicinal ingredients, recommended use, dosage and cautions.
DGL and Digestive Comfort
DGL is primarily associated with digestive and gastrointestinal support.
Licensed Canadian DGL products can carry recommended uses related to helping relieve minor inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal discomfort or burning sensations in the stomach.
DGL should not be presented as a treatment or cure for ulcers, GERD or other diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases unless that wording is specifically authorized for the individual product.
When Is DGL Taken?
Health Canada's current DGL monograph directs oral DGL products to be chewed between meals or approximately 20 minutes before meals.
Individual licensed products may have different serving directions, so always follow the instructions on the specific product you purchase.
DGL Extract Strength
DGL products may use different extract ratios and serving amounts.
For example, concentrated DGL extracts may provide a relatively small amount of extract that represents a substantially larger amount of original licorice root.
This means a larger milligram number does not automatically make one DGL product stronger or more appropriate than another. Compare the extract ratio, dried-herb equivalent, serving directions and NPN.
Important DGL Safety Considerations
Health Canada's current oral DGL monograph advises consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Combination products may contain additional medicinal ingredients with their own cautions, interactions or usage restrictions.
Always review the complete product label and follow the directions for the specific DGL supplement.
Shop DGL Online in Canada
Browse Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice products at Village Vitamin Store to compare DGL chewables, concentrated extracts and digestive-support formulas.
Compare the licorice species, extract strength, dried-herb equivalent, serving instructions and NPN before selecting a product.
