Glycyrrhizin is one of the active constituents of licorice. It possesses antidepressant effects, and heals mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It may cause peripheral edema (fluid retention), which goes away when licorice is stopped. Because glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure and other problems, it should only be taken on the advice of a health care practitioner.
DGL stands for De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice. Glycyrrhizin has been shown to increase blood pressure and cause water retention. Since the glycyrrhizin is removed, DGL does not cause these potentially harmful side effects.
Licorice can be taken in the following forms:
- Dried root: 1 to 5g as an infusion or decoction three times per day
- 250-500mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day
- Licorice 1:5 tincture: 2 to 5ml three times per day
- DGL extract: 0.4 to 1.6g three times per day for peptic ulcer
- DGL extract 4:1: in chewable tablet form 300 to 400mg 20 minutes before meals for peptic ulcer
Capsules and liquid extracts made from powdered licorice root are the most commonly available single agent forms of licorice in the United States.