The Licorice Plant: The Root of All DGL
The ultimate natural source for DGL is the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra. This perennial herb is native to several regions across West Asia, North Africa, and Southern Europe. For centuries, the raw licorice root has been valued for its sweet flavor and therapeutic properties, with historical use dating back to ancient Egyptian and Chinese medicine. However, the key distinction is that pure, raw licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause significant side effects when consumed in large quantities or over a long period. These effects, which include elevated blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, prompted the development of a modified, safer version of the extract.
The Importance of Glycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhizin is the triterpenoid saponin responsible for the sweet taste of licorice root and many of its traditional effects, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Yet, it is also the compound linked to adverse effects due to its impact on the body's mineralocorticoid system, which regulates salt and water balance. To create DGL, manufacturers isolate the beneficial components of licorice root while actively removing the glycyrrhizin, resulting in an extract that retains the digestive health benefits without the associated risks.
From Root to Remedy: The Processing of DGL
The transformation of raw licorice root into DGL is a multi-step industrial process. It is this processing that makes DGL a manufactured product rather than a directly natural one.
The Deglycyrrhizination Process
- Harvesting and Cleaning: Mature licorice roots are harvested, cleaned, and dried to prepare them for extraction.
- Grinding and Extraction: The dried roots are ground into a fine powder. The active compounds are then extracted using a solvent, often a mixture of ethanol and water, at controlled temperatures.
- Glycyrrhizin Removal: This is the most critical step, where the glycyrrhizin is actively removed from the extract. This can be achieved through enzymatic or chemical methods, which cause the glycyrrhizin to precipitate out of the solution. One patent describes acidifying the solution with sulfuric acid at an elevated temperature to precipitate the glycyrrhizic acid. Another method involves adsorptive separation using porous resin adsorbents.
- Filtration and Concentration: The deglycyrrhizinated extract is then filtered to remove any remaining precipitates and concentrated to produce a thick syrup, paste, or powder.
- Standardization: The extract is purified and standardized to ensure consistent levels of active compounds like flavonoids, and to confirm the glycyrrhizin level is below the required threshold, typically less than 3%.
Raw Licorice vs. DGL: A Crucial Comparison
| Feature | Raw Licorice Root | DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | The root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. | An extract from the licorice root. |
| Glycyrrhizin Content | Contains a significant amount of glycyrrhizin, the active sweetening compound. | Has had the glycyrrhizin removed, with levels typically below 3%. |
| Potential Side Effects | Can cause increased blood pressure, low potassium levels, and electrolyte imbalance, especially with high or prolonged intake. | Considered much safer for long-term use as it does not pose the risks associated with glycyrrhizin consumption. |
| Primary Use | Traditionally used for a variety of ailments; also used as a flavoring agent. | Modern supplement primarily used for digestive support, such as soothing ulcers and acid reflux. |
| Form of Consumption | Can be consumed as a dried root, in teas, or in traditional preparations. | Typically available in chewable tablets, capsules, powders, or lozenges. |
Why the Deglycyrrhizination Process Matters
The removal of glycyrrhizin is what makes DGL a valuable and safe option for many people seeking digestive support. While traditional licorice has long been used for its stomach-soothing properties, the side effects associated with its glycyrrhizin content limited its safe usage, especially for individuals with blood pressure issues or those on certain medications. DGL provides a way to harness the benefits of licorice root without these serious concerns.
The Benefits of DGL
- Mucosal Protection: DGL stimulates the production and secretion of mucin, a protective mucus that lines the stomach and intestinal wall. This provides a natural barrier against stomach acid, allowing damaged tissues to heal.
- Ulcer Support: It has shown promise in helping to heal peptic ulcers by protecting the stomach lining and potentially inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria.
- Inflammation and Irritation: DGL's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, providing relief from conditions like gastritis and heartburn.
- Respiratory Support: Historically, licorice was also used to address respiratory issues. While DGL's primary modern use is digestive, it inherits some of the expectorant qualities that help thin and clear mucus.
How to Identify and Consume DGL Supplements
It is important for consumers to be aware of the difference between DGL and regular licorice products. Many licorice candies, particularly in the United States, do not contain real licorice root at all, using anise oil for flavor instead. Even products that do contain licorice may not be deglycyrrhizinated. Checking the label for the term “DGL” or “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” is essential. DGL is available in several forms to suit different preferences:
- Chewable Tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
- Lozenges
- Topical Gels
- Teas (less common for pure DGL)
Many practitioners recommend chewable tablets for digestive issues, as chewing mixes the DGL with saliva, activating it before it reaches the stomach. Dosage and usage instructions should always be followed, and a healthcare professional should be consulted before starting any new supplement. For more information on the safety of herbal products, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) offers helpful resources.
Conclusion
The singular natural source of DGL is the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra. However, DGL is not a raw natural product but a carefully processed extract from this root. The crucial step of deglycyrrhizination removes the potentially harmful compound glycyrrhizin, making DGL a safer and more effective supplement for long-term digestive health support. The manufacturing process allows consumers to enjoy the gut-soothing benefits of licorice root without the risks of elevated blood pressure or other complications. Therefore, while its origin is natural, the DGL we consume today is the result of human ingenuity, creating a safer herbal remedy from a historically significant plant. This distinction is vital for understanding what makes DGL such a uniquely valuable supplement.
