DGL for Health & Longevity - Quick Reference Sheet
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DGL for Health & Longevity

Created on 06/22/2026 – Quick Reference based on Evidence Review created using AI4L / Opus 4.8 – Audit

A processed licorice extract with the blood-pressure-raising compound glycyrrhizin largely removed, taken mostly as a chewable to calm the digestive tract. Best support is for easing recurring mouth ulcers and indigestion-type symptoms; weaker, historical support for healing stomach and intestinal ulcers; mostly mechanism-based for heartburn. Low-cost and generally well-tolerated. (Full Review)

Protocol

Standard Regimen
380–400 mg chewable
One to two tablets, two to three times daily before meals, chewed to mix with saliva
Timing
Before meals
Commonly 15–20 minutes prior; sometimes added at bedtime for nighttime symptoms
Dosing Pattern
Split dosing
Before each main meal, optionally at bedtime; used short-term rather than indefinitely
Time to effect
Mouth Ulcer Healing
4–8 days
Faster healing of recurrent mouth ulcers versus longer untreated
Symptomatic Soothing
Within days
Reflux, indigestion, or mouth-ulcer pain may be noticed within days
Structural Ulcer Healing
Several weeks
Historical ulcer-healing data involved several weeks of use; not immediate

Benefits

Contraindications
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Heart failure (NYHA Class III–IV)
  • Significant kidney disease
  • Low potassium
  • Serious heart-rhythm disorders
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •
Key Interactions
  • Antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers)
  • Diuretics and potassium-depleting drugs (loop, thiazide, stimulant laxatives)
  • Digoxin
  • Corticosteroids
  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs and antacids
  • Whole licorice and other potassium- or blood-pressure-affecting supplements
    •

Risk & Side Effects

  • High: [risks_high]
    •
  • Medium: [risks_medium]
    •
  • Low: Residual glycyrrhizin and pseudohyperaldosteronism; mild gastrointestinal effects
    •
  • Speculative: Drug and hormone interactions via licorice constituents; pregnancy and sensitive populations
    •

Monitoring

Marker Target Why
Blood pressure ~110–125 / 70–80 mmHg Detects salt-retention effect from any residual glycyrrhizin
Serum potassium 4.0–4.5 mmol/L Low potassium (hypokalemia) is the hallmark of glycyrrhizin excess
Helicobacter pylori status Negative Identifies infection that needs guideline eradication, not self-treatment
Symptom score (reflux/dyspepsia) Marked reduction from baseline Defines whether DGL is actually helping

Cadence: Baseline, then every 3–6 months with prolonged or higher-dose use, or sooner if symptoms of salt retention appear

Qualitative Assessment

  • Reduction in heartburn, regurgitation, or upper-abdominal discomfort frequency and intensity
  • Faster healing and less pain from recurrent mouth ulcers
  • Improved comfort after meals and fewer nighttime symptoms
  • Absence of new symptoms suggesting salt retention (unusual weakness, swelling, palpitations)
Not medical advice. Educational distillation of a single evidence review. Confirm any decision with a qualified clinician, especially in the presence of prescription drugs or chronic conditions.