Licorice Root Benefits: DGL, Uses, Side Effects & Safety

QUICK SUMMARY

Licorice root benefits go far beyond candy, but the form you use matters. Whole licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a bioactive compound linked with many of the herb’s effects as well as its most important safety concerns. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, removes most of that glycyrrhizin and is commonly used when digestive support is the goal.

Human research is most encouraging for selected digestive symptoms, including functional dyspepsia and reflux-related symptoms, and for certain topical or oral uses such as postoperative sore throat and eczema. Early studies also suggest possible benefits for menopausal hot flashes. Other popular claims, including antiviral, immune, cortisol, and “leaky gut” effects, rely more heavily on laboratory, animal, traditional-use, or mechanistic evidence.

The biggest caution is glycyrrhizin. Regular or high intake can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, cause fluid retention, and in susceptible people contribute to dangerous heart-rhythm problems. DGL reduces this concern, but it is not automatically appropriate for everyone.

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years, yet most of us still think first of candy. The medicinal herb, Glycyrrhiza glabra, is much more complex than a black licorice twist.

The real questions are more useful: What are the best-supported licorice root benefits? What is DGL licorice root? When does removing glycyrrhizin make sense? And who needs to be especially careful with licorice supplements?

Those distinctions matter because licorice contains powerful plant compounds that can be helpful in one context and problematic in another. Let’s look at the history, the research, the benefits, and the safety issues so you can make a more informed decision.

The History of Licorice Root

There are several species of licorice. Glycyrrhiza glabra is the species most often discussed in European and Western herbal use, while Glycyrrhiza uralensis is commonly associated with Chinese herbal medicine. They share important constituents, but they are not chemically identical, so it is best to identify the species used in a supplement or study rather than assuming every licorice preparation is interchangeable. (1)

The name Glycyrrhiza comes from words meaning “sweet root,” and glycyrrhizin is responsible for much of that intense sweetness. Licorice can taste dramatically sweeter than white cane sugar, which helps explain how this medicinal herb also became a flavoring ingredient. (2)

Chinese herbal traditions have used licorice for centuries in formulas addressing digestive complaints, coughs, and women’s health concerns. Licorice has also been described as a traditional “guide drug” or harmonizing herb when combined with other herbs and spices. Modern pharmacology has investigated how licorice constituents may alter absorption, metabolism, and the activity of other compounds, but traditional formula theory should not be confused with proof that licorice literally delivers another herb or drug to a specific organ. (3, 4)

Licorice root also has a long history in Europe, the Middle East, Greece, and Rome. Today, many candies labeled “licorice” are flavored primarily with anise rather than true licorice root. Authentic black licorice can still contain glycyrrhizin, however, which is why candy consumption and supplement use both deserve respect.

The FDA has warned for years that eating large amounts of real black licorice can lower potassium and contribute to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, swelling, and other problems in susceptible people. (6, 24)

The leaves and roots have also been studied for antimicrobial activity. Laboratory studies have found activity against organisms including Candida and Staphylococcus, but those findings should be understood as preclinical evidence, not proof that licorice treats human fungal or bacterial infections. (7)

DGL Licorice Root & Components

Reading a licorice supplement label can be confusing because whole licorice, standardized extracts, and DGL are not the same thing.

Licorice contains many bioactive compounds, including:

1. Stilbenoids
2. Triterpenoids and triterpenoid saponins
3. Coumarins
4. Flavonoids

These families contain numerous individual compounds with different activities. Licorice flavonoids, for example, have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. If you want a broader explanation of plant compounds and antioxidants, our guide goes deeper into how these compounds work.

One especially interesting flavonoid is glabridin. Laboratory and animal research has explored glabridin for antioxidant, inflammatory, metabolic, and estrogen-receptor-related effects. Those findings are biologically interesting, but they do not mean a licorice supplement should be treated like estrogen replacement. (10)

The compound that creates the biggest practical distinction is glycyrrhizin, also called glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizin is a triterpenoid saponin and contributes to licorice’s sweetness and pharmacologic activity.

It is also responsible for the classic licorice safety problem.

After metabolism, licorice compounds can inhibit the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, or 11β-HSD2. That enzyme normally helps convert active cortisol to cortisone in certain tissues. When it is inhibited, cortisol can activate mineralocorticoid receptors more strongly, creating a pattern sometimes called licorice-induced pseudoaldosteronism. The result can include sodium retention, swelling, higher blood pressure, and lower potassium. (25, 32)

What Is DGL Licorice?

DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. It is a licorice extract processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizin while retaining other plant constituents.

That makes DGL particularly useful when the goal is digestive support without intentionally using glycyrrhizin’s stronger mineralocorticoid effects.

DGL is not the same as saying “licorice with zero biological activity,” and different products can be standardized differently. Check the label for the exact extract, serving size, and glycyrrhizin specification.

Current NCCIH guidance notes that oral licorice products without glycyrrhizin may be safe for up to four months, although product quality, medications, health conditions, and individual response still matter. (24)

7 Licorice Root Benefits

Licorice root has survived centuries of traditional use because it contains a remarkably diverse group of plant compounds. Modern research gives us reasons to be interested, but the evidence is not equally strong for every popular claim.

Here are seven licorice root benefits worth understanding:

• Stress and cortisol metabolism support
• Cough and sore throat support
• Heartburn, reflux, and indigestion support
• Immune-system and antiviral research
• Gut and digestive support
• Pain, inflammation, and skin support
• PMS and menopause support

The important part is matching the claim to the evidence. A human randomized trial deserves more confidence than a cell study, and a traditional use is not automatically a proven treatment.

1. Stress and Cortisol Metabolism

Older natural-health literature often described licorice as a remedy for “adrenal fatigue.” That term is still widely used, but a systematic review found no good evidence that adrenal fatigue is a distinct medical diagnosis. Persistent fatigue can have many causes and deserves a broader look rather than assuming the adrenal glands are simply “worn out.” (26)

Licorice does interact with cortisol physiology, but not by giving the adrenal glands a vacation.

Glycyrrhizin metabolites inhibit 11β-HSD2, which slows the conversion of cortisol to cortisone in certain tissues. This can prolong cortisol’s effects at mineralocorticoid receptors. That mechanism is one reason licorice has attracted interest in stress and cortisol research, but it is also the same mechanism that can contribute to hypertension, fluid retention, and low potassium. (32)

So licorice should not be used casually as a general “adrenal booster.” If fatigue, weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, or other symptoms are persistent, look for the root cause rather than assuming licorice is the answer.

2. Cough and Sore Throat

Licorice has a long traditional history as a soothing demulcent and expectorant in cough and throat preparations.

The best human evidence is more specific. Randomized trials and a systematic review found that licorice gargles or lozenges used around surgery can reduce the incidence or severity of postoperative sore throat after intubation. (14, 28)

That does not prove licorice cures viral sore throats or respiratory infections, but it does support a real soothing effect on irritated throat tissue.

For practical use, teas, lozenges, gargles, and syrups make more sense than swallowing a capsule when the goal is direct contact with the throat. Our guide to natural sore-throat support offers additional options.

3. Heartburn, Reflux, and Indigestion

This is one of the more promising areas for DGL and flavonoid-rich licorice extracts.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a standardized Glycyrrhiza glabra extract improved symptoms and quality-of-life measures in people with functional dyspepsia. (15)

More recently, a 2025 phase III randomized placebo-controlled trial enrolled 200 adults with gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms. The deglycyrrhizinated, flavonoid-rich licorice extract used in the trial improved reflux-related quality of life and produced earlier improvement in heartburn and regurgitation compared with placebo. (27)

That is much more useful than simply saying licorice “helps heartburn.” It tells us the preparation matters. The human studies used standardized extracts, not random quantities of black licorice candy or homemade root powder.

If reflux is frequent, also consider the bigger digestive picture. Our article on low stomach acid, heartburn, and reflux explains why symptoms can have more than one underlying cause.

4. Immune-System and Antiviral Research

Licorice contains compounds with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity in laboratory and animal research. Scientists have studied glycyrrhizin and related constituents against influenza viruses, hepatitis viruses, HIV-related pathways, and other pathogens. (16, 17, 33)

That research is interesting, but it is important not to leap from cell studies to treatment claims.

Licorice root has not been established as a stand-alone treatment for HIV, viral hepatitis, influenza, or other serious infections. Some clinical uses of glycyrrhizin have been studied in specific medical settings, but that is very different from taking an over-the-counter licorice supplement.

Think of licorice as an herb with meaningful immune and antiviral pharmacology, not as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment of a serious infection. For the broader lifestyle foundation, see our guide to supporting immune health naturally.

5. Leaky Gut and Digestive Support

Licorice’s soothing reputation makes it a natural fit in gut-health conversations, but the evidence is stronger for certain digestive symptoms than for the popular phrase “leaky gut.”

Human studies support selected standardized licorice extracts for functional dyspepsia and reflux-related symptoms. Licorice has also been investigated for Helicobacter pylori and other gastrointestinal concerns. (15, 27)

What we cannot responsibly say is that licorice has been proven to “seal” intestinal permeability in people.

That distinction does not make the herb less valuable. It simply keeps the claim matched to the research. Licorice may fit into a broader gut-health strategy, especially when soothing upper-digestive symptoms is the goal.

6. Pain, Inflammation, and Skin Support

Licorice contains compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, which helps explain its long traditional use for discomfort and irritated skin.

Human evidence is most useful topically. A small double-blind clinical trial found that a licorice gel improved redness, swelling, and itching in people with atopic dermatitis, with the 2% preparation performing better than the 1% preparation. (20, 29)

That supports licorice as an interesting topical ingredient for inflamed skin, but it does not make it a universal “hydrocortisone replacement.”

Licorice is also traditionally used for cramping and inflammatory discomfort, although evidence for general muscle, abdominal, or joint pain is much less established than the skin data. If pain is your primary concern, see our evidence-based guide to natural pain support.

For blemish-prone skin, our essential oils for acne article covers a different set of topical options.

7. PMS and Menopause

Licorice has a long history in women’s herbal formulas, and some of its flavonoids show estrogen-receptor activity in laboratory models. That is why licorice is sometimes described as “estrogen-like.”

Human evidence is more modest.

In one randomized trial of 60 postmenopausal women, licorice and hormone replacement therapy both reduced hot-flash frequency and duration, while HRT performed better for hot-flash severity. The study does not support the older claim that licorice is “better than hormone replacement therapy at treating the root cause.” (22)

Another placebo-controlled trial in 90 women found that licorice reduced hot-flash frequency and severity during treatment, with symptoms recurring after treatment ended. (30)

These small trials make licorice worth further study for menopausal symptoms, but they do not establish licorice as a fertility treatment or hormone replacement.

For a broader natural strategy, see our guide to hot flashes and sleep support.

Licorice Root Side Effects

Licorice root is a perfect example of why “natural” does not mean “use as much as you want.”

The main safety issue is glycyrrhizin. Repeated or high exposure can cause a syndrome that resembles excess aldosterone activity, including:

• High blood pressure
• Low potassium
• Fluid retention and edema
• Muscle weakness or fatigue
• Headache
• Abnormal heart rhythms

In severe cases, licorice-related electrolyte and rhythm disturbances can become dangerous. NCCIH notes that serious adverse effects have occurred even at relatively small amounts in susceptible people, especially those with hypertension or heart or kidney conditions. (24)

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives did not establish a formal acceptable daily intake for glycyrrhizin because sensitive subgroups are difficult to define. It concluded that about 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day would be unlikely to cause adverse effects in most adults, while recognizing that some people may react below that amount. (25)

Older controlled human research also documented blood-pressure and electrolyte effects from repeated glycyrrhizin exposure, which is one reason duration and dose matter. (26)

That is why a universal recommendation such as “6 grams of licorice root per day” is not very helpful. Different roots, teas, candies, extracts, and capsules can contain very different amounts of glycyrrhizin.

Extra caution is especially important with:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease or heart-rhythm concerns
• Low potassium
• Pregnancy
• Medications that affect blood pressure, potassium, fluid balance, or cortisol pathways

Pregnancy deserves special attention. Higher glycyrrhizin exposure has been associated with shorter gestation and preterm birth in observational research, and NCCIH advises against large amounts of licorice extract during pregnancy. Because supplement preparations vary, licorice supplements during pregnancy should be discussed with the maternity-care professional who knows your history. (24, 31)

Licorice can also interact with medications. NCCIH specifically notes reported interactions with corticosteroids. Because glycyrrhizin can alter potassium and blood pressure, anyone taking prescription medication should review regular licorice use with a clinician or pharmacist. (24)

Is DGL Safer?

For many people, DGL is the more practical form when digestive support is the goal because most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed.

That does not make DGL automatically risk-free or appropriate indefinitely. NCCIH notes that oral deglycyrrhizinated products might be safe for up to four months. Product-specific directions still matter, and persistent reflux, abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing symptoms deserve evaluation. (24)

Licorice root can be a valuable herbal tool when the preparation fits the purpose. The key is to distinguish whole licorice from DGL, use the research for the actual product and condition being discussed, and respect glycyrrhizin enough to avoid turning a useful herb into an unnecessary risk.

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