Evidence supporting the use of: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
For the health condition: Duodenal Ulcers
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been used as an alternative therapy for duodenal ulcers, and its use is supported by both traditional practices and a limited body of scientific evidence. DGL is a form of licorice root that has had the glycyrrhizin compound removed to minimize side effects such as hypertension. The rationale behind its use is that DGL may help increase the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby protecting the mucosal lining and promoting healing of ulcers.
Historically, licorice has been used in traditional medicine systems for digestive complaints, including ulcers. Several clinical studies from the 1960s to 1980s, although generally small and with variable methodology, suggested that DGL could be beneficial in reducing ulcer symptoms and promoting healing. One often-cited placebo-controlled study (Feng et al., 1986) demonstrated that DGL offered significant symptom relief and endoscopic healing in patients with chronic duodenal ulcers. Proposed mechanisms include stimulation of mucus and epithelial cell secretion, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.
However, more recent and rigorous clinical trials are lacking, and DGL is not widely recommended in current clinical guidelines. While the evidence is promising and biologically plausible, it is not robust enough to be considered a first-line therapy. Therefore, the scientific evidence supporting DGL for duodenal ulcers is limited and rates at 2 out of 5. Further well-designed studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
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