Cichorium Intybus L. Publisher



Karimi SM¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine Published:2024

Abstract

Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family with cosmopolitan distribution. The leaves, seeds, and roots are medicinally used in TPM. Different parts of the plant have cold and wet to hot and dry nature. Sesquiterpene lactones, caffeic acid derivatives, and inulin are major active ingredients of this plant. Chicory is a strong hepatoprotective and, thus, is recommended for jaundice and fatty liver in TPM. It is also useful for palpitation, headache, increasing appetite, and jaundice. Preclinical studies indicated hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective effects of chicory, as well as positive effects on obesity, gout, and diabetes. Current clinical evidence confirms its hepatoprotective effects via significant decreases in liver enzymes, as well as antidiabetic activity by reducing glycosylated hemoglobin. No health hazards or side effects are known with the therapeutic dosages of chicory, but fresh, unroasted plant material may cause an allergic skin reaction due to sesquiterpene lactone compounds. © 2024 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.