Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Cichorium Species

Cichorium species, notably Cichorium intybus (chicory) and Cichorium endivia (escarole), are rich reservoirs of bioactive compounds including inulin, chicoric acid, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, saponins and unsaturated fatty acids. The distribution and concentration of these metabolites vary across plant parts and cultivars, influencing bitterness, nutritional value and therapeutic potential. Inulin, a fructan polysaccharide, underpins prebiotic and gastrointestinal benefits, while chicoric acid and various polyphenols contribute potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions through reactive oxygen species scavenging and upregulation of endogenous defence enzymes. Sesquiterpene lactones, responsible for characteristic bitterness, exhibit antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects, whereas coumarins and tannins modulate immune signalling cascades such as NF-κB. Experimental models reveal antidiabetic and metabolic regulatory properties via activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, as well as hepatoprotective effects through attenuation of chemical-induced oxidative injury. In agricultural contexts, chicory forage acts as a nutraceutical supplement, reducing helminth burdens in ruminants. Industrial and pharmaceutical interests focus on sustainable extraction from roots, leaves and processing by-products, facilitating development of functional foods, feed additives and novel antimicrobial agents. Integration of advanced analytical techniques and cultivars selection promises to optimise yield of targeted phytochemicals, underscoring global significance for human health and livestock management.

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Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Cichorium Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activities of cichorium species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Sesquiterpene lactones: A class of 15-carbon terpenoids containing a lactone ring, often bitter and bioactive against microbes and parasites.

Polyphenols: Aromatic compounds with multiple phenol units that exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralising free radicals.

Inulin: A storage fructan polysaccharide found in roots, serving as a prebiotic fibre with beneficial effects on gut microbiota.

Chicoric acid: A caffeoyl derivative phenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory properties.

References

1. Characterization of Health Beneficial Components in Discarded Leaves of Three Escarole (Cichorium endivia L.) Cultivar and Study of Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Antiparasitic activity of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and its natural bioactive compounds in livestock: a review. Parasites & Vectors (2018).
3. Chicoric Acid Is an Antioxidant Molecule That Stimulates AMP Kinase Pathway in L6 Myotubes and Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLOS ONE (2013).
4. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Root Extract Regulates the Oxidative Status and Antioxidant Gene Transcripts in CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity. PLOS ONE (2015).
5. Chicory Extracts and Sesquiterpene Lactones Show Potent Activity against Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens. Pharmaceuticals (2021).
6. Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on the expression of hepatic NF-κB and IKKβ and serum TNF-α in STZ− and STZ+ niacinamide-induced diabetes in rats. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome (2016).
7. LC-ESI/QTOF-MS Profiling of Chicory and Lucerne Polyphenols and Their Antioxidant Activities. Antioxidants (2021).