History and Origin
Chicory is a perennial plant that its origins are Europe, India, and Egypt. As a weed it grows in mild climates and is widely cultivated in northern Europe. 5000 years ago, Egyptians grew it as a medicinal plant. Chicory was taken from Europe to North America in the 1700s. The word of chicory “chicoree” is a French word that it is written (chicory) in English. Also, probably it is derived from Egyptian word “Cichorium”. Greeks and ancient Romans used chicory as a vegetable and in a variety of salads. In the early 17th century chicory was cultivated as a feed for animals in northern Europe.
Chicory Health Benefits
1. Alleviating Arthritis Inflammation
Traditionally chicory has been used to treat arthritis and studies have shown that chicory has significant anti-inflammatory properties and for this reason it is used to reduce pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. In a study that was done in 2010, 70% of participants in experiment who undertreated with chicory reported a significant improvement in level of pain related to osteoarthritis. Also chicory can be used as a general anti-inflammatory factor to types of pain, muscle aches and joint pain due to inflammation.
2. Relieving Constipation
Inulin in chicory plays the role of a natural fiber. Fiber helps intestinal movement, improves the gastric motility (peristaltic motions) of the intestine and increases the secretion of gastric acid which generally improves digestion and greatly reduces constipation.
3. Diuretic
The extract of chicory root is mostly used as a diuretic factor. Continuous and healthy urination can help to remove toxins that the body stores in the liver and kidneys and prevent the development of dangerous diseases caused by accumulation of toxins in the body. Also, repeated urine can remove additional water in the body and even reduce fat, since 4% of urine is usually a fat sediment that otherwise can be stored elsewhere in the body.
4. Improving Digestive System Function
Chicory is rich in the inulin fiber (a type of polysaccharide). Inulin is a soluble dietary fiber that is resistant to digestive enzymes. This ingredient reaches the colon without alternation and fermented by bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifid-o bacteria break down the inulin and feed on it. Inulin has been evaluated and approved by the US food and drug administration (FDA).
5. Improving Liver Function
In a clinical trial on patients with liver cirrhosis, Liv-52 drug lowered serum levels of hepatic enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liv-52 has a liver protection function and stops progression cirrhosis and prevents more injuries to liver. Chicory is one of key ingredients in formulation of this drug. In the studies of liver anti toxicity activity of alcoholic extract of seeds and aqueous extracts of chicory root was evaluated. Oral use of these extracts in albumin rats led to a significant reduces in levels of liver enzymes. Also, the test on liver tissue did not show any accumulation of fat or necrosis after treatment with these extracts. The results of this study were published in journal of Phytomedicine in 2005.
6. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels
Based on the traditional use of chicory in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, blood glucose level lowering and lipid lowering properties of ethanolic extract of chicory were evaluated. Diabetes was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal administration streptozotocin (used to induce laboratory diabetes in an animal model). Ethanol extract at the dose of 125 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced serum glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Also significant reduction in levels of triglyceride and serum cholesterol level in rats treated with extract was observed. The results of this study were published in Journal of Ethno pharmacology in 2007.
7. Anti-Inflammatory
In a study anti-inflammatory effect of chicory extract on enzyme activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) was studied and its results were published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications in 2005. The inflammatory activity of the cyclooxygenase enzyme that created by alpha- induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) was inhibited by the use of chicory root extract in human colon cancer cells (HT29 cell line). The extract of ethyl acetate of chicory root inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 (a quasi-hormonal combination to regulate inflammation in the body) in a dose- dependent method.
8. Anti-Pain
Analgesic properties of lactucin and its derivatives including lacto copricen and beta 11, dihydro lactocin, ingredients that are creators of bitter taste in chicory were tested in mice. For this purpose two behavioral tests of pain assessment were used (hot plate and tail- flick). In hot plate method all of three ingredients had pain killer effect that lacto copricen had the most powerful effect. In tail- flick method the effects of anti noses patio (an analgesic effect by blocking pain- sensitive neurons cells) of all of three ingredients (dose of 30 mg/kg) were comparable with the effect of ibuprofen (dose of 60 mg/kg). The results of this study were published in Journal of Ethno pharmacology.
9. Anti-cancer
Raw ethanol extract of chicory root significantly inhibited malignant growth of breast tumor in mice. With daily use of chicory extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg as inside traits an increase of 70% over the lifetime of mice was observed. Aqueous- alcoholic extract of chicory leaves had anti- proliferation effects on skin cancer cells (C32 cellular lines). The results of this study were published in journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2008.
Also, based on the results of another study, chicory extract significantly reduced number of estrogen receptors in cancer cells of positive ER. Cancer cells of positive ER are cells that in response to estrogen hormone have grown and most of the breast tumor cells are this type. The results of this study were published in journal of Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine in 2012.
10. Anti-Allergy
Aqueous extract of chicory inhibited rapid allergic reactions caused by mast cells. This extract limited anaphylactic shock (shock- induced allergy) in dose- dependent method in mice. Also after treating chicory extract the levels of plasma histamine and the level of histamine released from peritoneal mast cells which are the indicators of allergic reaction were significantly reduced in rats.
11. Promoting Oral and Dental Health
Antibacterial activity of rich extract in chicory organic acid against oral pathogenic bacteria was examined. Organic acids as oxalic acid, succinic acid, quinic acid and shikimic acid reduced formation of biofilm (one of the bacterial methods to survive in different environment) and adhesion of bacteria to cells. Of course the level of effect of each one was different.
12. Boosting Immune System
Chicory contains a number of beneficial ingredients that make it a strong immune booster. Chicory has antibacterial effects on a number of dangerous bacterial species. Poly phenolic ingredients in chicory have beneficial effect on immune system. Also phytochemical ingredients in chicory have antioxidant function that reduces the risk of a number of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. According to the study chicory leaves extract showed a moderate activity against Salmonella typhi (S. typhi), a multi- drug resistant bacterium.
13. Alleviating Peptic Ulcer Disease
In traditional medicine of Turkey, chicory was used to treat gastric ulcer. In 2002, a study with this goal was performed and its results were published in Journal of Ethno pharmacology. Aqueous extract from chicory root brewed 15 minutes before inducing stomach ulcers with ethanol and orally fed to rats. More than 95% of stomach ulcer inhibition in group consuming chicory extract was observed.
What Are Chicory Side Effects?
1. When taken by mouth: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
2. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking chicory by mouth in large amounts is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy. Chicory might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
3. Breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using chicory during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
4. Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory without medical supervision if you have gallstones.
5. Surgery: Chicory might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking chicory as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
6. Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Chicory may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking chicory.
7. Chicory allergy: Some reports show that handling the chicory plant might cause skin irritation. Inhaling powder from dried chicory roots might cause asthma. If you are allergic to chicory, don’t take it by mouth or handle it.
Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.
Chicory Daily Dosage
- Daily Dosage: The average dose of chicory is 3-5 grams of the root per day.
- Single dose: The typical dose of chicory is one cup of the tea, which is prepared by steeping 2-4 grams of the root/ the whole herb in 150 to 250 ml boiling water for 10 minutes and then straining.
Bioactive Compounds
- Carbohydrates (Saccharose, Glucose, Fructose, Fructooligosaccharides and Inulin),
- Phenolic Compounds (Caffeic, Chlorogenic, Chicoric acids),
- Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin and Quercetin derivatives),
- Polyacetylens,
- Vitamins (A, B6, C, E and K),
- Minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Folic acid, and Potassium)
- Selenium Compounds
Best Time to Consume
1-2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
1. Antidiabetes drugs: chicory extracts have antidiabetic effects. Theoretically, taking chicory extracts with antidiabetic drugs might have additive effects, increasing the risk for hypoglycemia in patients taking these drugs. Some antidiabetic drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide, insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia).
2. Calcium: Some clinical research suggests that the inulin constituent of chicory may increase dietary calcium absorption.
Traditional Use
Aerial parts, chicory flowers and roots are used to treat diarrhea, strengthen the prostate and other reproductive organs, remove bile ducts, sinus problems and treat malaria. In India it is used to treat jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism and in Iran it has traditionally been used to treat jaundice, Herpes simplex, very low blood pressure, increased appetite or digestion, body cleaning and as a tonic and laxative. In Italy chicory leaves have been used to clean the blood, high blood pressure, improve digestion and antispasmodic. In Jordan for all occasions such as internal bleeding all parts of the plant are used.
Some Questions about Chicory
1. Is chicory good for health? / What are the benefits of chicory?
Chicory was approved for loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints by the German Commission E.
For more information, see the “Chicory Health Benefits” section.
Is chicory good for the liver and fatty liver?
Chicory root has the potential to improve liver function. Oral administration of an aqueous extract of chicory root can be effective in the modulation of drug-induced liver injury and fatty liver disease (steatosis).
What does chicory root do for your skin? / Can you apply chicory on face?
Because it contains a significant amount of inulin, a natural prebiotic, chicory is a valuable raw material for pharmaceutical production. Plants high in inulin are also being increasingly used in cosmetic product formulation. Inulin, for example, added to body wash gel formulations can reduce their potential to cause skin sensitization and irritation. Therefore, you can drink chicory infusion or apply the extract on your face!
Can chicory leaves and flowers be eaten raw?
Yes. Chicory leaves and flowers are commonly used as vegetables in salads. The leaves can be boiled or eaten raw with quinoa salad, pasta, and other dishes. You can balance the bitterness of the leaves with sweet fruits, citrus, or honey dressing.
Can I eat chicory root raw? / How do I prepare chicory root?
The root is edible, but it's not something you roast, season, and eat. This bitter root must be processed. Usually, it is ground, roasted, and then consumed as an ingredient in high-fiber processed foods, infusions or as a substitute for coffee.
Why is chicory root used in coffee?
Chicory root, which has a coffee-like taste but is caffeine-free, is a great alternative for people with caffeine sensitivity.
What is chicory root fiber good for? / Is chicory root fiber a laxative?
Inulin (a natural fiber) is beneficial for improving digestive system function and relieving constipation.
Who should not eat chicory root?
When consumed in limited quantities, chicory root prevents constipation and ensures regular and healthy bowel movements. Chicory root is quite safe at the amounts used in tea and infusion.
However, an excess of the root can even lead to diarrhea in some cases and IBS. Those who already are suffering from IBS should avoid it! For more information, see the “What Are Chicory Side Effects?” section.
