Cichorium intybus: A Comprehensive Review on Its Pharmacological Activity and Phytochemistry

Abstract

Cichorium intybus, commonly called chicory, is a biennial herb belonging to family Asteraceae. The plant is considered to originate 4000 years ago in Europe and grows in Asia, America, and Africa. Italy is known to cultivate chicory on large scale for the production of seeds. Ayurvedic system of medicine considers the plant as an essential medicinal herb. Various systems of medicine like Unani, Siddha, and Ayurveda utilize the medicinal herb as remedy for anorexia, disorders of renal system, and dyspepsia. Leaves are considered to contain high levels of total phenolic and total flavonoid content as compared to other parts of chicory plant. Roots possess near about 40% inulin. Chicory is considered to possess numerous active phytochemicals like vitamins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, chicoric acid, chicorin and caffeic acid, etc. that are responsible for its bioactivity. Due to the presence of such active phytoconstituents, it has been traditionally used in folklore medication in numerous parts of the world. The plant is reported to be the best substituent for coffee. Ancient Egyptians have cultivated chicory as medicinal plant and since decades it had been used medicinally in regions where the plant has been adopted as well as in indigenous regions. Reported literature on the plant evidences a number of pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, etc. Besides these pharmacological activities, it has been found to be highly potent against gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and helminths. The basic rationale of the chapter is to provide a comprehensive review of various therapeutic activities of the plant and phytochemical moieties responsible for medicinal repute of C. intybus.