Chicory benefits and side effects

Chicory is traditionally known to be a liver tonic. Various parts of the chicory plant—leaves, root and seeds—are used to treat liver disorders (jaundice, for example). In fact, chicory is an important component of the liver tonic Liv-52 and another polyherbal formulation called jigrine known for its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties. The latter contains chicory leaves only. 

Clinical studies show that Liv-52 can improve liver health in cirrhosis patients and those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (Read more: Fatty liver causes). However, in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial done on 80 patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease, the formulation was deemed ineffective.

In animal studies, chicory root and seed extracts have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects. One such study attributed these benefits to the antioxidant effects of the phenolic compound esculetin. 

Finally, chicory contains inulin, a type of dietary fibre known as fructans which have been shown to be helpful in the management of blood cholesterol levels and reduce the strain on the liver by removing excess toxins from the body. (Read more: What to eat when you have high cholesterol)

Traditionally, chicory root decoction is used to improve the secretion of bile juice in the gut and to improve digestion. It is also known to improve appetite and is considered to be a laxative.

According to a placebo-controlled trial done in Spain, the inulin present in chicory roots can help promote the growth of intestinal bacteria and improve gut function. It was also found to reduce stomach gas. Additionally, inulin acts as a soluble fibre and relieve constipation. 

Read more: How to improve digestion

In another study done on 45 people, consumption of roasted chicory extracts was found to improve bowel movement. 

Needless to say, if you are adding more fibre to your diet, it is best to optimise your water intake since excess fibre without water can lead to constipation.

Crushed fresh leaves of the chicory plant are traditionally known to have a hypoglycemic effect, meaning they can reduce blood sugar.

In both lab and animal studies, chicory inulin has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in case of type 2 diabetes. Inulin has also found to be beneficial in improving insulin resistance in prediabetics.

Animal studies suggest that chicory extracts contain certain bioactive compounds and antioxidants that can help control diabetes in both long and short term. 

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial including 49 women with type 2 diabetes indicated that inulin supplementation improved fasting blood glucose levels.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of chicory in diabetes.

In Italy, chicory roots and leaves are traditionally used to treat arthritis. 

Following a small trial with 40 osteoarthritis patients, the researchers reported symptomatic improvement with regular consumption of chicory root extract.

Animal studies show that chicory root has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it may help manage the pain and swelling associated with inflammatory arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effects of chicory root are attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and the inhibition of cytokines (inflammatory molecules) in the body.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of chicory in arthritis.

Malaria is a vector-borne disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It spreads through the bite of the female anopheles mosquito and is caused due to a parasite Plasmodium. 

In Afghanistan, chicory root extracts are traditionally used to treat malaria. Lab studies show that two compounds—lactucin and lactucopicrin—present in chicory plant have potent antimalarial activity.

Experts have also found that chicory extracts can kill mosquito larvae. Chicory could hence be an effective herb to reduce the spread of malaria. 

Dental caries or cavities occur when certain bacteria in the oral cavity start to produce acid that erodes the tooth surface. This acid slowly leads to the formation of cavities in the teeth, which can be painful and distressing.

Chicory has proven effects as an antimicrobial agent. In a lab study, chicory extract was shown to suppress the growth of various caries-causing bacteria including Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces naeslundii.

As per the study, the various organic acids (like oxalic acid and succinic acid) present in chicory root can reduce the adhesion of bacteria to teeth surfaces and hence the formation of biofilms (thin films of bacteria) which are responsible for causing caries.

According to a clinical study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, topical application of chicory root extract can improve skin barrier function. The outermost layer of skin is known as the skin barrier. This layer protects the skin from infectious agents, dust and water loss. 

Chicory is loaded with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which is known to improve skin structure and elasticity and delay the signs of ageing.

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of chicory plant may be helpful in the management of various skin conditions including acne. It is also believed to be beneficial in reducing eczema symptoms. However, there is no proof of the anti-eczema effects of chicory. In fact, chicory plant is known to cause skin irritation when handled directly.

If you want to use chicory as a remedy for common skin problems, it is best to do a patch test—just apply the plant on a small area of your skin and see if it shows a reaction. Those with eczema should talk to their doctor before using chicory for the management of the condition.

Chicory juice is considered to be a traditional remedy for certain forms of cancers/tumours. Chicory root extracts have shown antitumor effects in mice. 

Chicory leaves have also been shown to reduce the proliferation of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) cells in in-vivo (animal-based) studies. 

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, magnolialide, a biological compound present in chicory plant, suppress various tumour lines. The amount of this compound is seen to be the highest in chicory leaves. 

However, it is best to talk to a nutritionist or a doctor to better understand the effects or any benefits of chicory plant in cancer.

The following are some other health benefits of the chicory plant:

• Chicory extracts have been found to be helpful in the management of anaphylactic reactions in animal models, by reducing histamine levels in the body. Histamine is a chemical compound present in the body that is responsible for itching and other symptoms of allergy. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
• Lactucopicrin, a compound present in chicory has been found to have an analgesic (painkilling) effect in mice.
• Chicory has traditionally been used for the treatment of gastric ulcers in Turkey. However, the anti-ulcer activity of chicory root extract has been observed in animal models only.
• Chicory is believed to be a diuretic; it can help in the elimination of toxins from your body by making you pee more. (Read more: Home remedies to purify blood)
• According to a study published in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chicory improves kidney function and reduces serum uric acid levels. (Read more: High uric acid levels in blood)
• A study done in Iran suggested that chicory extract has potent antifungal activity and hence can be used as a substitute for nystatin.
• Chicory flowers are traditionally used to treat gastroenteritis, sinusitis, cuts and bruises.