Cichorium intybus from India: GC-MS Profiling, Phenolic Content and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Sequential Soxhlet Extracted Roasted Roots

Abstract Research on the bio-activities and chemical composition of roasted C. intybus roots from India is very little. In present studies GC-MS analysis of volatile components of roasted C. intybus roots, phenolics and flavonoid content estimation and antioxidant potential of roasted C. intybus roots was carried out. Antioxidant potential was also evaluated using FRAP, DPPH, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and superoxide free radical scavenging method. Extracts were prepared by sequential Soxhlet extraction. GC-MS analysis of volatile components of roasted C. intybus root extracts revealed that 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was major volatile component in dichloromethane and methanol extract whereas lupeol and its derivative compounds were major constituents of hexane extract. Quantitative estimation for total phenols and flavonoids showed that the methanol extract of C. intybus roots contained highest phenolic and flavonoid content as compared to other extracts and also showed strong radical scavenging activities which were comparable with ascorbic acid used as standard. All extracts showed IC50 values less than 0.6 mg/mL furthermore, extracts of roasted C. intybus showed the high total antioxidant potential for the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+. The C. intybus roots possess good antioxidant capacity even after roasting and all the extracts showed good activities.

Oral allergy syndrome associated with weed pollinosis

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is caused by cross-reactivity between certain pollens and plant foods, including vegetables, nuts, or fruits. Here, we experienced 2 cases of OAS patients associated with mugwort pollinosis without sensitization to Fagales. A 54-year-old female repeatedly experienced skin rashes, perioral edema, nasal obstruction after eating fresh vegetables (celery, lettuce, chicory, radish sprouts, ginseng, etc.). She had suffered from allergic rhinitis worsening in autumn for 5 years. Specific IgE (sIgE) titers to ragweed and mugwort were elevated to 54.1 and 24.9 kU/L, respectively. With regard to the allergen component of pollens, sIgE to Art v 1 (mugwort) and Amb a 1 (ragweed) were elevated to 21.9 and 36.1 kU/L, respectively. Birch sIgE (including Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) was not detected. A 35-year-old male suffered from abdominal pain, skin rashes after eating mango and kiwi. In addition, systemic allergic reaction developed after consumption of tomato and ginseng. He had chronic rhinitis. The sIgE levels to ragweed, mugwort, and tomato were elevated to 0.55, 6.39, and 0.78 kU/L, respectively. The sIgE test results were all negative for Amb a 1, Bet v 1, and Bet v 2 sIgE. Specific IgE levels to Art v 1, Art v 2 sIgE were 3.51 and 4.46 kU/L, respectively. Based on the history and sIgE test results, 2 cases OAS were related to mugwort. We experienced 2 cases of weed pollinosis related to OAS. Culprit foods of OAS can vary depending on their cuisine cultures.

Molecular docking analysis of xanthine oxidase inhibition by constituents of cichory / 中国中药杂志

Human xanthine oxidase is considered to be a target for therapy of hyperuricemia. Cichorium intybus is a Chinese plant medicine which widely used in Xinjiang against various diseases. In order to screen the inhibitors of xanthine oxidase from C. intybus and to explore main pharmacological actions of cichory a compound collection of C. intybus was built via consulting related references about chemical research on cichory. The three-dimensional crystal structure of xanthine oxidase (PDB code: 1N5X) from Protein Data Bank was downloaded.. Autodock 4.2 was employed to screen the inhibitors of xanthine oxidase from cichory 70 compounds were found to possess quite low binding free energy comparing with TEI (febuxostat). C. intybus contains constituents possessing potential inhibitive activity against xanthine oxidase. It can explain the main pharmacological actions of cichory which can significantly lower the level of serum uric acid.

A Controlled, Randomized, Double-blind Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Vegetables and Whole Grain Powder That Is Rich in Dietary Fibers on Bowel Functions and Defecation in Constipated Young Adults

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of vege-powder (VP), mainly consisted of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, on bowel habit improvement and constipation alleviation. METHODS: Using the Roman standard II, 96 male and female subjects in their twenties with constipation symptoms were divided into a control group or VP group. Subjects in a control group were supplied with rice flakes-powder (RFP) and subjects in the VP group were provided with 30 g of VP twice daily for 4 weeks. Constipation relief effectiveness was surveyed on 5-point Likert scales depending on stool hardness, amount of stool, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 0, 14, and 28 of RFP or VP intake. RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance analysis revealed that VP intake caused significant temporal changes in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate. In addition, significant differences between control and VP groups were found in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 14 and 28 of experimental diet consumption. VP supplement for 2 weeks significantly increased the evacuation frequency (1.04 +/- 0.71), compared to control group (0.41 +/- 0.64) and this increase was maintained at 4 week of diet supplements. CONCLUSIONS: This result showed that constipated subjects who consumed VP, mainly consisting of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, improved constipation symptoms at 2 and 4 weeks of consumption compared to those of control group who were provided with RFP.

Chicory extract's influence on gut bacteria of abdominal obesity rat / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy mechanisme of chicory extract interventing abdominal obesity rat from the aspect of gut bacteria.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, model group, large and small dose group of chicory and the fenofibrate group. Normal group was given deionized water, the other group was given fructose water and give the medical treatment of chicory and fenofibrate. Assay triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL by biochemical methods and measure body weight and abdominal circumference and microscopicly observe the count changes of gut bacteria through real-time PCR method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with normal group, the triglyceride level and abdominal circumference were significantly higher (P < 0.05), weight and high-density lipoprotein increased but no significant changes and E. coli, lactobacillus increased significantly. Compared with model group, chicory extract large and small dose group and the fenofibrate group can significantly reduce triglyceride levels (P < 0.05), reduce the number of E. coli and Lactobacillus and increase the number of bifidobacteria. The fenofibrate group can significantly reduce total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The chicory's treatment effect on abdominal obesity is significant. The efficacy mechanisme intervention abdominal obesity may be related to the reduction of the number of lactic acid bacteria and E. coli and the increase of bifidobacteria.</p>

HPLC fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition method for Cichorium intybus and C. glandulosum / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish fingerprint analysis method by HPLC for the quality control of Cichorium intybus and effective identification of C. intybus and C. glandulosum.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The software "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCMs" (Version 2004A) was employed to generate the mean chromatogram and carry out the similarity analysis of the samples. Cluster analysis was adopted in combination with principal component analysis to study seventeen chicory's characteristic common peaks and to differentiate the two chicory resources.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The fingerprint of C. intybus and C. glandulosum has been set up, and the range of similarity for seventeen chicory samples was 0. 847-0. 988. The difference among chromatographic fingerprints of chicory samples between the two different varieties was identified by cluster analysis and principal component analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method can be used to evaluate the quality of C. intybus and identify C. intybus and C. glandulosum conveniently.</p>

Produção e composição química de hortaliças folhosas em hidroponia / Production and chemical composition of vegetables hardwood in hydroponics

O cultivo hidropônico de hortaliças folhosas vem crescendo acentuadamente nos últimos anos, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre sua composição química, o que é de extrema importância, tendo em vista a mudança de hábito alimentar de uma fração considerável da população brasileira que busca alimentos de qualidade. Por essa razão, as culturas de agrião, chicória, rúcula e alfaces americana (cv. Lucy Brown) e lisa (cv. Regina) foram produzidas em hidroponia, sistema NFT, buscando-se avaliar o rendimento, teor de nitrato e composição centesimal. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, na Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis (SC), no período de maio a julho de 2004, sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições. O espaçamento utilizado foi de 25 cm x 25 cm para as culturas do agrião, chicória e alface (cv. Lucy Brown e cv. Regina) e de 5 cm x 5 cm para a rúcula. A alface cv. Regina e a chicória apresentaram maior número de folhas por planta. O agrião apresentou menor teor de água e maior fitomassa seca da parte aérea. Maior incremento de fitomassa fresca foi obtido na chicória, alface cv. Lucy Brown" e cv. Regina. Maiores teores de lipídios, proteína, resíduo mineral, carboidratos, valor calórico, nitrato e de fibra foram obtidos no agrião. A rúcula apresentou menores valores para as variáveis fitomassa fresca e seca da planta inteira, da parte aérea e da raiz, e número de folhas por planta. Todas as culturas apresentaram boa aparência visual, baixo valor calórico e teores de nitrato adequados ao consumo humano.

The hydroponic cultivation of vegetables has increased markedly in recent years, however, little is known about its chemical composition, which is of extreme importance in view of changing food habits of a considerable fraction of the population seeking food quality. For this reason, cultivation of watercress, chicory, rocket and lettuce American (Lucy Brown) and smooth (cv. Regina) were grown in hydroponics, NFT system, aiming to evaluate the yield, nitrate content and chemical composition. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis city in the Santa Catarina State (Brazil), from may to july 2004 under a completely randomized design with four replications. The spacing used was 25 x 25 cm for the crops of watercress, chicory and lettuce (cv. Lucy Brown and cv. Regina) and 5 x 5 cm to the rocket. The traits were: number of leaves, nitrate content and chemical composition of vegetables. The lettuce cv. Regina and chicory had higher number of leaves per plant. The watercress had lower water content and higher dry mass of shoots. The largest increase in fresh weight was obtained in chicory, lettuce, cv. Regina. Higher levels of lipids, protein, ash, carbohydrates, calories, fiber and nitrate were obtained from the watercress. The rocket had lower values for the variables fresh and dries the whole plant, shoot and root and leaf number per plant. All cultures showed good visual appearance, low calorie and nitrate levels suitable for human consumption.

[Medicinal plants used in treatment of rhematologic diseases: a systematic review]

The rheumatologic diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lowback pain and fibromyalgia are very common. The synthetic drugs available for treatment of these diseases have low efficacy and considerable adverse effects. Numerous approaches are used as alternatives and complementary to synthetic drugs to treat these diseases. One of the approaches is use of herbal medications. Here, the effects of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents used in treatment of these diseases including gammalinolenic acid, glucosamine, devil's claw [Harpagophytum procumbens], Ocimum species, Salix species, feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium], Tripterygium wilfordii, Uncaria species, nettle [Urtica dioica], ginger [Zingiber officinale], turmeric [Curcuma longa], chicory [Cichorium intybus], dog rose [Rosa canina] and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables obtained from search for english articles published in the databases PubMed and SCOPUS from 1966 to the end of 2011 using the keywords including the scientific, common and traditional names of plants are reviewed. Limited research has been conducted on the antirheumatic effects of these plants and active constituents so far. Thus it seems that further research to determine the mechanisms of action, drug interactions, efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents potentially useful in treatment of these diseases are warranted

Preventive effect of cichorium intybus l. two extracts on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of pancreas with sudden onset, high mortality rate and multiple organ failure characteristics. It has been shown that oxygen free radicals have an important role in development of pancreatitis and its complications. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxicity and gastroprotective properties of Cichorium intybus L. suggest that this plant may have beneficial effects in the management of acute pancreatitis. Five intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection of cerulean [50 microg/ kg at 1 h intervals] in mice resulted in acute pancreatitis, which was characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, as well as increases in the serum levels of amylase and lipase in comparison to normal mice. Different doses of C. intybus root [CRE] and aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract [CAPE] orally [50, 100, 200 mg/kg] and intraperitoneally [50, 100, 200 mg/kg] were administrated 1.0 and 0.5 h respectively before pancreatitis induction on separate groups of male mice [n=6]. Control groups treated with normal saline [5 ml/ kg] similarly. Both extracts in greater test doses [100 mg/kg and 200 m/kg, i.p.] were effective to decrease amylase [23-36%] and lipase [27-35%] levels. In oral route, the dose of 200 mg/ kg showed a significant decrease in levels of amylase [16%] and lipase [24%] activity while the greatest dose [200 mg/kg, i.p.] was only effective to diminish inflammatory features like edema and leukocyte infiltration in pancreatitis tissue [P<0.01]. Vacuolization was not significantly reduced in extracts treated groups. These data suggest that C. intybus hydroalcoholic extracts were effective to protect against experimental acute pancreatitis and the efficacy was partly dependent to the dose and was more significant after parenteral administration

Efecto de la Inulina extraído de la raíz de Cichorium intybus L. sobre el perfil lipídico en ratas dislipidémicas / Effect of Inulin extracted from the root of Cichorium intybus L. on the lipid profile in dyslipidemic rats

La inulina está presente en la raíz de la achicoria (Cichorium intybus L.), que es poco usada en nuestro país, sin embargo presenta propiedades farmacológicas importantes. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto hipolipemiante de la inulina de la raíz de Cichorium intybus L. en ratas dislipidémicas. Se utilizaron 6 grupos de 8 ratas Holtzmann cada uno, el grupo 1 sin inducción a dislipidemia, grupo 2 con dislipidemia inducida por la administración oral de una suspensión alcohólica de colesterol 120mg/Kg, el grupo 3 con administración oral de atorvastatina 2mg/Kg, los grupos 4,5 y 6 con dosis de 215, 430 y 860 mg/kg de inulina respectivamente, la atorvastatina y la inulina se administraron desde el día 31 y hasta el final del estudio. Al grupo 2, se evaluó el perfil lipídico al inicio y final del experimento. En los resultados se observó que el método usado para la inducción de la dislipidemia es adecuado ya que hubo un aumento del colesterol total (+18%), LDL colesterol (+23%), una disminución del HDL colesterol (-36.1%) y que al administrar inulina disminuyó el Colesterol total (-17%), LDL colesterol (-21%), lípidos totales (-14%), y el HDL colesterol aumento (+34.2%), en ratas dislipidémicas que recibieron inulina 860 mg/Kg (p<0,05). No se observaron diferencias significativas sobre los niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol VLDL. Se puede concluir que la inulina de la raíz de Cichorium intybus L. disminuye los niveles de colesterol total, lípidos totales y colesterol LDL, mantiene los niveles de triglicéridos y eleva el colesterol HDL, con efectos similares a los de la atorvastatina.

Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on fatty liver induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

Fatty liver is now one of the most common diseases in Egypt. People prefer to use the medicinal plants instead of using chemical compounds because they are cheap and have few side effects compared to chemical compounds.The current investigation was carried out to examine the possible potential therapeutic and protective effects of Cichorium intybus [chicory] against oxytetracyclin-induced fatty liver in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Albino rats were divided into two major groups, 15 rats for each. The first group was divided into three sub-groups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days resulting in steatosis and c] chicory treated group; which was treated with chicory water extract [70 mg/kg] for 30 days after fatty liver induction . All animals were scarified after 33 days of the beginning of the experiment. The second group was divided into three subgroups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] drug protection group; which received chicory for 15 days before induction of fatty liver, then sacrificed after induction of fatty liver [3 days]. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin for histological study. Fatty liver groups showed high significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, ALAT, ASAT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine and A/G ratio while total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control group. These biochemical changes were accompanied with histopathological alterations in fatty liver tissue. The treatment with chicory ameliorated most of the evaluated biochemical parameters and improved the induced degenerative histopathological changes. The pre-treatment with chicory before the induction of fatty liver gave some protection against factors that experimentally induced fatty liver. Chicory as diet additive is recommend for fatty liver patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

effects of cynara scolymus L. leaf and cichorium intybus L. root extracts on carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in rats

Cynara scolymus and Cichorium intybus are popular herbal remedy in folk medicine for liver disorders. Although many experimental studies carried out, scientifically reliable data needed to verify minimum effective dosage and efficacy of these medicinal plants. In present investigation, the effects of C. scolymus leaf and C. intybus root extracts at different doses were tested against CCl[4] induced rats liver toxicity. The C. scolymus leaf and C. intybus root extracts at the doses of 300, 600 and 900 and 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg/day were prepared respectively. Liver intoxication was induced in 7 groups of rats by intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg of 1:1 CCl[4] in olive oil for two successive days. One group kept as control and six different doses of plant extracts were administered to six groups simultaneously with CCl[4] administration. The serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP, liver tissue glutathione and catalase activity as well as liver tissue microvesicular steatosis [MVS] and pericentral coagulation necrosis [PCN] were determined after three days. The serum ALT, AST and ALP and liver tissue MVS were significantly reduced in both the C. scolymus and C. intybus groups at the doses of 900 and 450 mg/kg/day respectively while liver tissue PCN significantly reduced in C. scolymus 900 mg/kg/day group only as compared to control group. In present study administration of the C. scolymus leaf [900 mg/kg/day] and C. intybus root [450 mg/kg/day] extracts ameliorated CCl[4] induced rat serum liver enzyme changes and liver tissue histopathological damage

Evaluation of effects of Zingiber officinale on salivation in rats

There are some herbal plants in Iranian traditional system of medicine which are believed to be excellent remedies to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of systemic administration of seven different herbal extracts on the rate of salivation in rats. The extracts of 7 herbs; Zingiber officinale Roscoe [Zingiberaceae], Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck [Rutaceae], Artemisia absinthium L. [Asteraceae], Cichorium intybus L. [Asteraceae], Pimpinella anisum L.[Apiaceae], Portulaca oleracea L.[Portulacaceae], Tribulus terrestris L. [Zygophyllaceae] were prepared. Nine groups of animals [including negative and positive control groups] were used and seven rats were tested in each group. After the injection of extracts, saliva volume was measured gravimetrically in four continuous sevenminute intervals. The results showed that after injection of ginger extracts salivation was significantly higher as compared to the negative control group and other herbal extracts in all of the four intervals [P<0.01]. The peak action of the ginger was during the first 7-minute interval and following this, salivation decreased to some extent. The present study suggests that the extract of Zingiber offiicianle can increase the rate of salivation significantly in animal model. Further investigations on different constituents of ginger seem to be essential to identify the responsible constituent for stimulation of saliva secretion

Effect of some plants as functional food supplement on kidney function and structure in experimentally hyperuricemic rats

Hyperuricemia is associated with renal insufficiency and commonly used as a useful early biomarker for chronic kidney diseases. Celery leaves contain a valuable volatile oil and an organic substance called apiol. Celery leaves, chicory and barley are known to have beneficed effect for humans in health and disease. This work was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary fiber supplementation with celery, chicory and barley, alone and in combination, on body weight, food efficiency radio, kidney function and renal histology in experimentally hyperuricemic rats. The experiment was performed using 4 groups of Sprague Dawley rats fed on basal diet supplemented with potassium oxonate [uricase inhibitor] at 2% for 6 weeks to induce experimental hyperuricemia and one group was fed on basal diet only and used as a negative control group. Four experimental diets were prepared by adding the dry powder of celery seeds, chicory leaves or barley grains at 10% or mixture of three plants at 15% [5% from each] to basal diet. The feeding period was 4 weeks. Biochemical analysis of blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine concentrations in the serum as well as histopathological examination of kidney were performed. Results showed that feeding of celery, chicory and barley mixture at 15% to hyperuricemic rats for 4 weeks increased body weight and improved feed efficiency. It decreased the elevated serum urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine concentrations. It also produced an excellent effect on renal histology as it ameliorated the renal damage caused by elevated serum uric acid. The study suggests that dietary intake of plant mixture of celery, chicory and barley at 15% concentration for 4 weeks may be beneficial to patients suffering from hyperuricemia and kidney disease because it improves the function and structure of kidney in hyperuricemic rats

Effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on hepatotoxicity induced by rifampicin in rats just after rainy season [August-September]

To assess the hepatoprotective activity of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain frothless juice of Mako [Solanum nigrum] leaves, and Kasni [Cichorium intybus] leaves and collectively leaves of both plants on Rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by Rifampicin given orally as suspension for 30 days. Concurrent group received Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain alongwith Rifampicin. In the second phase of study the effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving the Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain for 20 days after withdrawal of Rifampicin. Hepatic dysfunction was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain significantly [p<0.05] prevented changes in the serum levels of bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and SALP. Similarly it significantly prevented the histological changes as compared to the group receiving Rifampicin. It also significantly reversed the biochemical and histological changes

Dietary effect of some plants on liver functions and lipid profile in experimental animals

The effect of some plants on liver function and lipid profile was investigated. Fourty male albino rats, Sprague Dawley strain were used. The rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each with similar 156-158g.mean total weight. The rats were fed the experimental diets at 14% protein level with different types of tested plants [chicory, sonchus and moringa] for four weeks. Food and water were provided adlibitum. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia and blood sample was taken from hepatic portal vein from each rat. Blood samples were subjected to the determination of serum and liver lipid profile, serum ALT, AST, ALP, MDA and erythrocyte-SOD .The results indicated that different types of tested plants had a great effect in all parametars studied. The lowest mean value for serum total lipids, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol was found in group of rats fed high fat and high cholesterol diet [HFC. diet and moringa leaves] as compared with positive control group fed HFC. diet. But the lowest mean value for serum LDLcholesterol and highest mean value for serum HDL-cholesterol was found in group of rats fed [HFC diet and sonchus] as compared with positive control group. While lipid pattern in liver showed a significant decrease in group of rats fed [HFC diet and moringa leaves] as compared with positive control group and other plant groups. Also, the lowest mean value in serum ALT, AST, ALP and MDA was found in group of rats fed [HFC diet and sonchus], but the highest mean value in erythrocyte-SOD was found in group of rats fed [HFC diet and sonchus] as compared with positive control group

[In vitro evaluation of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of six medicinal plants]

Overproduction of uric acid by xanthine oxidase [XO] causes gout. XO inhibitors such as allopurinol, are the most important available anti-gout drugs. Medicinal plants are available natural sources that may be useful for the treatment of gout. In this study, the XO inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Mentha longifolia, Cichorium intybus, Capparis spinosa and Trigonella foenum-graecum that their anti-gout effects have been reported in the literature, were measured. In these experiments, under controlled conditions xanthine turns into uric acid by XO. Uric acid absorbance was measured at 295 nm using a UV spectrophotometer. Adding allopurinol [as positive control] or aqueous extracts to the solution containing XO, can decrease uric acid production by inhibition of this enzyme. At first, XO inhibitory activity of allopurinol and reproducibility of the method were evaluated by conducting three experiments. After that, the XO inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg/ml were measured. The results showed an EC50= 0.38micro gram/ml for allopurinol. The obtained data showed that Mentha longifolia in compare with its control could inhibit enzyme up to 72% [p< 0.001] at 3 mg/ml. Maximum XO inhibitory activity of Phaseolus vulgaris at 3 mg/ml in compare with its control was 27% [p< 0.001]. Other extracts did not have any significant effect on XO. The results showed that part of the anti-gout effects of Mentha longifolia and Phaseolus vulgaris is due to XO inhibition

A review on pharmic effect of chicory research and development / 中国中药杂志

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L) is a bushy perennial herb with blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers. It grows as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America, where it has become naturalized. Common chicory is also known as blue sailors, succory, and coffeeweed. Chicory contains saccharides, organic acid, alkaloid, triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, coumarins, and so on. It has a function of lowering the blood glucose and lipid, decreasing uric acid, and hepatoprotection. Therefore, it is evacuant and appetitive with better cardiovascular effect. Furthermore, it can be sorbefacient calcium, enhancing immunity via antiallergic, antibacterial and antivirus. So, with research and development on the peculiar physiology function of chicory, it must have a bright prospect on discovering salubrious beverage, functional food and remedy with chicory at present and near future.

Effects of chichorium intybus on bilirubin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro effects of chichorium intybus on bilirubin levels. METHODS: In this study the bilirubin levels in the serum of thirty neonates staying in the NICU and suffering from clinical jaundice was determined three times: first without any alterations, second after adding chichorium intybus extract and third after adding the same amount of distilled water. The results were compared using SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: Of the patients evaluated 76.7% were male and 23.3% were female. The average age was 7.35 days. The mean difference observed in unconjugated bilirubin levels in the specimens containing chichorium intybus extract was 3.84 +/- 2.38 mg/dl and in the ones containing distilled water was 2.85 +/- 2.00 mg/dl. The mean difference observed in conjugated bilirubin levels was 0.29 +/- 0.32 mg/dl in specimens containing distilled water and 0.35 +/- 0.26 in the ones containing chichorium intybus. In none of the cases the results were found to be significant. CONCLUSION: In this study chichorium intybus was found to have no significant in vitro effect on the bilirubin level reported by the laboratory. The in vivo effects of this herbal medicine must be evaluated more closely.

prophylactic role of some edible wild plants against nitrosamine precursors experimentally-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats

For a long time, nitrosamine compounds have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several clinical disorders, however, recent advances in biosciences support the hypothesis that diet improves various body functions and reduces the risk of some diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of two edible wild plants including purslane and chicory against the adverse biochemical action and testis injury induced by nitrosamine compounds resulting from the co-administration of sodium nitrite and chlorpromazine [CP] precursor in male rats. The results of the present study revealed that the concurrent administration of both sodium nitrite [0.05%] and chlorpromazine [1.7mg/Kg/day] for eight weeks caused a marked toxic effects on the testicular functions as indicated by the inhibition of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels with concomitant increase in the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase [ALP and ACP]. In addition, total protein content was decreased. Moreover, the testicular oxidative stress markers; lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl group were significantly increased, while a marked decrease in the content of testis glutathione [GSH] as well as the activity of glutathione-S-transferase [GSH-S-T] and catalase was demonstrated. However, the occurred disturbances in the testicular functions and the above mentioned parameters were significantly improved as a consequence of feeding the sodium nitrite plus chlorpromazine treated rats on purslane [5% w/w] or chicory [10% w/w] for eight weeks indicating a protective role of purslane and chicory plants against the toxic effects of nitrosamine carcinogenic compounds resulting from interaction between sodium nitrite and chlorpromazine