A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND ETHNOBOTANICAL PROFILE OF CICHORIUM INTYBUS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO IN-DEPTH HEPATOPROTECTIVE MECHANISMS

Abstract

Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) is a medicinal plant. Belongs to the family of Asteraceae, traditionally used for centuries for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. It contains various bioactive components like inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids and other phytochemicals, which are responsible for its wide range of biological activities. Different parts of the plant, such as roots, leaves, seeds and flowers have been traditionally used for the management of various ailments, including hepatic disorders, digestive disorders, diabetes, inflammation and microbial infections. Several pharmacological studies have revealed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer and hepatoprotective activities of Cichorium intybus. The hepatoprotective effect of Cichorium intybus is mainly due to its capacity to reduce oxidative stress, antioxidant defence systems, lipid peroxidation, and to improve the liver function biomarkers. This review provides a detailed overview of the ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities and hepatoprotective mechanisms of Cichorium intybus. In addition, recent findings related to molecular docking studies and clinical investigations are discussed to emphasise its therapeutic potential as a promising medicinal plant for liver protection and drug development.