PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 ;2018:1764212. Epub 2018 Dec 2. PMID: 30622589

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Chicory on Serum Uric Acid, Renal Function, and GLUT9 Expression in Hyperuricaemic Rats with Renal Injury andVerification with Cells.

Abstract: 

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Urate crystals are deposited in the kidney and can cause renal tubular interstitial fibrosis, leading to renal dysfunction. Chicory extract (hereafter referred to as chicory) clearly reduced serum uric acid levels in rats with HUA induced by 10% fructose. This is the first study to observe the effect of chicory on serum uric acid levels and renal function in rats with HUA and renal injury. In vivo studies using hyperuricaemic rats with renal injury induced by yeast and adenine demonstrated that chicory decreased serum uric acid level, and its effect of delaying the progression of kidney injury was better than that of benzbromarone. In vitro cell experiments showed that this effect is related to the inhibition of GLUT9 protein expression in renal tubules and that lowering blood uric acid concentrations is one of the factors that alleviates renal damage. The results of this study indicate that chicory can be used as an alternative for alleviating renal dysfunction in hyperuricaemia.

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PMID: 

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019 Nov ;89(5-6):293-302. Epub 2019 Apr 24. PMID: 31017556

Abstract Title: 

Turmeric and chicory seed have beneficial effects on obesity markers and lipid profile in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Abstract: 

In an attempt to investigate new strategies aimed at reducing risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and chicory seed (Cichorium intybus L.) supplementation was evaluated in these patients. In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 92 patients with NAFLD aged 20-60 year with body mass index (BMI) ranged 24.9-40 kg/mwas randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows. 1) Turmeric supplementation (3 g/d) (n = 23, TUR); 2) Chicory seed supplementation (infused 9 g/d (4.5 g /100mL)) (n = 23, CHI); 3) Turmeric and chicory seed supplementation (3 g/d turmeric + infused 9 g/d chicory seed (n = 23, TUR + CHI); 4) Placebo (n = 23, PLA). All intervention periods were 12 weeks. Fastingblood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary records and physical activity were collected at baseline and at the end of the trial. Significant decreases were observed in BMI and waist circumference (WC) of subjects in CHI and TUR + CHI groups, compared with PLA group (p 

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Aug ;43(8):e12938. Epub 2019 Jun 4. PMID: 31368578

Abstract Title: 

Mechanistic evaluation of AMPK/SIRT1/FXR signaling axis, inflammation, and redox status in thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis: The role of Cichorium intybus linn (chicory)-supplemented diet.

Abstract: 

Liver cirrhosis is a scene profitable to the advance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current work was engrossed to weigh the potential role of Cichorium intybus linn against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis and their probable underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms. farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) expression, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity, and activated AMP protein kinase (pAMPK), sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), and interleukin-6 (IL6) levels were estimated in hepatic tissue by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoassay, respectively. C. intybus linn supplementation caused a significant improvement in serum liver enzymes, albumin, bilirubin levels, tissues redox status and hepatic histological features in addition to decreased IL6 level, hydroxylproline content, and PCNA immunoreactivity. On contrary, increased pAMPK/SIRT1 levels and upregulated FXR gene expression were observed. C. intybus linn could feasibly protect against TAA-induced hepatic damage, fibrosis, and cirrhosis by relieving oxidative stress and by interruption of the inflammatory pathway via AMPK/SIRT1/FXR signaling. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: No specific therapies are available until now to target the underlying mechanisms for protection against liver diseases. Herbal protection is widely available and cheap with no side effect. Cichorium intybus linn, a natural supplement, is proved in this current work to have the potential of being hepatoprotectant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, thus reducing the risk of hepatic cirrhosis.

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PMID: 

Int J Reprod Biomed (Yazd). 2019 Jun ;17(6):425-434. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31508567

Abstract Title: 

Beneficial effects ofextract on oxidative status and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats: An experimental study.

Abstract: 

Background: During recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the declining sperm count and human male infertility.L. (.) has traditionally been used in Iranian folk medicine as hepato protective and blood purifier and for its presumed fertility-enhancing properties.Objective: A dose-response study was performed to determine the effect of.ethanolic leave extract on the reproductive parameters in adult Wistar male rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 healthy adult male Wistar rats (8 wk old, 200-210 gr body weight) were randomly divided (n = 10/each) as control and groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day ofextract via gavage for 70 days. Serum hormonal assay, epididymal sperm evaluation, and analysis of morphometrical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels of testis were done in each experimental group.Results: Weights of testis and epididymis increase significantly in male rats treated with 200 mg/kgextract. Sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm were significantly increased in a dose-related manner withtreatment.Serum testosterone was higher at 100 and 200 mg/kgextract-treated groups.significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and also increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in testicular tissue of rats.Conclusion: It is concluded thatleave extract improves reproductive parameters in male rats which might be a consequence of both its antioxidant and androgenic properties.

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PMID: 

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Oct 4 ;20(19). Epub 2019 Oct 4. PMID: 31590257

Abstract Title: 

L. Extract Suppresses Experimental Gout by Inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 Signaling Pathways.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The production and maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β, regulated by the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways, lie at the core of gout. This study aimed to evaluate the antigout effect ofL. (also known as chicory) in vivo and in vitro.METHODS: A gout animal model was established with monosodium urate (MSU) crystal injections. Rats were orally administered with chicory extract or colchicine. Levels of ankle edema, inflammatory activity, and IL-1β release were observed. Several essential targets of the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways were detected. Primary macrophages were isolated to verify the antigout mechanism of chicory extract as well as chicoric acid in vitro.RESULTS: Improvements of swelling degree, inflammatory activity, and histopathological lesion in MSU-injected ankles were observed in the treatment with chicory extract. Further, the chicory extract significantly decreased IL-1β release by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways in gout rats. Similar to the in vivo results, IL-1β release was also inhibited by chicory extract and chicoric acid, a specific effective compound in chicory, through the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that chicory extract and chicoric acid may be used as promising therapeutic agents against gout by inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

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PMID: 

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 31 ;9(1):20414. Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31892721

Abstract Title: 

Anti-protozoal activity of extracts from chicory (Cichorium intybus) against Cryptosporidium parvum in cell culture.

Abstract: 

Cryptosporidium spp. are responsible for severe public health problems and livestock production losses. Treatment options are limited to only one drug available for human and bovine cryptosporidiosis, respectively, and both drugs exhibit only partial efficacy. Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) are plant bioactive compounds that function as a defence mechanism against herbivores. SL have demonstrated anti-parasitic properties against a range of parasitic taxa but knowledge about their anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy is limited. The effect of SL-rich leaf and root extracts from chicory (Cichorium intybus cv. Spadona) was investigated using human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cells infected with Cryptosporidium parvum. C. parvum oocysts were inoculated onto the cell monolayer and i) incubated for 4 hours with extracts (leaf and root extracts 300, 150, 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 μg/mL) in triplicates followed by incubation in bioactive free media (sporozoite invasion assays) or ii) incubated for 4 hours in bioactive free media followed by 48-hours incubation with extracts (growth inhibition assays). Extract toxicity on HCT-8 cells was assessed via water-soluble tetrazolium (WST)-1 assay prior to quantifying parasitic growth via immunofluorescence. Both extracts demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition in the growth inhibition assays (p = 

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PMID: 

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2019 Dec 19:1-7. Epub 2019 Dec 19. PMID: 31855072

Abstract Title: 

Preventive effect of Artichoke (L.) in kidney dysfunction against high fat-diet induced obesity in rats.

Abstract: 

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction. We examined the protective effects of an ethanol extract of artichoke leaves (EEA) compared to Atorvastatin (ATOR) in the kidney of Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: control (Cont), HFD, HFD treated with EEA (200 mg/kg), HFD treated with EEA (400 mg/kg), and HFD treated with ATOR. Organ weights, lipid profile, renal markers, and antioxidants enzymes were measured. Oral administration of EEA (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 60 days showed a significant decrease in organ weights and kidney markers levels accompanied by decreasing in oxidative stress biomarkers as compared to HFD groups. The histological findings showed a renoprotective effect of artichoke extract. These findings suggest that EEA exerts anti-oxidant kidney effects in HFD- induced obese rats.

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PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 Dec 30. Epub 2019 Dec 30. PMID: 31889279

Abstract Title: 

Herbal syrup from chicory and artichoke leaves ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats.

Abstract: 

Pyrethroid insecticides are extensively used for control insects in both public health and agriculture sectors. Despite the important role of these insecticides, it caused adverse toxic effects on human, especially at the weanling stage. In this work, the antioxidant activity of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts, and phenolic flavonoid contents were studied. In addition, herbal syrup formulation and hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats were investigated. Both extracts have high phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. Deltamethrin reduced body and liver weights of weanling rats. It induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and altered liver function enzymes. It caused a histopathological alteration in liver tissue. Supplementation of herbal syrup improved the above changes via increase body weights, antioxidant enzymes, and decrease lipid peroxidation, and enhanced histopathological profile. It can be concluded that herbal syrup of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts can ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin. Herbal syrup from agriculture wastes of chicory and artichoke leaves is considered an easy, economical, and useful formulation for protecting agriculture workers against the adverse effects induced by pyrethroid insecticides especially in poor rural in developing countries where pyrethroid insecticides are applied for control vector-borne diseases and insects in agriculture.

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PMID: 

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2020 Jan 2. Epub 2020 Jan 2. PMID: 31894861

Abstract Title: 

Metabolic endotoxemia and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review about potential roles of prebiotics and probiotics.

Abstract: 

Translocation of microbiome-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the bloodstream (Metabolic endotoxemia) is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, the direction of this association is not fully understood. It has been revealed by some studies that alterations in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) lead to increased intestinal permeability and translocation of LPS to the blood circulation. LPS may trigger toll-like receptor 4- (TLR-4) mediated inflammatory responses; this could lead to chronic low-grade proinflammatory condition named Metabolic endotoxemia (ME), which is typically observed in CVD patients. ME is promoted by increased intestinal permeability. Moreover, dysbiosis leads to production of Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut bacterial metabolite suggested as a new risk factor in CVD development. Probiotics, extensively reviewed for decades, are live microorganisms which when taken in adequate amounts, have beneficial effects on the host metabolism. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that act as nourishment for the good bacteria in the gut, and decrease the population of pathogen bacteria that produce greater amount of endotoxins. Although an association has been postulated between ME and CVD, the results of studies investigating the role of antibiotic therapy in preventing the disease have been inconsistent. In this review, we discuss how prebiotics and probiotics modulate gut microbiota and consequently might help with prevention and/or treatment of CVD associated with ME.

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PMID: 

Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2020 Jan 2. Epub 2020 Jan 2. PMID: 31898645

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy and safety of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

Background/Aim: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional bowel disorder and the evidence shows most drug therapies in the treatment of IBS are weak. Recently, some studies showed probiotics may have a positive effect in IBS and they are widely used to improve the symptom of IBS, which indicate probiotics may play an important role in the treatment of IBS. However, the exact effectiveness and safety of probiotics are largely unknown. This systematic review focuses on identifying the efficacy and safety of probiotics in the treatment of IBS.Materials and Methods: Data sources were searched up to February 2019. Databases included MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Embase. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics including complex or individual probiotics with placebo or no therapy were screened, extracted, and appraised by two independent reviewers. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. The methodological quality of all RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and Jadad scale. Outcomes included symptom-relevant and patient-relevant characteristics, such as symptom relief, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, quality of life, and adverse event.Results: This review includes 28 studies with a total of 3606 participants. Particular combinations of probiotics, or specific species and strains, showed probiotics have beneficial effect on overall IBS symptoms (22 studies, n = 3144, RR of improvement in overall IBS symptoms = 1.5, CI 1.23 to 1.83) or overall IBS symptom and abdominal pain scores (18 studies, n = 2766, SMD = -0.31, CI -0.45 to -0.17). In addition, adverse events were not significantly higher with probiotics (8 studies, n = 923, RR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.85-1.31). However, there was no significant benefit on individual IBS symptom scores and quality of life.Conclusion: Current evidence shows particular combinations, species or strains of probiotics are effective for overall IBS symptoms. However, it is hard to derive a definite conclusion due to high heterogeneity and unclear risk of bias of some trials. Large well-designed and rigorous trials are warranted.

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