Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Cichorium intybus is a plant utilized across various traditional medicinal systems. It has been historically employed as a refrigerant, diuretic, laxative, and cholagogue to address liver, gall, lung, and inflammatory complaints. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that leaf extracts may possess antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity against certain multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, some studies indicate that lactucin might inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation in laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- depurative · aperient
- Traditions
- Unani · Western phytotherapy · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- depurative
- aperient
- diuretic
- stomachic
- sudorific
- cholagogue
- fever
- laxative
- sedative
- tuberculosis
- gall
- inflammation
- liver complaints
- lung complaints
- refrigerant
What the science says
- Lactucin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by targeting the MAPK signaling pathway.
- Five extracts, including Ageratum conyzoides and Abutilon theophrasti, showed larval mortality rates of over 85% within 12 hours against sheep gastrointestinal nematode larvae.
- Cichorium intybus leaf extract showed notable antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and strong antioxidant properties.
- The study found that the optimal cutting interval for maximizing yield and nutritional quality of Cichorium intybus varied between 28, 35, and 42 days, with higher yields observed at 42 days.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chicory?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Chicory traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Chicory for: depurative, aperient, diuretic, stomachic, sudorific, cholagogue. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Chicory?
Chicory appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, Western phytotherapy, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chicory?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Chicory; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Lactucin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by targeting the MAPK signaling pathway.
How strong is the evidence for Chicory?
The strongest finding for Chicory carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chicory safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chicory in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chicory interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chicory in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chicory?
Chicory is also known as: цикорий обыкновенный, Barbe de capucin.
Is Chicory a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Morphological, yield, and nutritional characteristics of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) according to cutting interval in Peruvian Andes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Lactucin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by targeting MAPK signaling. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Combating multidrug-resistant bacteria and associated virulence factors using Cichorium intybus extract: integrated microbiological characterization, phytochemical profiling, cytotoxicity assessment, and mechanistic insights. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Larvicidal activity of antiparasitic plant extracts against ovine gastrointestinal nematodes: an in vitro study. literature abstract metadata