Chemical compositions and health-promoting effects of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory): a narrative review

In the present day, the investigation of herbal plants is essential to maintain a healthy and disease-free lifestyle by adhering to traditional medicinal systems and developing novel plant-based pharmaceuticals for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Nature provides a variety of therapeutic ingredients in the form of the versatile medicinal plant known as ‘chicory’ (Cichorium intybus). It has a wide geographical distribution (mostly in Asia, South Africa, and Europe) and a long history of use in folkloric treatments. Folk healers utilize this herb to treat various diseases, including diabetes and liver issues. Chicory (C. intybus L.) is a popular food plant in many parts of the world, and its unique phytochemical content has made it a staple in traditional medicine. It is a viable source of biologically relevant elements (potassium (K), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca)), vitamins (vitamin A, B₁, B₂, C), and bioactive compounds (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, phenolic acids), with several biological effects including hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, antioxidant, anticancer, reproductive, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and other pharmacological effects. This review was created to highlight the chemical ingredients and medical significance of C. intybus based on recent literature.