Search Results (56)

Cichorium intybus L. (common chicory) is a medicinal plant valued for health-promoting effects. Although analgesic properties are known for chicory sesquiterpenes, the effects of extracts need yet to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the analgesic effect (against nociceptive pain) of the root extract from C. intybus var. foliosum. The target evaluation was preceded by toxicity tests in vivo and phytochemical standardization of root extracts prepared with different extraction methods—pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both—to choose the most effective one. The phytochemical profiling involved UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and UHPLC-PDA analyses. The toxicity and the analgesic effects were tested in mice following the OECD 423 guideline and the hot-plate test, respectively. The highest recovery of bioactive compounds was achieved for the pressure-assisted extract: 642.5 mg sesquiterpene lactones, 187.1 mg phenolic acids, and 47.3 g inulin/100 g of dry matter. The extract showed no toxic effects at the oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, including no histopathologic changes, in mice within two weeks (GHS Category 5/Uncategorized). The maximum analgesic effect (MAE) of the extract at 600 mg/kg was 6.75% for rearing and 13.7% for jumping, with the impact on the nocifensive reactions not differing significantly from those of paracetamol at 60 mg/kg. Despite the relatively low effects at 600 mg/kg, the verified safety and abundance of active compounds encourage further studies on the extract and its active fractions as potential approaches to complementary pain therapy, with special concern for their mechanisms of action. Full article

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) roots are valued in medicine for their potential health benefits. Producing callus from chicory roots through tissue culture technology can streamline bioactive metabolites production and ensure a sustainable supply chain. The current study explored the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and light conditions on the characteristics of callus induced from C. intybus root explants. The effect of fungal elicitors [yeast extract (YE), Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus niger] on bioactive metabolite production from root-derived callus was investigated. Callus color varied notably between a 16/8 h light/dark cycle and complete dark, with differences in texture based on PGR concentrations and light conditions. High weights of callus formed were generally recorded under the 16/8 h light/dark cycle. Low concentrations of YE (1 g/L) and F. oxysporum (0.25 g/L) enhanced callus biomass fresh weight, while high concentrations of A. niger (1 g/L) improved callus dry matter significantly. The content and productivity of total phenolic were maximized at 1 g/L of YE and 1 g/L of F. oxysporum. Callus cultures elicited with a higher level of A. niger recorded the higher values of total flavonoid production. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed significant variations in chlorogenic acid, catechin, and caffeic acid levels among the different elicited cultures. A. niger at 1 g/L notably increased chlorogenic acid content, while catechin levels were enhanced by specific concentrations of YE. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly affected by different elicitors, while only the higher level of F. oxysporum and A. niger showed a significant increase in peroxidase (POD) activity. DPPH scavenging activity was elevated by all fungal elicitors. Principal Component Analysis delineated distinct variations in callus traits in response to different elicitors, with specific treatments showcasing enhanced biomass production, bioactive compound accumulation, and antioxidant activities. Through meticulous experimentation, this study paves the way for enhancing chicory root-derived products, ensuring sustainable production and potent bioactivity. Full article

Polyphenol-rich extracts derived from agricultural by-products exhibit promising antiviral properties. This study evaluated the antiviral potential of extracts from red onion peels, vineyard prunings, olive prunings and chicory leaves against human coronavirus HuCoV-229E. Subcritical water extraction and resin adsorption techniques were applied to produce the extracts. The extracts were further characterised for their bioactive content, and three out of four extracts showed a high polyphenol content (>200 mg/g). The antiviral activity was assessed through viral infectivity and replication inhibition assays in human MRC-5 host cells. The results indicate that chicory leaf and red onion peel extracts demonstrated significant antiviral effects, with effective concentrations (EC₅₀) of 61.43 µg/mL and 10.1 µg/mL, respectively. Olive pruning extract exhibited moderate activity, while vineyard pruning extract showed limited efficacy. These findings suggest that polyphenol-rich agricultural by-products could serve as sustainable sources for antiviral agents, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action and potential applications against other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Full article

The current study aims for the isolation and physicochemical characterization of inulin from defatted dandelion roots using green extraction techniques, including microwave extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The structure and degree of polymerization of inulin were elucidated by chromatographic techniques, as well as by FTIR and NMR spectroscopies. The color characteristics, water- and oil-holding capacity, solubility, swelling properties, wettability, angle of repose, flowability, and cohesiveness of dandelion inulin were evaluated. Moreover, the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of dandelion inulin were revealed. The results were compared with the conventional extraction and inulin from chicory. Dandelion inulin was evaluated as a powder substance with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 17–24. The highest yield (20%) was obtained by classical extraction; however, UAE and MAE demonstrated the highest purity. FT-IR and NMR spectra revealed that dandelion inulin is glucofructan with a molecular weight of 2.7–3.2 kDa that consists mainly of fructosyl units β-(2→1) linked to one α-D-glucose unit UAE was evaluated as the most perspective technique for the simultaneous extraction of inulin from dandelion roots, with the highest average DP 24 and high purity (82%), molecular mass, total fructose content, swelling index, and oil-holding capacity. Dandelion inulin exhibited intermediate cohesiveness, fair flowability, and moderate antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes 863 and Bacillus subtilis 6633. The physicochemical and functional properties of dandelion inulin reveal its future potential as an additive in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutics formulations as a texture modifier, a fat replacer, and a drug carrier. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of immunity-related genes and morpho-histological features of the intestines, and the growth and meat production of broiler chickens when fed plant extracts with different functional components. Chickens in the control group received a basic diet. The feed in the experimental groups contained plant extracts standardized to various biologically active components such as the extract of common chicory with inulin (INUL), St. John’s wort with flavonoids (FLAV), maral root with ecdysterone (ECDS), and extracts of creeping thyme with flavonoids and tannins (FLAV-TANN). The results of this study showed that the application of the studied phytobiotics increased the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene IL8, with the 2^−ΔΔCT value ranging from 2.66 to 4.63. In the case of the antimicrobial peptide gene AvBD9, the 2^−ΔΔCT value ranged from 1.66 to 8.16, depending on the group. AvBD10 gene expression increased (2^−ΔΔCT = 2.19) when the chickens were fed the chicory extract and decreased when thyme extract was used (2^−ΔΔCT = 0.33). The study also found that using biologically active components in the diets of broiler chickens was accompanied by a significant decrease in the height of epithelial cells in the cecum mucous membrane in the INUL group (61.3%, p ≤ 0.001), FLAV group (60.0%, p ≤ 0.001), ECDS group (48.2%, p ≤ 0.001), and FLAV + TANN group (67.6%, p ≤ 0.001). It also caused a reduction in the depth of crypts in the INUL (38.4%, p ≤ 0.001), FLAV (32.3%, p ≤ 0.001), ECDS (50.9%, p ≤ 0.001), and FLAV + TANN (53.4%, p ≤ 0.001) groups. The use of all extracts, except creeping thyme, caused changes in the size of muscular elements in the intestinal walls; thus, the thickness of the muscular layer increased 1.5–2.0 times under the influence of flavonoids in St. John’s wort and of inulin in chicory, to 430.99 and 579.87 μm, respectively (p ≤ 0.001), and decreased 1.9 times under the influence of ecdysterone in maral root to 151.59 μm (p ≤ 0.001). The use of phytobiotics increased feed consumption and stock safety, leading to an increase of 4.1–7.5% in the live weights of broiler chickens at the end of the rearing period, thus contributing to the higher slaughter quality of poultry; in particular, the weights of breast muscles in cockerels in the INUL group increased by 16.9% (p ≤ 0.05), while the weights in the ECDS and FLAV + TANN groups increased by 18.1% (p ≤ 0.05) and 23.1% (p ≤ 0.01), respectively. Thus, the use of the studied phytobiotics in the broiler chicken diet increases meat production and activates immunity, which indicates the possibility of replacing antibacterial drugs with natural nutraceuticals. Full article

Background: Cichorium intybus L., a member of the Asteraceae family, has numerous health-promoting properties that categorize its preparations as functional foods and herbal medicines. Most previous research focused on the root of C. intybus var. sativum (industrial chicory) as a rich source of inulin, while the witloof variety (C. intybus var. foliosum) is less explored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of C. intybus var. foliosum root extracts obtained with different extraction protocols and to analyze their polysaccharide and polyphenol content. Methods: Freeze-dried root extracts were prepared using water and three extraction methods: pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both. The contents of inulin, total polyphenols, and total caffeic acid derivatives in the extracts were measured by the Layne–Eynon, Folin–Ciocalteu, and UHPLC-PDA methods, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extracts and inulin was tested in vitro using the L929 cell line, MTT method, and paracetamol as the reference standard. Results: Inulin levels in the extracts ranged from 43.88 to 50.95 g/100 g dry matter (dm), total polyphenols were between 816.7 and 906.4 mg/100 g dm, and total phenolic acids ranged from 11.50 to 187.1 mg/100 dm, with pressure-assisted extraction yielding the highest phytochemical recovery. The cytotoxicity tests showed IC₅₀ values from 4.72 to 7.31 mg/mL for the extracts, compared to 3.02 for paracetamol and 19.77 for inulin. Conclusions: Given the high content of active compounds and low cytotoxicity, the root extracts of C. intybus var. foliosum merit further research into their functional and medicinal properties. Pressure-assisted extraction is recommended for effective extraction of chicory. Full article

In recent years, inulin enzymatic hydrolysis has become a very promising alternative for producing fructose on a large scale. Genetically modified chicory was used to extract inulin of industrial quality. By using an adequate kinetic model from the literature, this study aimed to determine the optimal operating alternatives of a batch (BR) or fed-batch (FBR) reactor used for the hydrolysis of inulin to fructose. The operation of the FBR with a constant or variable/dynamic feeding was compared to that of the BR to determine which best maximizes reactor production while minimizing enzyme consumption. Multi-objective optimal solutions were also investigated by using the Pareto-optimal front technique. Our in-silico analysis reveals that, for this enzymatic process, the best alternative is the FBR operated with a constant control variable but using the set-point given by the (breakpoint) of the Pareto optimal front under the imposed technological constraints. This set point reported the best performances, regarding all the considered opposite economic objectives. Also, the FBR with a constant, but NLP optimal feeding, reported fairly good performances. Full article

Fermentable oligosaccharides, di- and monosaccharides, and polyols defined as FODMAPs readily trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects up to 23% of the population, through several mechanisms. A low-FODMAP diet is a short-term solution due to significant nutrient deficiencies, especially in dietary fibre (DF). IBS patients must avoid cereals, especially wholegrain cereals such as wheat and rye, which are an important natural source of DF and therefore FODMAPs (part of soluble DF). This study is the first of its kind to employ biotechnological tools for the creation of wholegrain low-FODMAP cookies and crackers based on wholegrain wheat and rye flours with high FODMAP contents. Endogenous enzymes activated via prolonged dough resting and exogenously activated enzymes originating from chicory extract, wheat malt, and baker’s yeast were employed. The prolonged dough resting time and the addition of wheat malt reduced the FODMAP content in the wholegrain wheat and rye cookies by 46% and 99.5%, respectively. The best result was achieved in the wholegrain wheat crackers, with a FODMAP content reduction of 59.3% based on the combination of a prolonged dough resting time and the addition of wheat malt and baker’s yeast. In the wholegrain rye crackers, a prolonged resting time alone was sufficient to achieve an 83.6% reduction in the total oligosaccharide content. Full article

Several agri-food byproducts represent valuable sources of compounds to be reutilized for nutritional, nutraceutical, and cosmetic purposes. Examples especially comprise byproducts from the processing of fruits such as pomace, because of their richness in nutrients (e.g., fibers) and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) that can be destined for animal and human use. However, in agreement with the principles of circular economy that are being promoted during the most recent years, other understudied agri-food byproducts of both plant and animal origin are being evaluated to assess their possible reutilization and valorization. In this review, we aim at summarizing the most recent research dealing with the extraction of nutrients and bioactive compounds from agri-food byproducts using innovative and sustainable approaches. Specifically, the review is focused on byproducts generated in large amounts (tons/year) by the food industry of Northeast Italy, namely, honey, red fruits (grapes and berries), and chicory, which are especially of interest for their content in phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber. The potential applications of these byproducts and extracts in cosmetic, nutraceutical, and nutritional fields are also discussed, referring to the published literature, as well as their potential utilization as sources of novel bioactive compounds with pharmacological applications. Full article

The study aimed to analyze gene expression linked to skeletal muscle growth and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens fed with plant extracts. Five groups of chickens were formed: four experimental groups and one control group. The diets of the experimental groups were supplemented with different plant extracts: chicory, St. John’s wort, maral root, and creeping thyme, whereas the control group received feed without phytobiotic compounds. Weekly weighings were conducted (n = 36). The chickens were slaughtered at day 26 for tissue sampling of four birds from each group. Gene expression (MYOG, MSTN, FASN) related to muscle growth and fatty acid synthesis was analyzed using the β-actin ACTB gene as a reference. Blood samples were taken at day 35 for biochemical analysis and anatomical dissection was performed. The study revealed that using plant extracts from chicory, thyme, and maral root increased MYOG gene activity by 4.21, 7.45, and 8.93 times, respectively. T. serpyllum extract boosted the MSTN gene by 10.93 times, impacting muscle growth regulation. FASN gene expression for fatty acid synthesis increased significantly by 18.22–184.12 times with plant extracts. The best results regarding meat productivity of chickens were obtained when using R. carthamoides extract. The results of the study will serve as a basis for further development of a phytocomposition designed to increase the meat productivity of broiler chickens in the production of environmentally safe poultry products. Full article

Background: We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development. Methods: The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development. Results: For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development. Conclusions: CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility. Full article

A composite of chitosan-supported ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO/CS) was green-synthesized via an easy and cost-effective method using Chicory (Cichorium intybus) plant extract. The synthesis was confirmed using uv-vis spectrometry at a λ_max of 380 nm, and the surface of the material was characterized via FT−IR spectroscopy, and finally via SEM, which confirmed the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of chitosan biopolymer (CS). The synthesized material was applied in the adsorptive removal of residues of the pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) pharmaceutical drug from aqueous media using the batch technique. The material’s removal capacity was studied through several adjustable parameters including pH, contact time, the dose of the adsorbent, and the capacity for drug adsorption under the optimal conditions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to describe the adsorption process. The removal was found to obey the Freundlich model, which refers to a chemisorption process. Different kinetic models were also studied for the removal process and showed that the pseudo-second-order model was more fitted, which indicates that the removal was a chemisorption process. Thermodynamic studies were also carried out. The maximum removal of vitamin B6 by the nano-ZnO/CS composite was found to be 75% at optimal conditions. The results were compared to other reported adsorbents. Reusability tests showed that the nano-ZnO/CS composite can be efficiently reused up to seven times for the removal of PDX drugs from aqueous media. Full article

Maintaining and reducing weight are considered as important features in reducing mortality and morbidity caused by metabolic-associated diseases. Increasing evidence from in vivo mechanistic and clinical studies has shown that the gut microbiota is interacting with the host's physiological function in regulating energy intake and body weight. A prebiotic is a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Numerous clinical studies showed multifaceted benefits of prebiotic chicory inulin-type fructans (ITFs) on gut and metabolic health. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the totality of evidence through pooled estimates of ITF supplementation in supporting weight management on both healthy and diseased subjects. A systematic search for eligible articles was performed in databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science) without a language restriction. Two reviewers independently extracted data from eligible articles. We chose primary (body weight) and secondary (BMI, total fat mass, body fat percentage and waist circumference) outcomes as weight management parameters. The baseline-corrected mean difference (MD) was used to synthesize the pooled effect size by employing a random-effects model using the inverse variance method. A sub-group analysis based on dose, duration, health status and ITF-type was also conducted. A total of 31 randomized controlled trials with 40 arms (n = 1309 participants) were included in this review. A significant reduction was observed on body weight (MD: −1.03 kg, 95% CI: −1.42 to −0.64, p < 0.0001), BMI (MD: −0.39 kg/m², 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.21, p = 0.0001), fat mass (MD: −0.45 kg, 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.2, p = 0.0023), and waist circumference (MD: −0.99 cm, 95% CI: −1.61 to −0.37, p = 0.003) following ITF supplementation. For body fat percentage, a significant effect was observed following subgroup analysis on an intervention that lasted for more than 8 weeks (MD: −0.78 percent, 95% CI: −1.17 to −0.39, p < 0.01). The present meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials provides further evidence to support that ITF supplementation could help benefit weight management by reducing body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and to a certain extent on body fat percentage. Full article

Hyoseris radiata L. (Asteraceae), known as “wild chicory”, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and West Asia. Collected from the wild, the plant is largely used in Italy for culinary purposes and in popular medicine, so that it can be included in the list of phytoalimurgic plants. The present study aimed to investigate for the first time the plant’s chemical profile, through a combined UHPLC-HR-ESI-Orbitrap/MS and NMR approach, and its potential healthy properties, focusing on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The LC-MS/MS analysis and the isolation through chromatographic techniques of the plant’s hydroalcoholic extract allowed the authors to identify 48 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, megastigmane glucosides, coumarins, and lignans, together with several unsaturated fatty acids. The quantitative analysis highlighted a relevant amount of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, with a total of 12.9 ± 0.4 mg/g DW. NMR-based chemical profiling revealed the presence of a good amount of amino acids and monosaccharides, and chicoric and chlorogenic acids as the most representative polyphenols. Finally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of H. radiata were investigated through cell-free and cell-based assays, showing a good antioxidant potential for the plant extract and a significant reduction in COX-2 expression. Full article

The prolonged use of exogenous glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone (Dex), is the most prevalent secondary cause of osteoporosis, known as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). The current study examined the preventative and synergistic effect of aqueous chicory extract (ACE) and ethanolic purslane extract (EPE) on GIO compared with Alendronate (ALN). The phytochemical contents, elemental analysis, antioxidant scavenging activity, and ACE and EPE combination index were evaluated. Rats were randomly divided into control, ACE, EPE, and ACE/EPE MIX groups (100 mg/kg orally), Dex group (received 1.5 mg Dex/kg, Sc), and four treated groups received ACE, EPE, ACE/EPE MIX, and ALN with Dex. The bone mineral density and content, bone index, growth, turnover, and oxidative stress were measured. The molecular analysis of RANK/RANKL/OPG and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways were also evaluated. Dex causes osteoporosis by increasing oxidative stress, decreasing antioxidant markers, reducing bone growth markers (OPG and OCN), and increasing bone turnover and resorption markers (NFATc1, RANKL, ACP, ALP, IL-6, and TNF-α). In contrast, ACE, EPE, and ACE/EPE MIX showed a prophylactic effect against Dex-induced osteoporosis by modulating the measured parameters and the histopathological architecture. In conclusion, ACE/EPE MIX exerts a powerful synergistic effect against GIO by a mode of action different from ALN. Full article