Anti-inflammatory activity of roots of Cichorium intybus due to its inhibitory effect on various cytokines and antioxidant activity

Abstract

Background:Cichorium intybus L. commonly known as chicory is one of the important medicinal plants commonly used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is commonly used for the treatment of diseases involving a khapa and pitta doshas. Traditionally, C. intybus is used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but there are only few in vitro studies reporting the anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory.Objective:Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of roots of chicory and mechanisms involved in it using in vivo models of inflammation.Materials and Methods:Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150–200 g were used. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of roots of chicory were prepared with the help of Soxhlet's apparatus. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and cotton pellet granuloma method. Levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1 and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated.Results:Chicory roots demonstrated significant dose-dependent decrease in paw edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Chicory roots diminished the serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 levels. They also significantly attenuated the malonylaldehyde levels and increased the activities of CAT and GPx in paw tissue. Similarly, chicory roots demonstrated a significant decrease in granuloma formation in cotton pellet induced granuloma method.Conclusion:Chicory roots possess anti-inflammatory activity, and this might be due to the inhibition of various cytokines, antioxidant effects, and their free radical scavenging activity.

Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on the expression of hepatic NF-κB and IKKβ and serum TNF-α in STZ− and STZ+ niacinamide-induced diabetes in rats

“…In line with previous reports, the findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of CSE might be linked with reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and NF-κB, in ET2D rats [ 39 ]. TNF-α is produced in the early stages of inflammation and controls the production of other cytokines.…”

Hepatoprotective effects of parsley, basil, and chicory aqueous extracts against dexamethasone-induced in experimental rats

“…Liver function was improved due to protective activity of antioxidants components in chicory extract, and it was shown that chicory decreased levels of MDA and increased GSH, antioxidant enzymes in (CCL 4 ) intoxicated rats [ 52 - 55 ]. Chicory cause elevation of intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased oxidative stress in tissues due to chicory extract enhance endogenous antioxidant defense status [ 49 , 56 ]. This hepatoprotection of chicory prevent liver damage, and no histopathological changes occur.…”

Mechanistic evaluation of AMPK/SIRT1/FXR signaling axis, inflammation, and redox status in thioacetamide‐induced liver cirrhosis: The role ofCichorium intybuslinn (chicory)‐supplemented diet

“…Meanwhile, C. intybus linn supplementation decreased hepatic MDA, IL6 level and increased NQO1 enzyme activity in relation to TAA‐intoxicated group. Ahmed () and Rizvi et al () reported that C. intybus linn decreased MDA and IL6 level and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in diabetic rat brain and in vivo model of inflammation, respectively.…”

“…Meanwhile, C. intybus linn supplementation decreased hepatic MDA, IL6 level and increased NQO1 enzyme activity in relation to TAA-intoxicated group Ahmed (2009). andRizvi et al (2014) reported that C. intybus linn decreased MDA and IL6 level and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in diabetic rat brain and in vivo model of inflammation, respectively.AMPK maintains cellular energy homeostasis, regulates inflammatory response, and is important for macrophage's conversion from being pro-inflammatory to be anti-inflammatory during inflammation. Some AMPK activators as metformin were reported to have anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in liver or in adipose tissues(Velagapudi, El-Bakoush, Lepiarz, Ogunrinade, & Olajide, 2017).…”