Chicory found to protect your liver

Researchers in Egypt suggested that chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) can be used to protect the liver and treat liver damage. They examined the phytochemical and hepatoprotective activity of different extracts of dried chicory against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice.

• In the study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, the researchers had five groups of mice: the first group served as the control, the second group received carbon tetrachloride, the third received chicory, the fourth received chicory and carbon tetrachloride, and the fifth group received silymarin.
• They administered chicory extracts at a dose of 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) body weight.
• The administration of carbon tetrachloride resulted in liver damage by causing significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
• However, these changes were brought back to their normal values with the treatment of chicory.
• Histopathological tests of liver tissues further supported these findings.
• These outcomes suggest that chicory extracts contain potent hepatoprotective effects.

In conclusion, the findings of the study suggested that the treatment with chicory extracts can protect the liver from damage.

To read more studies on natural medicines for preventing and treating liver damage,s visit AlternativeMedicine.news.

Journal Reference:

Elgengaihi S, Mossa A-TH, Refaie AA, Aboubaker D. HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF CICHORIUM INTYBUSL. EXTRACT AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 25 February 2016; 13(5): 570-584. DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2016.1144230