| Background: Cichorium intybus is a rich source of terpenoids and phenolic compounds,
one of the effective methods in managing and reducing the complications of
chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this systematic review was
to evaluate the evidence obtained from animal and human studies on the effects of
chicory on metabolic indicators (such as inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar
and dyslipidaemia) of diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods: This systematic search was performed in ProQuest, PubMed,
Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and
Science Direct databases and on articles published until August 2021. All of the animal
studies and clinical trials included in this systematic review that assessed the
effect of chicory on metabolic risk markers in diabetes were published in English
language journals.
Results: Finally, amongst 686 articles, only 23 articles met the needed criteria for
further analysis. Out of 23 articles, 3 studies on humans and 20 studies on animals
have been carried out. Fifteen of the 19 studies that evaluated the effect of chicory
on the glycaemic index showed that Cichorium intybus improved blood glucose index
(it had no effect in two human studies and three animal studies). Ten of the 13 studies
evaluating the effect of Cichorium intybus on lipid profiles showed that it improved
dyslipidaemia. Also, all 12 studies showed that chicory significantly reduces oxidative
stress and inflammation.
Conclusion: According to the available evidence, Cichorium intybus might improve the
glycaemic status, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further
studies are recommended for a comprehensive conclusion about the exact mechanism
of chicory in diabetic patients. |