Chicory Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Chicory, common chicory root, Chicory Glycerite Liquid Extract, Cichorium glandulosum Boiss.et Huet, Cichorium intybus L.
Overview
Chicory glycerite liquid extract is an alcohol-free herbal preparation derived from the root of *Cichorium intybus*, utilizing a glycerin-water solvent to preserve bioactive compounds. The root is rich in active constituents such as cichoric acid, lactucin, and inulin-type fructans. This extract is traditionally used for liver support, digestive health, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic benefits, including lipid and glucose regulation. The glycerite form is preferred for individuals seeking alcohol-free supplementation, as it maintains the integrity of compounds like cichoric acid (anti-inflammatory), lactucin (anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering), and inulin-type fructans (prebiotic fiber) through low-temperature extraction. While research on chicory root and its components is moderate with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, specific data on glycerite liquid extracts are limited, with most evidence stemming from root extracts or isolated components.
Benefits
Chicory glycerite liquid extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in liver health and weight management. A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs involving 197 NAFLD patients demonstrated that chicory supplementation significantly reduced liver enzymes AST (-7.07 U/L) and ALT (-17.53 U/L), indicating improved liver function. This suggests a strong hepatoprotective effect, particularly beneficial for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis showed that chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation led to reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference, supporting metabolic health. While the weight loss effects are modest, they are consistent across studies. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering potential, linked to compounds like cichoric acid and lactucin, though these effects are primarily supported by in vitro studies. Patients with NAFLD and overweight/obese individuals are most likely to benefit from these effects, with liver enzyme improvements observed within weeks to months, and weight management requiring longer supplementation periods.
How it works
Chicory glycerite liquid extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory activity is primarily attributed to cichoric acid and lactucin, which inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators. The inulin-type fructans act as prebiotics, modulating the gut microbiota, which in turn improves metabolic parameters. The hepatoprotective effects are likely mediated by the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing liver cell damage. These compounds interact with various body systems, including liver metabolism, immune modulation, and the gut microbiome. Known molecular targets include pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways. The glycerite extraction method ensures good stability and preservation of these bioactive compounds. While inulin-type fructans are not absorbed systemically, they act locally in the gut to exert their prebiotic effects.
Side effects
Chicory glycerite liquid extract is generally considered safe with a low risk of adverse effects. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas, primarily due to the inulin fiber content. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with known allergies to chicory or related plants. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not well documented. No significant drug interactions have been reported; however, caution is advised with medications metabolized by the liver due to chicory's potential hepatoprotective effects. The alcohol-free glycerite form makes it suitable for special populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to alcohol. Contraindications are limited to known allergies to chicory or other plants in the Asteraceae family.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for chicory glycerite liquid extract is not well established, as clinical trials often use chicory root powder or isolated inulin. Studies on inulin-type fructans suggest doses of 5-15 g/day for metabolic effects. For chicory extract components, clinical trials on NAFLD typically involved supplementation around 1-3 g/day. There is no established maximum safe dose; however, high doses of inulin may lead to increased gastrointestinal discomfort. Daily dosing with meals is recommended to improve tolerance and absorption. The glycerite liquid extract provides an alcohol-free administration method, and dosing should consider the concentration of active markers like cichoric acid. The low-temperature glycerite extraction preserves bioactives, and inulin acts locally in the gut. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is chicory glycerite extract effective for liver health?
Yes, evidence supports its hepatoprotective effects, particularly in reducing liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Is the glycerite form better than alcohol extracts?
Glycerite extracts preserve bioactives without alcohol, making them suitable for sensitive users, though direct comparative efficacy data against alcohol extracts are limited.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Improvements in liver enzymes may be observed within weeks, while weight management benefits typically require longer-term use, often several months.
Are there any safety concerns?
It is generally safe; however, mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas are possible due to its fiber content.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37202083/ – This meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=197 NAFLD patients) found that chicory supplementation significantly reduced liver enzymes AST and ALT, indicating improved liver function in NAFLD patients. The study highlights chicory's potential as a therapeutic agent for liver health, despite limitations such as small sample sizes and short durations in some included studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.934176/full – This experimental study, involving chemical profiling and cell assays, identified cichoric acid and lactucin as key bioactive markers in chicory. It demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects in vitro, providing a mechanistic basis for some of chicory's traditional uses. While preliminary, it rigorously analyzes the chemical and pharmacological properties of these compounds.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39313030/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on chicory inulin-type fructans, showing that their supplementation significantly reduced body weight, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference. The study provides high-quality evidence for the role of chicory's fiber components in metabolic health and weight management, although it does not specifically address glycerite extracts.