Chicory - Inulin
Cichorium intybus
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
Constipation - inulin
Digestive disorders - chicory
Hypertriglyceridemia - inulin
Prebiotic - inulin
Stimulate appetite - chicory - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Cardiovascular disease
Diuretic
Hypercholesterolemia - inulin
Increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium - inulin
Tonic
Safety
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
- Adverse Effects: Low
Description
Parts of the plant used: The roots mainly but also the aerial parts
Chicory, a perennial plant which is native to Europe, Asia and North America, is now grown pretty much everywhere and is easy to cultivate. Inulin, a compound extracted from the chicory root, is often used as a texturizing agent or as a fat or sugar substitute.
Chicory is traditionally ingested as a warm beverage.
Directions for use
- Constipation
Doses used: 10 to 14 grams of inulin per day - Hypertriglyceridemia
Doses used: 10 to 14 grams of inulin per day - Prebiotic
Doses used: 20 to 40 grams of inulin per day - Digestive disorders and to increase appetite
Doses used:
Infusion - 1.5 grams of dried leaves or roots in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink 2 cups daily.
Precautions
- Adverse effects
There are few adverse effects associated with usual doses of chicory. Most adverse effects occur with doses greater than 20 grams of inulin: diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps. A rash may develop if chicory is applied directly on the skin. - Contraindications
Anyone who is allergic to plants that belong to the same family as chicory (chrysanthemum, daisies, dandelion, etc.) should avoid it. Use with caution if you have gallstones. - Interactions
It is recommended that you speak to your pharmacist to see whether it is compatible with the drugs you are presently taking. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant should not use chicory. It has the ability to induce menstruation and may even be responsible for causing a miscarriage. There is no reliable information about its safety when breastfeeding.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Passeportsanté.net. Chicorée. www.passeportsante.net
- Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.