Determination of antioxidant activities in various extracts of Cichorium intybus

Abstract

Cichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, has a long history of medicinal use due to its diverse phytochemical composition. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of various extracts of C. intybus, focusing on the leaves as they are reported to have the highest concentration of bioactive compounds. Methanol extracts of C. intybus leaves exhibited significantly higher total antioxidant activity compared to aqueous extracts, indicating their importance as a potential source of natural antioxidants. The leaves also demonstrated superior free radical scavenging capacity (IC50 = 127.22±2.24 μg/ml) and reduced power compared to other parts of the plant. These findings suggest that C. intybus leaves, particularly methanol extracts, possess promising antioxidant properties, warranting further exploration of their potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields. The study highlights the importance of investigating different organic fractions of C. intybus for their diverse therapeutic potential, aligning with the growing demand for natural and herbal remedies.