Mechanism and Clinical Aspects of the Effects of Chicory on Diabetes

Abstract

At present, there is no cure for diabetes. However, due to the side effects of synthetic drugs, medicinal plants, have been variously used to treat it. One such anti-diabetic plant is chicory.  The aim of this study is to review and summarize the clinical aspects and mechanisms of the effects of chicory and its products on the key factors involved in diabetes in different environments. Accordingly, it seems chicory is effective in almost all tissues and organs involved in blood sugar control. For instance, chicory has been shown to (i) inhibit the breakdown of disaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract and glucose absorption in the intestine, (ii) prevent the release of glucose from the liver, (iii) increase glucose uptake by the peripheral tissues, especially in muscles and the liver, (iv) stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, (v) enhance the insulin signaling pathways downstream and thereby reduce the diabetic complications. Consequently, blood glucose reduction after the administration of chicory is notable. The administration of chicory products appeared to have short-term and/or long-term effects on diabetes. This claim is approved by the results from the glucose tolerance test and HbA1c measurement. In addition, chicory fights against some primary agents responsible for diabetes and obesity. Since chicory reduces blood glucose and it has anti-diabetic effects, it is recommended that the involved mechanisms be investigated.