Cichorium intybus in Translational Medicine: Phytochemicals, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications

Cichorium intybus (chicory) has long held a prominent place in traditional medicine, valued for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While its ethnomedicinal uses are well-documented, the scientific exploration of its therapeutic potential is scattered and often lacks standardization, particularly concerning its phytochemical consistency, pharmacokinetics, and translational applicability. This review consolidates and critically analyzes the current knowledge on the bioactive constituents of C. intybus, including polyphenols, inulin, and sesquiterpene lactones, which exert multi-target effects through modulation of inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and hepatic function. Despite encouraging preclinical outcomes, the clinical development of C. intybus-based interventions faces significant challenges such as low solubility, limited bioavailability, and a paucity of well-structured human trials. Novel formulation strategies including nano-based delivery systems, alongside emerging tools like systems pharmacology and artificial intelligence, present promising avenues to overcome these limitations. Regulatory harmonization and interdisciplinary collaboration are critical to translating these findings into effective therapeutic products. This review highlights the untapped therapeutic value of Cichorium intybus, emphasizes the scientific gaps limiting its modern medical use, and proposes strategic innovations to accelerate its integration into evidence-based pharmacology. Keywords: Cichorium intybus; Traditional medicine; Pharmacological potential; Bioactive compounds; Advanced delivery systems