Phytochemical Compounds Of Cichorium intybus by Exploring its Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities

Introduction: The current study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Cichorium intybus n-hexane extract on diabetes mellitus and its antioxidant effect in vivo in alloxinated animals. Diabetic neuropathy improvement was also tested as well as insulin levels and histology of the pancreas were performed. Methods: The chromatographic standardization of C. intybus extract was performed using isocratic HPLC, which indicated the presence of numerous phyto-constituents. The hexane extract was studied for its effect on blood glucose levels and painful diabetic neuropathy (DN) in diabetic mice. Hyperalgesia and mechanical-allodynia were evaluated using thermal stimuli, pain response to radiant energy experiments and a mechanical sensitivity test respectively. Subsequently, after eight weeks of being alloxinated, BGL, body weight, antioxidant activity, insulin levels and glycated hemoglobin were recorded to evaluate antidiabetic potential and the DN. Results: The administration of Cichorium intybus extract (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) and a combination of Cichorium intybus extract and Camellia sinensis (50 + 200 mg/kg, respectively) have revealed an acute hypoglycemic effect ranging from 14.15% and 42.4%. The sub-chronic anti-diabetic effect ranged from 23.41% and 44.8%. They diminished hyperalgesia and tangible allodynia significantly (p<0.05), (n=7 per group). The powerful neuroprotective properties might serve as potential lead-compounds for further analysis. Conclusion: The histological study and the potent antioxidant effect showed that they could assist in the management of diabetes mellitus and DN by amelioration of insulin levels and regeneration of pancreatic beta cells.