Inulin

Phase 1, Placebo-Controlled, Dose Escalation Trial of Chicory Root Extract in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee

Study: A 2010 investigator-initiated, Phase 1, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-escalating trial evaluated the safety and tolerability of a proprietary bioactive chicory root extract in 40 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. Patients were divided into three cohorts receiving 600 mg/day, 1200 mg/day, or 1800 mg/day for one month, with a 5:3 active-to-placebo ratio in cohorts 1 and 2, and 16:8 in cohort 3. Safety was assessed via vital signs and lab tests, with secondary outcomes measuring OA symptom improvement.

Findings: The chicory root extract was safe and well-tolerated, with only one patient at the highest dose (1800 mg/day) reporting adverse effects (headaches and diarrhea). No significant adverse changes were observed in the other 24 participants receiving the extract. Preliminary data suggested potential efficacy in reducing OA symptoms, with a 50-75% placebo response rate comparable to other OA trials. The study concluded that chicory root extract merits further investigation for OA management due to its anti-inflammatory properties (inhibiting COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and NFκB in vitro)

Link: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | PubMed | ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01010919

Effects of Roasted Chicory Root Extract on Blood Glucose, Lipid Metabolism, and Fecal Properties

Study: A 2015 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of chicory root extract (containing inulin-type fructans) on 47 healthy adults (8 males, 39 females, aged 33–70). Participants consumed 300 mL daily of either chicory root extract or a placebo for 4 weeks. Outcomes included blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and fecal properties, assessed via hematological exams, body composition measurements, and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires.

Findings: The chicory root extract significantly reduced HbA1c levels, indicating improved blood glucose control. It also slightly improved VAS scores for fecal properties and defecation rhythm, suggesting enhanced bowel movement. The study highlighted chicory’s potential antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects, supporting its use for lifestyle-related diseases like metabolic syndrome, though further research on other bioactive components (e.g., sesquiterpenes) is needed

Link: PMC - NCBI

Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses on Chicory-Derived Inulin-Type Fructans

Study: A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis by Nagy et al. analyzed 50 human intervention studies involving 2,495 participants (aged 0–83) to assess the efficacy of chicory root fiber (inulin-type fructans) on gut microbiota and health outcomes. Doses ranged from 3–20 g/day, and the review followed Cochrane guidelines for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Findings: Chicory root fiber consistently promoted Bifidobacteria growth across all age groups, enhancing gut microbiota health. It improved bowel regularity, increasing stool frequency in healthy adults and softening stools in infants and children. Effects were measurable after 7 days and sustained over longer periods. The review called for larger RCTs to confirm findings in diverse health conditions

Link: NutraIngredients | Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Systematic Review on Chicory Supplementation in Diabetes Mellitus

Study: A 2021 systematic review evaluated 23 studies (3 human, 20 animal) on chicory’s effects on metabolic markers of diabetes mellitus, including inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar, and dyslipidemia. The review searched databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane up to August 2021.

Findings: Fifteen of 19 studies on glycemic index showed chicory improved blood glucose control, though two human studies and three animal studies found no effect. Chicory’s terpenoids and phenolic compounds (e.g., chlorogenic acids, sesquiterpene lactones) were linked to anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The review emphasized the need for more human clinical trials to confirm these benefits

Link: Wiley Online Library

Chicory Root Flour as a Functional Food (Murine Model with Human Implications)

Study: A 2020 study (published 2024 on ResearchGate) investigated chicory root flour in a murine model, using nutrigenomic, metabolic hormone, and gut microbiota analyses. The study explored fructose, chlorogenic acids, and sesquiterpene lactones, with in vitro observations to support findings. Human relevance was inferred from clinical evidence of chicory’s effects.

Findings: Chicory root flour showed anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects, plus appetite regulation. Fructose contributed ~83% of effects, particularly in metabolism and appetite control, while chlorogenic acids and sesquiterpene lactones each contributed ~23–24%. The study suggested chicory flour as a functional food for pastries, with potential for human health benefits, though further human studies are needed

Link: ResearchGate