Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective and In vitro Cytotoxic Activities of Cichorium intybus L. Extract

The ethanolic extract of Cichorium intybus L was evaluated for its potential antioxidant, hepatoprotective in rats, and in vitro cytotoxic effects. Preliminary phytochemical screening of C. intybus extract revealed tannins, resin, saponins, alkaloids, sterols/triterpenes, flavonoids, and ketones/esters as secondary bioactive compounds. The LD50 of the extract was evaluated using different gradual doses in Swiss mice and the mortality rate were recorded. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of the orally administered C. intybus extract for five consecutive days in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, were assessed in CCl4 -intoxicated rats’ model via biochemical and histopathological findings. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated against three tested human cell lines which are colon cancer (HCT 116), breast cancer (MCF-7) and, liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines using sulforhodamine B assay (SRB). The extract was confirmed as non-toxic orally with a wide safety index in rodents. C. intybus extract is significantly ameliorated the hepatic antioxidant potency via increasing the reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreasing lipid peroxidation (LIP) values in a dose-dependent method. Furthermore, the histopathological picture of liver tissue and the serum biochemical parameters serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in CCl4 -intoxicated rats are significantly recovered. The in vitro potential cytotoxicity of the extract showed potent cytotoxic activity against HCT 116, and HEPG2 cell lines. The hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of C. intybus extract could be a promising alternative source for pharmaceutical industries.