The Effects of Chicory Extract Consumption by Mothers on the Frequency of Icterus and the Serum Bilirubin Level in Neonates

Background: Chicory has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of various liver dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chicory extract consumption by mothers on the frequency of icterus and the serum bilirubin level in neonates. Methods: In this clinical trial, the research population included pregnant women referring to birth preparation classes in an urban area of Iran. Two hundred pregnant women were selected and randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control. In the intervention group, the mothers were recommended to take Chicory extract (produced by SHAAF Shiraz Company, Iran) from the 36th week of gestation, at 70 cc, three times a day, and to continue the process during the first 2 weeks of lactation. The control group received routine care. Data gathering tools were a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist for recording the frequency of icterus and the mean level of bilirubin. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18. Results: The frequency of neonatal icterus in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group, but their difference was not significant (chi-square test, P = 0/11). The difference in the mean bilirubin level was not significant between the two groups on the first day of birth. However, on the third day after birth, the difference was significant and the intervention group had a lower mean of the bilirubin level (Independent T-test, P 0/05). Conclusions: Based on the results, the consumption of chicory by mothers can be effective in decreasing the bilirubin levels among the neonates.