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Toxicological evaluation of a chicory root extract
Barbara M Schmidt1, Nebojsa Ilic, Alexander Poulev
1Biotech Center, Cook College, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA. raskin@aesop.rutgers.edu
Summary
Chicory root extract showed no mutagenic or toxic effects in safety studies. The highest tested dose in rats did not cause adverse effects, establishing a high safety threshold for this potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Chicory root extract is being explored for its therapeutic potential in managing inflammation.
- Comprehensive safety evaluations are crucial before clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mutagenic potential of chicory root extract using the Ames test.
- To determine the sub-chronic toxicity profile of chicory root extract in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To establish the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for oral administration.
Main Methods:
- Ames test for mutagenicity with and without metabolic activation.
- 28-day oral toxicity study in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Comprehensive toxicological assessments including clinical observations, body weights, food consumption, clinical pathology, gross necropsy, and histology.
Main Results:
- Chicory extract demonstrated no mutagenic activity in the Ames test.
- Cytotoxicity was observed in specific Salmonella strains at high concentrations.
- No treatment-related toxic effects were observed in rats at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day.
- The NOAEL was determined to be 1000 mg/kg/day.
Conclusions:
- Chicory root extract is not mutagenic.
- The extract is well-tolerated in rats during sub-chronic oral administration.
- The established NOAEL supports the safety of chicory root extract for further investigation as an anti-inflammatory agent.
