The effects of chicory supplementation on liver enzymes and lipid profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical evidence

Abstract

The beneficial effects of Cichorium intybus L., chicory, in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are controversial. This review aimed to systematically summarize the evidence on the effects of chicory on liver function and lipid profile in patients with NAFLD. Online databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched for relevant randomized clinical trials. Weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effect sizes and a random-effects model was used to pool the data. Besides, sensitivity analyses and publication bias analysis were performed. In total, five articles containing 197 patients with NAFLD were included. The study showed that chicory significantly decreased the levels of both aspartate transaminase (WMD:-7.07 U/L, 95%CI:-13.82 to-0.32) and alanine transaminase (WMD:-17.53 U/L, 95%CI:-32.64 to-2.42). However, no significant effects on alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and the components of the lipid profile were observed with the use of chicory. This meta-analysis showed that chicory supplementation may exert potential hepatoprotective effects in patients with NAFLD. However, for widespread recommendations, more studies with a higher number of patients and longer periods of intervention are mandatory.