Chicory Research Articles

Effect of sowing management and herbicides application on weeds and yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 at research farm of College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the impact of planting time and herbicides application on weeds and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) yield. Experiment was conducted in a split plot design with 20 treatments comprising of 4 dates of sowing, viz. October 15th, October 30th, November 15th and November 30th in main plots and these were superimposed with 5 weed control treatments i.e. Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha as pre emergence; Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha at 14 DAS; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting, replicated thrice. Berseem variety JB 05-9 was sown in the experimental field with recommended package of practices. There was predominance of dicot weeds as compared to monocot in berseem at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Among the dicot weeds, Medicago truncatula Gaertn. (37.48%) and Cichorium intybus (L.) (27.74%) were predominant. However, other weeds like Cyperus rotundus (L.) (13.79%), Anagallis arvensis (L.) (11.21%) and Chenopodium album (L.) (9.78%) were also present in good numbers. Sowing of berseem in the thermal regimes of 15th October and application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting was most effective treatment for curbing the growth of weeds as it attained the minimum density and dry weight of weeds during both the years. However, sowing of 15th October with application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting recorded the superior values of growth parameters, yield attributing traits, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and seed yield and found more remunerative as it fetched the higher NMR and B:C ratio as compared to other combinations.

Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root reveals the impact of the plant-cell matrix rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon

Aim: The cell matrix of plant foods has received little attention in prebiotic fiber research. We aimed to understand the impact of the plant cell matrix in dried chicory root on its breakdown in the human gut to explain its reported beneficial effects on gut and metabolic health. Methods: We applied in vitro digestion and fermentation models together with an ex vivo gut barrier integrity model. Plant cell matrix intactness in the upper gastrointestinal tract was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Colonic breakdown of inulin, and chicory root cubes and powder was assessed by gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and determining the kinetics of changes in pH, gas, and short-chain fatty acid production (SCFA). Finally, effects on gut barrier integrity were explored by exposing colonic biopsies to fermentation supernatants in an Ussing chamber model. Results: The plant cell matrix of dried chicory root cubes remained intact throughout upper gastrointestinal transit. Dried chicory root fermentation resulted in higher final relative abundances of pectin-degrading Monoglobus and butyrate-producing Roseburia spp. compared to inulin and a seven-fold increase in Bifidobacterium spp. in donors where these species were present. Dried chicory root cubes yielded similar total SCFAs but higher final butyrate levels than chicory root powder or isolated inulin with less gas produced. No uniform but donor-specific effects of fermentation supernatants on the maintenance of gut barrier integrity were detected. Conclusion: The intact plant cell matrix of dried chicory root affected its colonic breakdown kinetics and microbiota, underpinning its beneficial effect in vivo .

Foliar-applied silicate potassium modulates growth, phytochemical, and physiological traits in Cichorium intybus L. under salinity stress

One of the major problems endangering plant growth and productivity worldwide is salt stress. This study aimed to assess the effects of potassium silicate (K2O3Si) on the physical, biochemical, and morphological characteristics of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) under various levels of salinity stress. The plants were treated with K2O3Si at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM and cultivated under different salt stress conditions (0, 80, 160, and 240 mM NaCl). The findings revealed that salt stress led to decreased root and shoot dry weights, Fv/Fm ratio, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, as well as inulin contents. However, foliar exposure to K2O3Si at all salinity levels resulted in improvements in the measured traits. As salinity levels increased, there was a corresponding increase in the accumulation of sodium ions (Na+) and a sharp reduction in potassium ions (K +) in the shoot. Nonetheless, treatment with K2O3Si caused a decrease in Na + accumulation and an improvement in K+ content under all salinity levels. Carotenoid content increased under 80 mM salinity stress, but decreased with higher salinity levels. Application of K2O3Si at all levels resulted in increased carotenoid content under salinity stress conditions. The content of MDA increased significantly with increasing salinity stress, particularly at 240 mM. However, foliar spraying with K2O3Si significantly decreased MDA content at all salinity levels. Salinity stress up to 160 mM increased the total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents, while 240 mM NaCl decreased the biosynthesis of phytochemicals. Additionally, the use of K2O3Si increased the content of total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin at all salt levels. Foliar application of K2O3Si increased the tolerance of chicory plants to salinity stress by reducing MDA and increasing phenolic compounds and potassium content. These results suggest that exogenous K2O3Si can be a practical strategy to improve the growth and yield of chicory plants exposed to saline environments.

Wild Edible Plants Used in Dalmatian Zagora (Croatia).

Dalmatian Zagora has experienced significant depopulation trends over recent decades. The area is very interesting because of its rich biodiversity of species as well as its history of the use of wild foods. Since there is a danger of permanent loss of knowledge on the use of wild edibles, we focused our research on recording traditions local to this area. We conducted interviews with 180 residents. A record was made of 136 species of wild food plants and 22 species of edible mushrooms gathered in the area. The most frequently collected species are Rubus ulmifolius Schott, Cornus mas L., Portulaca oleracea L., Asparagus acutifolius L., Sonchus spp., Morus spp., Taraxacum spp., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Cichorium intybus L., and Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick & Wilkin. The list of taxa used is typical for other (sub-)Mediterranean parts of Croatia; however, more fungi species are used. The most important finding of the paper is probably the recording of Legousia speculum-veneris (L.) Chaix, a wild vegetable used in the area.

Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Elicitors on Organogenesis, Biomass Accumulation, and Production of Key Secondary Metabolites in Asteraceae Plants.

The medicinal plants of the Asteraceae family are a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, acetylenes, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, etc. Under stressful conditions, the plants develop these secondary substances to carry out physiological tasks in plant cells. Secondary Asteraceae metabolites that are of the greatest interest to consumers are artemisinin (an anti-malarial drug from Artemisia annua L.-sweet wormwood), steviol glycosides (an intense sweetener from Stevia rebaudiana Bert.-stevia), caffeic acid derivatives (with a broad spectrum of biological activities synthesized from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench-echinacea and Cichorium intybus L.-chicory), helenalin and dihydrohelenalin (anti-inflammatory drug from Arnica montana L.-mountain arnica), parthenolide ("medieval aspirin" from Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip.-feverfew), and silymarin (liver-protective medicine from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.-milk thistle). The necessity to enhance secondary metabolite synthesis has arisen due to the widespread use of these metabolites in numerous industrial sectors. Elicitation is an effective strategy to enhance the production of secondary metabolites in in vitro cultures. Suitable technological platforms for the production of phytochemicals are cell suspension, shoots, and hairy root cultures. Numerous reports describe an enhanced accumulation of desired metabolites after the application of various abiotic and biotic elicitors. Elicitors induce transcriptional changes in biosynthetic genes, leading to the metabolic reprogramming of secondary metabolism and clarifying the mechanism of the synthesis of bioactive compounds. This review summarizes biotechnological investigations concerning the biosynthesis of medicinally essential metabolites in plants of the Asteraceae family after various elicitor treatments.

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Functional Components of Roasted Chicory Roots Extracts Produced Using Different Ethanol Concentrations

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Functional Components of Roasted Chicory Roots Extracts Produced Using Different Ethanol Concentrations

Faba bean and spring barley in sequence with catch crops: Grain yields and nitrate leaching

Context/ProblemImporting protein into Europe is causing sustainability challenges, which has resulted in an increasing European interest in locally growing faba bean as a protein source. There is, however, a concern that this may result in higher nitrate leaching compared with conventional cereal-based systems. Objective/Research questionWe investigated the risk of nitrate leaching and its mitigation strategy after growing faba bean with catch crops within a conventional European cropping system that also includes catch crops in spring barley. MethodsWe conducted a field experiment with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and three catch crops (chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.)) grown in sequence with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and replicated in time over a period of three years. Continuous spring barley with catch crops (perennial ryegrass and fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.)) were used as a reference. Measurements included grain yield and grain nitrogen (N) of the main crops, aboveground biomass and N yield of the catch crops, and nitrate leaching. ResultsGrain yield and grain N of faba bean grown with undersown catch crops were not statistically different than without catch crop and post-harvest sown catch crops. Catch crops with faba bean had lower aboveground biomass and N yield than with spring barley. Faba bean as pre-crop compensated for the reduced amount of fertilizer input and also increased the grain yield and grain N of the subsequent spring barley. In 2020–21, nitrate leaching from both spring barley and faba bean without catch crops was not statistically different, with an average of 64 kg NO3-N ha−1. In contrast, in 2021–22, nitrate leaching after faba bean without catch crops was higher with 104 kg NO3-N ha−1, compared with spring barley with 68 kg NO3-N ha−1. Catch crops significantly reduced nitrate leaching on average by up to 55 kg NO3-N ha−1 from faba bean and 62 kg NO3-N ha−1 from spring barley fields. ConclusionsThe study reveals that growing faba bean can reduce N fertilizer input without compromising the grain yield and grain N of following spring barley. Variable nitrate leaching between years from faba bean requires more research on diverse pedo-climatic and agronomic conditions to better assess nitrate leaching risks and reduction strategies. Implications or significanceThese results will aid in designing cropping systems including faba bean and catch crops combinations to reduce N fertilizer input and nitrate leaching risks and improve protein sufficiency.

Elucidating hepatoprotective potential of Cichorium intybus through multimodal assessment and molecular docking analysis with hepatic protective enzymes

This study employed a comprehensive approach to validate the hepatoprotective potential of phytoconstituents from Cichorium intybus leaves. In vitro, in vivo and in silico techniques were used to confirm the protective effects on liver enzymes. In vitro antioxidant assessment revealed the highest potential in the hydroethanolic leaf extract compared to aqueous and methanolic extracts. The study further investigated the ameliorative efficacy of the hydro-ethanolic extract (HECL) in male Wistar rats exposed to lead (50 mg/kg b wt.) and nickel (4.0 mg/kg b wt.) individually and in combination for 90 days. HECL at 250 mg/kg b wt. mitigated hepatic injury, oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, ultrastructural and histopathological alterations induced by lead and nickel. Molecular docking explored the interaction of 28 phytoconstituents from C. intybus with hepatoprotective protein targets. Cyanidin and rutin exhibited the highest affinity for liver corrective enzymes among the screened phytoconstituents. These findings underscore the liver corrective potential of C. intybus leaf phytoconstituents, shedding light on their molecular interactions with hepatoprotective targets. This research contributes valuable insights into the therapeutic applications of C. intybus in liver protection.

Can the Inclusion of Forage Chicory in the Diet of Lactating Dairy Cattle Alter Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Composition? Findings of a Multilevel Meta-Analysis.

In traditional ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne L./Trifolium repens L.) pastoral systems, forage herbs such as chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) present an opportunity to fill feed deficits during late spring and summer. Although multiple research publications have evaluated the efficacy of chicory for enhancing milk production and milk fatty acid (FA) profile, no publication has quantitatively synthesised the body of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of chicory on milk production and composition, as well as on the milk fatty acid composition of dairy cattle. A total of 29 comparisons from 15 unique research publications involving 597 dairy cattle were used to develop a dataset for analysis. Three-level random-effect and robust variance estimator models were used to account for the hierarchical structure of the data and the dependency of effect sizes within publications. Chicory inclusion increased milk yield when compared to grass-based diets {weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.07 (95% CI 0.54-1.60) kg/cow/d, p < 0.001}, but it provided a similar milk yield when compared to other forages such as legumes and herbs {dicots; WMD = -0.30, (95% CI -89-0.29) kg/cow/day, p = 0.312}. Increases in milk yield were congruent with differences in DM intake (p = 0.09) and ME intakes (p = 0.003), being similar in chicory-fed and dicot-fed cows but higher than grass-fed cows. Chicory feeding's effect on milk solids was twice as high during mid lactation {154 days in milk; WMD = 0.13, (95% 0.081-0.175) kg/cow/day, p < 0.001} as during late lactation {219 days in milk; WMD = 0.06, (95% 0.003-0.13) kg/cow/day, p = 0.041}. In line with milk yield, greater and more significant effect sizes were found for alpha linolenic acid {ALA; WMD = 0.20 (95% CI 0.06-0.35) g/100 g FA, p = 0.011} when chicory was compared to grass species only. Comparing chicory with dicots suggests that chicory inclusion did not impact ALA concentrations {WMD = 0.001 (95% CI -0.02-0.2) g/100 g FA, p = 0.99}. There were no differences in conjugated linoleic acid concentration in the milk of cows fed chicory or control diets. The study provides empirical evidence of chicory's efficacy for improved milk production and milk fatty acid composition.

Effects of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) distillation wastewater on antioxidant status, immune response, cecal microbial population, growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) distillation wastewater (CDWW) is a dark viscous liquid obtained as a by-product of the processing of industrial chicory (Cichorium intybus). The current study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary CDWW on growth performance, oxidative status, immune response, meat quality, and cecal microbial population of broiler chicken. In total, 400 one-d-old male chickens (Ross 308) were allotted into four groups in ten replicates of 10 chickens each. The 1st group was fed a basal diet without CDWW (control), whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were fed diets containing CDWW (15, 30, and 45 mL/kg diet, respectively) for 42 days. At day 42 of age, CDWW significantly increased body weight gain (P < 0.01), improved feed efficiency, and reduced mortality rate (P < 0.05). Treatments did not have a significant effect on feed intake. The 30 and 45 mL of CDWW groups showed an increase in hematological values than other groups (P < 0.05). The ALT, AST, ALP, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentration in serum were lower and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) were greater in 30 and 45 mL /kg of CDWW groups than other groups (P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum, liver, breast, and lipid peroxide (LPO) in breast decreased by 30 and 45 mL of CDWW supplementation (P < 0.05). The oxidative enzymes activities in serum, liver, and breast were greater in 30 and 45 mL /kg of CDWW than other groups (P < 0.05). Also, quality properties and composition of beast were improved and ceceal harmful microbial counts were decreased by the 30 and 45 mL /kg of CDWW (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the CDWW at 30 and 45 mL /kg improved the broiler's performance, meat quality, as well as blood indices and cecal microbial load by enhancing antioxidant activities and suppressing lipid peroxidation in meat.

Chicory root powder included as a prebiotic in different cereal-based diets for dogs: Influences on gut health, metabolic and immunological status

The present experiment was conducted to study the influence of chicory root powder as a prebiotic on gut health, metabolic, and immunological status of dogs fed with different cereal-based diets. Sixteen Labrador dogs, fed either a wheat (WT) or sorghum (SG) based diet, each without (C) or with (P) supplemental chicory root powder at 10 g/kg diet, were divided into four equal groups namely WT-C, WT-P, SG-C and SG-P. The digestibility of DM, OM, and total carbohydrates was significantly (p < 0.05) higher with the SG-C diet than with the other diets. Faecal ammonia was reduced (p = 0.002) in the WT-P group; however, there were no differences (p > 0.05) observed in the faecal pH and contents of lactate, acetate, propionate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The faecal lactobacilli population was higher (p = 0.001) in both the prebiotic-supplemented groups with a similar trend (p = 0.079) for bifidobacteria. Coliform counts were reduced (p = 0.002) in prebiotic-supplemented diets irrespective of cereals. There were significant (p < 0.05) variations in haemoglobin and haematocrit values among the dietary groups. The delayed-type hypersensitivity response to intradermal phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) was higher (p<0.001) in both the prebiotic-supplemented groups; a similar trend was evident in the humoral immune response measured as antibody response to sheep erythrocytes. The peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations of CD4+ and CD8+ varied with prebiotic supplementation of the sorghum-based diet. Overall, the findings implies that tailoring the dietary composition to include specific cereals may optimize the beneficial effects of prebiotics in supporting canine health.

Akdeniz Bölgesi’nden Beş Asteraceae Türünün Biyoaktif Potansiyeli ve Fenolik Profili Üzerine Karşılaştırmalı Bir Değerlendirme

In recent years, plants with bioactive properties as well as nutritional value have been densely researched. Asteraceae, the most species-rich family of flowering plants, includes numerous wild species most of which are consumed as bioactive compound-rich vegetables and herbal teas. In this study, radical scavenging, antibacterial, and phytotoxic activity as well as phenolic content of some Mediterranean Asteraceae species, Calendula arvensis, Cichorium intybus subsp. intybus, Glebionis coronaria, Scolymus hispanicus, and Tragopogon porrifolius subsp. longirostris, were investigated. As a result, C. intybus, G. coronaria, and S. hispanicus extracts have higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picril-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity than that of the others (P

Application of innovative biostimulants for growth and quality improvement in vegetable and ornamental crops

Research objective: This research aims to evaluate the biostimulant potential of some innovative products that can improve germination, growth and protection from biotic stresses on some vegetable and ornamental species. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in October 2022, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), on Cichorium intybus and Crassula rupestris plants. The experimental groups were: i) group control, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) biofertiliser Ecklonia maxima, dilution 1:1000, 5 ml of this dilution once a week per plant; iii) Elixir lite, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilised; iv) Immuno pro group, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilised; Harvest boost group, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilised. On 23 January 2024, plant height, number of leaves, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of microorganisms and pH of the substrate were determined. In addition, the mortality of the plants in the nursery was assessed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of biostimulants can significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Cichorium intybus and Crassula rupestris plants. In general, a significant increase in plant height, vegetative and root weight and root length was observed, particularly in the Elixir lite treatment. There was also a significant increase in the microbial colonisation of the substrate with all innovative biostimulant treatments, while the pH remained practically unchanged. The Immuno pro treatment was the best in terms of reducing plant mortality in all two plant species. Biostimulants are widely used in horticulture because we often work with short-cycle crops, varying from a few weeks to a few months. The rapid succession of different crops implies a constant supply of nutrients and intensive use of soil. More intensive horticulture in particular often benefits from the effect of biostimulant treatments due to the increased resource use efficiency of the crops. Foliar biostimulants are mainly used by farmers to increase the production of both leaf and fruit vegetable crops. The positive effects of their use are exerted both on increasing the content of secondary metabolites and on a general improvement of nutrient uptake efficiency. These biological effects can be attributed to the presence in biostimulants of polysaccharides, extracted from algae, such as alginates and carrageenan, which are responsible for two important biological actions: sequestering or slowly releasing nutrients. In fruit vegetables, biostimulants can also improve the homogeneity of flowering and fruit size, as reported for peppers. Commercial biostimulants have increased the unit yield of many leafy vegetable species by acting on nutrient uptake by the plant. Conclusions: In horticultural production, in open field and in protected crops, the application of biostimulants is aimed at achieving one or more of the following objectives: to favour a rapid emergence of seedlings in direct sowing crops or a rapid overcoming of the transplanting crisis; to precociate the entry into production; to increase growth, flowering, fruit set and fruit growth; to improve product quality; to increase the efficiency of nutrient use and tolerance to environmental stresses.

Urban Flora Riches: Unraveling Metabolic Variation Along Altitudinal Gradients in Two Spontaneous Plant Species.

Using resilient, self-sustaining plants in urban green spaces enhances environmental and cultural benefits and reduces management costs. We assessed two spontaneous plant species, Linaria vulgaris Mill. and Cichorium intybus L., in four sites from the surrounding urban areas, ranging in altitude from 78 to 1040 m. Protection against UV-B radiation is crucial for plants at higher altitudes, guiding our focus on UV-visible absorption spectra, fluorometric emission spectra, secondary metabolite accumulation, and pigment dynamics in leaves. Our findings revealed a slight increase in UV-absorbing compounds with altitude and species-specific changes in visible spectra. The UV-emission of fluorochromes decreased, while red emission increased with altitude but only in chicory. Polyphenols and flavonoids showed a slight upward trend with altitude. Divergent trends were observed in condensed tannin accumulation, with L. vulgaris decreasing and C. intybus increasing with altitude. Additionally, chicory leaves from higher altitudes (792 and 1040 m) contained significantly lower triterpene concentrations. In L. vulgaris, chlorophyll pigments and carotenoids varied with sites, contrasting with UV absorbance variations. For C. intybus, pigment variation was similar to absorbance changes in the UV and VIS range, except at the highest altitude. These observations provide valuable insights into species-specific strategies for adapting to diverse environmental contexts.

Identification and evaluation of putative type 2 diabetes mellitus inhibitors derived from Cichorium intybus

Diabetes, triggered by impaired glucose regulation, is characterized by the conversion of glucose to sorbitol by aldose reductase (AR). In prior studies to develop AR inhibitors, the toxicity and efficacy of the therapeutic molecules presented challenges throughout clinical trials. This led the researchers to investigate the potential biological modulation of natural products owing to their varied chemical structures. Cichorium intybus L. (C. intybus), commonly known as chicory, has a long history of medicinal use and shows potential pharmacological properties, particularly in reducing lipid levels. The study employs computational methods, including ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, to discover possible inhibitors of ALR-2 from C. intybus. The ADMET-filtered compounds from C. intybus show high binding energy viz, CID 8468: -133.295,370: -118.633, -109.479, and 359: -108.48 Kcal/mol. These compounds were observed to exhibit strong affinity and specificity for ALR-2 as comparable to epalrestat. MD simulation of the compounds 8468 and 370 for 100 ns, further authenticated the stability of their complexes with ALR2. The RMSD, RMSF, and intra-molecular interactions of the compounds were comparable to the native ligand-epalrestat, suggesting their potential to be considered as ALR2 inhibitors. Additional research including in vitro, in vivo analysis, and clinical trials is essential to accurately assess the efficacy of natural compounds.

Metabolomic profiling of the nutritional components of chicory leaves following heat processing.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; witloof) is a crisp bitter leafy vegetable, popularly used in western cuisine in salads and soups (leaves) and as an alternative to coffee (roasted roots). In this study, we explored the effect of heat processing under various temperatures and for different durations on the nutritional composition of chicory leaves using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA). "Vintor" chicory leaves were processed and homogenized to obtain lyophilized samples, and their moisture content and pH were measured. Heat processing was conducted at 4, 30, 60, and 100°C. Metabolites were extracted and analyzed using GC/MS. The results were statistically analyzed using multiple t-tests and Tukey-Kramer method. A PCA was conducted using standardized data. A lower temperature (≤60°C) positively influenced the concentrations of nutritional components (sugars, free amino acids, and organic acids), branched-chain amino acids (which reportedly improve exercise performance), and γ-aminobutyric acid (which exerts antihypertensive effects). Whereas, a higher temperature (100°C) and microwave processing induced the generation of low-molecular-weight sugars from polysaccharides and glycosides, decreased free amino acid concentrations, and caused heat-induced aminocarbonyl reactions. This study provides valuable information for enhancing the flavor profiles and potential health benefits of chicory leaves by identifying the optimal heat processing parameters for preserving the desired nutritional value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The palatability, nutritional content, and health benefits of chicory have been evaluated based on its inherent constituents, but changes in these parameters during food processing remain unclear. Heating at 30 and 60°C activated secondary metabolism in chicory, increasing the amino acid and organic acid concentrations, whereas heating at 100°C and microwave processing increased the sugar concentrations in chicory. Thus, the nutritional value and potential health benefits of chicory could be enhanced by processing it under controlled temperatures; the findings are valuable for both consumers and food processing industry.

Mixtures of Forage Species as Pasture for Dairy Ewes in a Mediterranean Environment

In Sicilian forage systems, the introduction of native self-seeding annual legumes can be beneficial in low-input farming. Intercropping would be a valuable strategy for implementing pasture resources in Sicilian forage systems during late spring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on ewes’ milk production of continuous grazing with two different mixtures (i) sulla (Sulla coronarium L.), burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) (SuBuCh); and (ii) barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.), snail medic (Medicago scutellata L.), and burr medic (BuSnBa). Twenty lactating ewes were homogeneously divided into four groups of five ewes. Each group was assigned to one of four 1500 m2 grazing sectors consisting of two replicates of SuBuCh and BuSnBa. Ewes fed with the SuBuCh mixture showed higher milk yield, higher protein (5.17 vs. 4.85%, p &lt; 0.001) and casein content (4.02 vs. 3.73%, p &lt; 0.001), lower urea content (37.70 vs. 45.38 mg dL−1, p &lt; 0.001), and better clotting parameters compared to ewes grazing on the BuSnBa mixture. Finally, ewes in the SuBuCh group showed a smaller decrease in live weight at the end of the grazing period compared to BuSnBa ewes (−2.05 vs. −3.55 kg, respectively), although the difference did not reach a significant level. These preliminary one-year results seem to highlight the promising role of SuBuCh intercrop leading to a potential quantitative/qualitative improvement in grazing resources and the productive performance of grazing ewes in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment. However, it is of note that these outcomes might undergo variations when subjected to a prolonged trial extending beyond three years.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of honey stabilized inulin nanoparticles as colon targeting drug delivery carrier

Inulin (INU) is a versatile natural polysaccharide primarily derived from chicory roots. INU possesses the unique quality of evading digestion or fermentation in the early stages of the human digestive tract, instead reaching the lower colon directly. Exploiting on this distinctive attribute, INU finds application in the creation of targeted carrier systems for delivering drugs tailored to colon-related diseases. This study presents a novel method for synthesizing highly stable and non-aggregatory inulin nanoparticles (INU NPs) by ionotropic gelation method, using calcium chloride as crosslinker and natural honey as a stabilizing agent. Different formulation and process parameters were optimized for the synthesis of monodispersed INU NPs. These INU NPs efficiently encapsulated a hydrophilic drug irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (IHT) and drug loaded formulation (IINPs) demonstrated excellent colloidal and storage stabilities. Notably, these IINPs exhibited pH-dependent drug release, suggesting potential for colon-specific drug delivery. Anticancer activity of the NPs was found significantly higher in comparison to IHT through cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies against human colorectal carcinoma cells. Overall, this study revealed that the INU NPs synthesized by ionotropic gelation will be an efficient nanocarrier system for colon-targeted drug delivery due to their exceptional biocompatibility and stability in stomach and upper intestinal conditions.

Including clover and herb species in grazing forages – effects on milk production, milk processability and milk fatty acid profile of late lactation dairy cows supplemented with grass silage and concentrate

Abstract Milk production declines as dairy cows enter late lactation, resulting in reduced milk quality and negatively impacting milk processability, such as rennet coagulation time (RCT), milk pH and ethanol stability (ES), leading to seasonality issues for milk processors. Multispecies forages, containing grass, legume and herb species, require lower N inputs and are of interest to dairy farmers. However, little is known about the effect of grazing multispecies forages on milk processability characteristics in late lactation dairy cows. Forty-five autumn-calving dairy cows in late lactation were allocated to 1 of 3 grazing forages; perennial ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne), perennial ryegrass and white clover (Trifolium pratense) (PRGWC), and a 6 – species multispecies forage (MULTI) containing perennial ryegrass, timothy (Phleum pratense), white clover, red clover (Trifolium repens), chicory (Cichorium intybus) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Cows were allocated 12 kg DM grazed forage and supplemented with a grass – silage TMR and concentrate. Forage DMI was significantly lower for cows grazing PRG. Milk yield increased when cows grazed PRGWC (18.07 kg/d) and MULTI (17.84 kg/d) compared to PRG (16.08 kg/d). Milk RCT (mins) and ES (%) were unaffected by treatment. However, offering cows PRGWC and MULTI increased the concentration of C18:2 cis – 9, 12 and C18:3 cis – 9, 12, 15 in milk compared to PRG. Compared to PRG, grazing forages containing clover and herb species improved milk yield and beneficially altered milk fatty acid profile in late lactation dairy cows without negatively impacting milk processability.

Chitosan-Supported ZnO Nanoparticles: Their Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Application for the Removal of Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6) from Aqueous Media.

A composite of chitosan-supported ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO/CS) was green-synthesized via an easy and cost-effective method using Chicory (Cichorium intybus) plant extract. The synthesis was confirmed using uv-vis spectrometry at a λmax of 380 nm, and the surface of the material was characterized via FT-IR spectroscopy, and finally via SEM, which confirmed the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of chitosan biopolymer (CS). The synthesized material was applied in the adsorptive removal of residues of the pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) pharmaceutical drug from aqueous media using the batch technique. The material's removal capacity was studied through several adjustable parameters including pH, contact time, the dose of the adsorbent, and the capacity for drug adsorption under the optimal conditions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to describe the adsorption process. The removal was found to obey the Freundlich model, which refers to a chemisorption process. Different kinetic models were also studied for the removal process and showed that the pseudo-second-order model was more fitted, which indicates that the removal was a chemisorption process. Thermodynamic studies were also carried out. The maximum removal of vitamin B6 by the nano-ZnO/CS composite was found to be 75% at optimal conditions. The results were compared to other reported adsorbents. Reusability tests showed that the nano-ZnO/CS composite can be efficiently reused up to seven times for the removal of PDX drugs from aqueous media.