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To date, the effects of invasive plants on soil communities and the concomitant interactions thereof have been the subject of ever-growing concern. Solanum elaeagnifolium (S) is a noxious invasive weed originating from south-central America, which has been recognized as a serious threat around the Mediterranean basin and worldwide. Herein, we compared soil nematode communities in the rhizospheres of (S), against those of its native antagonist Cichorium intybus (C), in sites where these two ruderal plants coexist ("species" effect—hereafter "sp"). These sites differed regarding the time after the initial invasion of (S) and were regarded as recently and historically invaded (10 years and 70 years after invasion; "year" effect—hereafter "yr"). Neither "sp" nor "yr" affected total nematode abundance and nematode functional indices. Diversity was lower in (S) and was reduced even more with time after invasion in both plant species. Plant parasites decreased significantly from S–10yr to S–70yr, i.e., over time after invasion, while predators were fewer in (C). Distinct nematode communities in terms of genera structure were formed under the two plant species and these were significantly affected by the time after (S) invasion. Differences between these communities related to loss of genera but also to changes in the abundance of common ones, such as Acrobeloides and Pratylenchus. Our results showed that the responses of the examined soil communities to the invasion of (S) are not straightforward and cannot be easily explained on the basis of existing theories. However, the first-time results furnished herein may be useful to integrated management strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) is a perennial herb of the family Asteraceae, widely distributed in Asia and Europe, commonly used industrially as a raw material for extracting inulin because of a high content of inulin and biologically active compounds. Light conditions and plant growth regulators (PGRs) are two of many factors that affect the growth and inulin content of chicory callus. The aim of this work is to study the effect of PGRs and light conditions on proliferation and accumulation of inulin of chicory callus in vitro. In this study, we used semi-solid MS medium supplemented with different auxins (including Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthylacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) at a concentration of 5.5–9.5 mg/L in combination with 2.0 mg/L 6 benzylaminopurine (BA) to determine induction and proliferation of callus. The increasing value of callus fresh weight was used to assess the growth of the callus in treatments. The results showed that a steady increase in callus fresh weight and inulin content in callus cells was obtained when they were cultured on MS medium supplemented with a combination of 2.0 mg/L BA with 7.5 mg/L IAA in lighting conditions with radiation equalized by the flux density of photosynthetic photons and ratios of radiation levels in the region of FR—far red > R—red. Increasing demand for organic inulin sources in production practice can be met by our finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a micronutrient, zinc (Zn) plays an essential role in various physiological processes of plants. Here, acclimatized samples of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), withania (Withania. coagulans) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.) were evaluated under aeroponic system conditions in order to explore the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The plants were foliar sprayed with ZnO NP biofertilizer (0, 1, 2 and 3 g L-1) for 20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting. The experiments were performed based on a completely randomized design with five replications. The valerian showed that 3 g L-1 ZnO NPs caused the highest plant height, root length, leaf number per plant, root volume per plant, as well as fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots. The mean values in chicory showed that the plants that were treated with ZnO NPs (3 g L-1) had the highest amount of biomass and photosynthetic pigments. Based on the results of mean values in purple coneflower, ZnO NPs (3 g L-1) caused the largest increase in morphological values. Furthermore, comparing the mean values in the withania showed that the highest plant height, root length, leaf number per plant, root volume per plant, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots were observed in plants treated with 3 g L-1 ZnO NPs. Therefore, Zn is considered as an essential micronutrient in the growth of these plants and could be prepared in nanosized form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the results of experimental studies of solid fuel production from coffee production waste, which by its nature is a mixture of coffee grounds, barley, and chicory. The formation of solid fuel briquetted samples was carried out by pressing under a pressure of 100 kgf/cm2 for 60 seconds at different temperatures. The higher calorific value of the obtained solid fuel samples and dried initial mixture of spent coffee grounds was determined. The higher calorific value of the briquetted samples is in the range of ~22147÷23095 kJ/kg, and that of the dried initial spent coffee grounds mixture is ~21583 kJ/kg. The prospective use of the studied raw materials in comparison with existing analogues is shown. The use of a mixture of coffee production waste for the production of solid fuel will solve the problem of excessive production of industrial waste, rationalize their secondary use and avoid the negative impact of their accumulation on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Fructans are water soluble, non‐digestible fructose polymers found as storage polysaccharides in certain plants. They are classified as inulin‐type, graminan‐type and branched‐type, while the former being the most extensively researched fructan type. Inulin fructans vary in different plants, with respect to the chain length, degree of polymerisation and molecular weight. Being one of the most versatile functional food ingredients, inulin fructans are well known for their unique bifidogenic and prebiotic properties as well as techno‐functional properties including fibre enhancing, fat and sugar replacing and viscosity and texture modifying attributes in food systems. Therefore, incorporation of inulin fructans into more frequently consumed dairy and non‐dairy products has become an emerging trend in the food industry. Despite the commercial manufacture of inulin fructans from chicory, a growing interest has emerged to extract this functional ingredient from inulin‐rich alternative plant sources including jerusalem artichoke, globe artichoke, yacon, burdock, asparagus species, garlic, agave and dandelion, which can potentially be good sources of inulin for food and nutraceutical applications in future. This review provides an in‐depth insight of inulin fructans including the chemistry, food applications and health benefits, and also giving special reference to alternative plant sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral element needed by livestock and human. The amount of Se intake is largely determined by the Se content in the plants (food and feed) consumed. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Se fertilizer on the morphological characters, biomass yield, nutrient content, and in vitro nutrient digestibility of Cichorium intybus. This study was conducted for four months, starting from May to August 2019, located at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The seeds of Cichorium intybus var. Chico was sown in 24 plots and the plots were arranged in a completely randomized block design. Three levels of Se fertilization treatments (0, 3.5, and 7.5 mg/m²) were applied with 8 replicates. Plant defoliation on every 45 days: namely the first defoliation (from sowing to 45 days), the second defoliation (regrowth 1 up to 45 days), and the third defoliation (regrowth 2 up to 45 days). In all studied parameters, the results showed that chicory with Se fertilizer (3.5 and 7.5 mg/m²) was higher (p<0.05) than chicory without Se fertilization. The chicory with Se fertilizer at the level of 7.5 mg/m² had higher (p<0.05) leaf width, biomass yield, crude protein, and Se content, and in vitro nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein) compared to that with Se fertilizer at the level of 3.5 mg/m². Chicory at the third defoliation had a higher biomass yield and Se content than at the second defoliation. In conclusion, the best combination from this study was the third defoliation, with Se fertilizer level of 7.5 mg/m². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer demand is increasing for low-calorie, high-fibre functional foods. Cookies are considered better for functional ingredient incorporation as it is in ready-to-consume form with good shelf life and they have gained extensive consumer preference. The current study was undertaken to formulate cookies with the incorporation of roasted chicory powder and inulin, and to compare the nutritional profile as well as physical properties of the cookies. The roasted chicory powder was incorporated in 5, 10, and 15% levels and inulin was incorporated in the levels of 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacing sugar in butter cookies and multigrain cookies. The cookies were evaluated for sensory attributes, nutrient profile and physical properties. The cookies with 5% roasted chicory powder and 50% inulin as sugar replacers were organoleptically accepted. Inulin incorporation had a tremendous impact on the fibre content of the product. But the addition of chicory in the cookies resulted in a better nutrient profile apart from increasing the fibre content considerably. Studying the physical properties of the cookies, inulin/chicory incorporation resulted in a significant increase in the spread ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of extraction with different solvents with HPLC-MS2 was used to identify chemotaxonomic markers (sesquiterpene lactones and hydroxycinnamic acids) to confirm whether the 200-year-old historical material is chicory extract. To compare and verify this approach, an analysis of current dry chicory root was performed simultaneously. Although it was not possible to prove the presence of selected sesquiterpene lactones or hydroxycinnamic acids in the historical sample analyzed, arteincultone was found to be a suitable chemotaxonomic marker to prove that this sample was prepared from chicory in the past. Moreover, this is the first evidence of this substance in the plant Cichorium intybus. In addition, the presence of other substances typical of chicory confirms the positive authentication of the sample. Mass spectrometric fragmentation of arteincultone, selected sesquiterpene lactones, and chicoric acid has also been studied in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous and indiscriminate use of chemical drugs causes an important phenomenon of resistance to microorganisms and consequently, the effect of the drugs is weakened or neutralized. On the other hand, it has been reported that many plant essential oils have a significant inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms, so, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of several plant extracts on Escherichia coli isolated from poultry feces. Cichorium intybus L., Hypericum perforatum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., and Thymus vulgaris L. from Shahrekord were collected and determined in the botanical laboratory of University of Zabol. To prepare the ethanolic extract, 40 gr of dried leaves of plants used in 400 cc of ethanol were used. The various strains of E. coli used were isolated from poultry feces by biochemical, bacteriological, and growth tests as well as standard tests. Determination of the free radical trapping activity was perfomed bydiphenylpicryl hydroxyl, and then the antimicrobial effects were investigated by diffusion method in Müller Hinton agar medium using 6 mm paper discs according to Bauer and Kirby instructions. Statistx ver10 software was used for statistical calculations. Mean comparisons were performed using the least significant difference (LSD) test. The results showed an increasing trend of the antioxidant activity of the extracts with increasing the concentration of plant extracts. The interaction of plant extract and the amount of extract in trapping free radicals showed that the highest antioxidant activity at low concentrations of the extract (16 and 32 μg/ml) was observed in the chicory extract following by licorice extract, but it licorice extract showed the highest activity at high concentration (64 μg/ml). In general, H. perforatum L. was the most effective plant in trapping free radicals. The lowest MIC of H. perforatum L. was 3.1 ppm, which was unilaterally inhibited at this concentration. H. perforatum L. and chicory had the highest (5.38) and lowest (2.23) diameter halos of inhibition of E. coli growth. Considering the side effects of chemical drugs and antibiotics as well as the potential effect of medicinal plant extracts used, especially H. perforatum L. on E. coli, compared to Cefazolin, it is recommended to use H. perforatum L. in inhibiting growth of E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to explain the effects of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root extracts as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the molecular level and to determine the inhibition of AChE activity by specific SLs (lactucin and lactucopicrin) and different chicory extracts. The obtained SLs-rich extracts were purified by the countercurrent partition chromatography (CPC) technique. AChE inhibitors were analyzed using two models: isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and docking simulation. The results of ITC analysis of the enzyme and the ligands' complexation showed strong interactions of SLs as well as extracts from chicory with AChE. In a test of enzyme activity inhibition after introducing acetylcholine into the model system with SL, a stronger ability to inhibit the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter was observed for lactucopicrin, which is one of the dominant SLs in chicory. The inhibition of enzyme activity was more efficient in the case of extracts, containing different enzyme ligands, exhibiting complementary patterns of binding the AChE active site. The study showed the high potential of using chicory to decrease the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pupose of this study is to determine the chemical composition and suitability for silage of major weeds in agrocenoses of forage crops, using a biological preparation for silage. To perform the task, a green weed mass was collected and 2 variants of silage were prepared from the following types of weeds: Field bindweed, Johnson grass, Foxtail, Chicory, Snake flower. Alfalfa is used as control forage crop. The chemical composition of five types of main weeds in the agrocenoses of the main Bulgarian crops is determined. The following average composition of weeds was found: Crude protein – 11.77%; Crude fibers – 21.89%; Fat – 3.13%; Ash – 7.93% and Nitrogen free extracts – 55.28%. The best ensilageability (according to pH) is observed for Foxtail and Chicory, as the pH is lowest at 4.02 and 4.04, respectively. Lower pH values correlate negatively with lower Crude protein content and relatively high Crude fiber content. Lower Ph values correlate negatively with lower Crude protein content and relatively high Crude fiber content. Snakeflower, Field bindweed and Johnson grass are characterized by poorer silage qualities, with Ph above the permissible norms (4.54, 4.50 and 4.31, respectively). Alfalfa is the most difficult to ensilage compared to all 5 types of weeds (pH=4.84). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being ignored in the modern agricultural approach, wild vegetables have an important use in Turkey and contribute to a balanced diet and food security at the household levels. This study focused on the nutritional content of wild chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) that is widely consumed as a vegetable by people living in rural areas in Turkey. The nutritional value and bioactive compounds and antioxidant contents in twenty-one wild chicory populations from Turkey were investigated by analyzing the leaf. The collected chicory seeds were sown in pots and grown in greenhouse conditions. 40 days after sowing, crude protein, mineral matters (Ca, Mg, P, K, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn) and antioxidant contents were determined. Significant differences were noted among to chicory populations regarding all the investigated parameters. Crude protein content among the population was between 20.45 and 27.89% and averaged 23.65%. Averaged mineral contents over the populations were ordered as follows: K > Ca > Mg > P > Fe > Mn > Cu. The variation was between 15.3 and 25.8 mgGAE/g extract for total phenolic and between 1.43 and 2.55 µgQE for total flavonoid content. Overall results showed that chicory can contribute to a healthier diet and food security by diversification of food sources. In addition, the geographical origin of the population was important in the traits examined, which can shed light on the selection of genotypes for breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of N fertilization on the health status of chicory plants, yield and the content of dry matter and macronutrients in chicory roots was determined in the study. Three root chicory cultivars, Polanowicka, Orchies and Chrysolite, were grown in a plot experiment. Three levels of topsoil N fertilization were applied before sowing: 0, 80 and 120 kg ha-1. The severity of leaf diseases was estimated during the growing season. Root yield, agronomic and marginal N-use efficiency, DM content and macronutrient concentrations in roots were calculated after harvest (10-20 October). The symptoms of powdery mildew, gray mold and leaf spot on chicory leaves were significantly least severe in the unfertilized treatment. The highest yield (83 Mg ha-1) was obtained in 2017, in cv. Chrysolite without N fertilization. Root yield decreased in response to the application of N fertilizer at both rates. A minor increase in yield was observed only in cv. Polanowicka in N-fertilized treatments in 2017, and in cv. Chrysolite fertilized with 80 kg N ha-1 in 2018. Root yield was negatively correlated with disease severity during the growing season. The DM content of chicory roots (mean values for years of the study, cultivars and N rates) was similar in all treatments. N fertilization induced changes in the content of N, K, Mg and S in chicory roots of the analyzed cultivars. The application of N fertilizer had a beneficial influence on the N content of roots in all cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being one of the most frequently consumed beverages worldwide, there are concerns that excessive consumption of coffee can have adverse effects, especially concerning the addictive and stimulating effects of the alkaloid caffeine, which contributes to coffee's popularity. It is known to increase the risk of hypertension and heart rate among predisposed individuals, adversely affecting the nervous system. Even though they differ in nature from those found in coffee, coffee substitutes can be considered economically and health-wise as a favorable alternative to natural coffee brews. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art varieties of plants used as coffee substitutes and discusses their production technology, chemical composition, nutritional properties, health benefits, economic challenges, and rationale for choosing the plant as a substitute for coffee. Various instant products and coffee substitute blends are also available on the market especially based on different kinds of plants and herbs like ginger, rye, date pits, quinoa, lupine, chicory, barley, rye, oak, and so on. These coffee substitutes have several advantages especially having no caffeine and containing different beneficial phytochemicals, although the results of the difference between the levels of harmful compounds in coffee and coffee substitutes were contradictory. Therefore, it is no wonder that the development of coffee substitutes, which are beverages that are able to mimic the taste and aroma of coffee, is on the rise at present., (© 2024 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Orychophragmus violaceus (OV) and chicory ( Cichorium intybus L., CC) can be used as fresh or dry forage for animals. To determine whether OV and/or CC have beneficial effects on performance and egg quality, a total of 1212 28-wk-old Beijing You Chicken (BYC) laying hens with similar performance were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 3 replicate pens per group, and 101 birds per pen. The birds were fed a basal diet (control), the basal diet + OV (3.507 kg/d/pen), the basal diet + CC (2.525 kg/d/pen), and the basal diet + OV + CC (OVC, 1.7535 kg/d/pen OV + 1.2625 kg/d/pen CC) for 3 wks after one wk of adaptation. The results showed that egg-laying rate was not affected by OV, CC and OVC ( p  > 0.05), but weekly average egg mass was significantly increased by OV and CC ( p  < 0.05). The feed egg ratio in the CC group (2.82) was significantly lower than that in the other three groups ( p  < 0.05). The eggshell thickness (EST), albumen height (AH) and Haugh unit (HU) were decreased by OV and CC ( p  < 0.05); while yolk color (YC) was increased in the CC and OVC groups ( p  < 0.05). Egg grade was decreased by OV ( p  < 0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that there was a trend for increased YC in OV, CC and OVC ( p  = 0.089). Serum total protein was significantly lower in OV group than those in the control and CC group ( p  < 0.05); serum albumin content was significantly decreased in OV, CC and OVC groups ( p  = 0.006). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity in CC and OVC groups was significantly higher than that in the control group ( p  < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study suggests that CC had a better effect on the performance of the native laying hens than OV. The OV and CC affected egg quality, while YC was increased in CC and OVC groups. The OVC improved YC and serum antioxidative properties of native laying hens without affecting the performance.

Introduction: Enteritis and dysbiosis are the major causes of high morbidity and mortality of juvenile ostriches. Chicory (CC) has been proven to have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, it's unclear whether CC could improve the survival rate of juvenile ostriches by relieving enteritis and correcting dysbiosis., Materials and Methods: South African ostrich hatchlings ( Struthio camelus domesticus ) were fed with and without a CC-supplemented diet, and the body weight gain and mortality were compared over 4 months of age. Fresh fecal samples of clinically healthy ostriches were collected, and 16S DNAs were analyzed. Moreover, ostrich chicks with LPS-induced enteritis were fed with different dosages (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) of chicoric acid (CA), a major bioactive component of CC, for five consecutive days. The expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and inflammatory mediators in the ilea were detected with western blot and immunofluorescence., Results: The ostrich chicks fed on the CC-supplemented diet began to increase in weight at the 1st month of age and became remarkably heavier at the fourth month ( p  < 0.01) compared with those fed on the non-CC-supplemented diet. Additionally, the mortality percentage was lower in the chicks fed on the CC-supplemented diet than those fed on the non-CC-supplemented diet (19% vs. 36%, respectively). The diet with the CC supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Phascolactobacteria (linear discriminant analysis; LDA >4) and Bacteroidota (26.7% vs. 17.7%, respectively) as well as decreased the enrichment of Clostridium (5.0% vs. 9.1%, respectively) in the ostrich ilea compared to the diet without CC. The supplementation of CA at a dose of 80 mg/kg significantly increased the expression level of ZO-1 and claudin-3 ( p  < 0.0001) and suppressed the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( p  < 0.0001) in ostriches with LPS-induced ileitis., Conclusion: Our results substantiate that CC or CA supplementation in a diet could effectively improve growth performance and reduce mortality in juvenile ostriches via modulating the gut microbiota and attenuating enteritis., Competing Interests: ML was employed by Henan Jinlu Special Breeding Farm. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, Abouelfetouh, Salah, Kiani, Nan, Ding and Ding.)

Introduction. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is widely applied for liver disease treatment by traditional medicine of different countries; as well, it is the object for pharmacological research of hepatoprotective activity. In this regard, the method for obtaining dry extract of wild chicory herb (WCHE) is developed in the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.Aim. Aim of the research is determination of the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds, identification of the substances prevailing in WCHE and conducting pharmacological screening of the extract.Materials and methods. WCHE chemical composition has been explored with HPLC-MS/MS method; the main components were determined quantitatively with HPLC-UF method using single compounds that were isolated by us earlier and identified by NMR spectroscopy. WCHE pharmacological screening of hepatoprotective activity research was involving 50 male rats. Acute toxic hepatitis in animals was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of 50 % oily solution of tetrachloromethane (TCM) at a dosage of 0.4 ml per 100 g body weight. One hour before administration TCM, animals received WCHE at the doses of 100 or 500 mg/kg. 48 hours after TCM administration, the activity of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the content of total bilirubin were determined for preliminary establishment of pharmacological activity. Pathomorphological studies of rat liver were carried out using histological methods. The liver histological structure was inspected using liver sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Results and discussion. The component composition of WCHE is represented by oxycoumarins, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. The dominant phenolic compounds are esculetin, chicoriin, chicoric, chlorogenic and caftaric acids. It was found under acute experimental toxic hepatitis, that preliminary WCHE administration reduces the toxic TCM effect on liver cells. In animals treated with WCHE at doses both 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, it was observed decreases in ALT activity by 35 % and 45 %, AST by 15 % and 28 %, alkaline phosphatase by 15 % and 21 %; the content of total bilirubin by 20 % and 29 %, respectively, in comparison with similar indicators in the group of animals that were not treated with the extract. The histological study showed that WCHE administration to animals at the doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg reduces dystrophic changes in hepatocytes, this effect is more pronounced at the extract dosage of 500 mg/kg.Conclusion. Main WCHE components are oxycoumarins (esculetin, chicoriin), hydroxycinnamic acids (chicoric, chlorogenic and caftaric). According to the results of screening studies, it was established that WCHE in doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg is a promising object for further pharmacological research.

Relevance. Evaluation of nutritional value of seeds of agricultural crops is considered to be highly significant for revealing new sources of antioxidants for humans.Material. The aim of the present investigation was antioxidant status and selenium accumulation levels by chicory seeds (13 cultivars) and comparison of the results with antioxidants status of seeds of other root vegetables: celery (5 cultivars), parsley (2 cultivars), parsnip (3 cultivars) and carrot (7 cultivars).Results. Among agricultural crops studied chicory was characterized by 3-4 higher levels of selenium accumulation by seeds and relatively low total antioxidant activity and polyphenol content. Anomalously high protein content in chicory seeds may explain the efficiency of selenium accumulation while relatively low antioxidant activity may be connected with lower levels of essential oil. Direct correlations between polyphenol content and total antioxidant activity were demonstrated for carrot (r=+0.924; P

In Europe, root chicory and other plants are cultivated for their prebiotic food fiber, inulin, which boosts the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and stimulates the human immune system. CHIC, a H2020 project, develops new chicory variants which produce more and reported to be healthier inulin as well as medicinal terpenes. This paper presents an environmental and socio-economic assessment of the whole value chain of the new chicory variants and their derived products using a case study based in the Netherlands. Two scenarios based on new chicory variants using new plant breeding technologies (NPBT) are analyzed and impacts thereof are compared to the reference scenario; the current commercial inulin process from conventional chicory. Both scenarios show higher inulin content, but the inulin adsorption process differs. While one aims to optimize inulin yield, the other one explores the potential of a multipurpose use, yielding inulin and health beneficial terpenes. Methodologically, we employ multi-regional input-output (MRIO) analysis to estimate additional economic benefits, added value and job creation, while by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy demand are derived. Both methods, MRIO and LCA, are well suited to analyze the raised issues and draw on the same data. Generally, the results highlight the importance of inulin production at a national and EU-level in the reference scenario. In case of the two scenarios, we find that the related socio-economic impacts are much higher than in the reference scenario and thus highlight their ability to boost economic activity and increase competiveness of the EU, i.e. over 80% of the generated value added stays in the EU. In terms of environmental impacts, the two scenarios show lower GHG emissions and primary energy demand due to the higher efficiencies of the process in the scenarios compared to the reference inulin process. Additionally, regarding the goal of climate neutral production, we find that the majority of GHG emissions stem from the electricity mix and natural gas demand. Replacing these sources of energy with more renewable ones will contribute to this goal.

This research investigated the influence of microwave-assisted fluidized bed drying (MAFBD) on the antioxidant and phytochemical characteristics of Chicory. Microwave power, temperature, and air velocity were used as process variables varied between 180–540 W, 50–70 °C, and 15–20 m/s, respectively. The responses determined for deciding the optimal criteria were total phenolics content, ascorbic acid, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total chlorophyll, carotene content, total flavonoid content, tannin content, and saponin content of the dried chicory. Statistical analyses were done by using the response surface methodology, which showed that independent variables affected the responses to a varied extent. The design expert predicted 462.30 W microwave power, 70°C temperature, and 15 m/s air velocity as optimum conditions to obtain highest desirability for the dried chicory. Separate validation experiments were conducted, under optimum conditions, to verify the predictions and adequacy of the second-order polynomial models. Under these optimal conditions, the predicted amount of ascorbic acid content was 38.32 mg/100g DW, total phenolic content 216.42 mg/100g DW, total flavonoid content mg/100g DW, DPPH scavenging activity 36.10 μg/ml, total chlorophyll content 311.79 mg/100g, carotene content 7.30 mg/100g, tannin content 2.72 mg/100g, and saponin content 0.46 mg/100g. The investigated parameters had a significant effect on the quality of the dried chicory. Taking the aforesaid results into consideration, our study recommended MAFBD as a promising technique with minimum changes in antioxidant and phytochemical content of chicory.

Nutraceutical compounds present in leafy vegetables have gained substantial attention due to the health benefits they offer beyond their nutritional value. The biosynthesis, composition, and concentration of these compounds vary widely among leafy vegetables and carry the influence of genetic, agronomic, and environmental factors. Recently, micro-vegetables are gaining importance among consumers worldwide and are used in gastronomy at different development stages. Another tendency is the utilization of local genetic resources as an integral component of agricultural biodiversity crucial for sustainable production. The present study identifies the nutraceutical potential of 10 leafy vegetables at the microgreen, baby, and adult development stages using local genetic resources from the Spanish Vegetable Genebank (CITA, Aragón). Specifically, two landraces for each of the following crops were used: chard (Beta vulgaris), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), borage (Borago officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). The results reinforce the value of traditional local genetics and demonstrate the potential of these leafy vegetables as a source of functional compounds (fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and tocopherols). The observed variability depending on the crop and the developmental stage recommends the necessity of having a varied diet, since each leafy vegetable product offers a unique nutritional profile.

The aim of the current study was to test the viability of including chicory in cows’ diet. A total of 2250 data were recorded from 150 Romanian Spotted cows related to 6 forage structures: alfalfa (αα), chicory (C), mixed alfalfa and chicory (αC), mixed gramineous (G), mixed gramineous and alfalfa (Gα), mixed gramineous and chicory (GC). Data aimed total daily duration of forage consumption (TDD), daily round frequency (DRF) and average consumption round (ACR) according to forage structures. The effects of chicory were assessed based on ANOVA protocol with categorical factor “chicory”. Chicory significantly influenced (p≤0.05) TDD and ACR. No significant influence (p>0.05) was recorded related to DRF. Chicory significantly increased TDD and DRF compared to G (294 vs. 190.8 min./day, 12.1 vs. 9.37 rounds/day, p≤0.001), being superior compared to αα (264 min./day, 11.3 rounds/day, p≤0.05). Also, chicory improved the forage consumption in mixed GC compared to Gα (243.6 vs. 224.4 min./day, 10.1 vs. 9.8 rounds/day, p≤0.01). In mixed αC, chicory increased TDD and DRF compared to αα (283.8 vs. 264 min./day, 12.6 vs. 11.3 rounds/day, p≤0.05). In conclusion, the use of chicory in cows’ diet could improve the feeding behavioural traits with economically benefits

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria acquired serious bacterial resistance against antibiotics. Untreated dangerous infections can cause death. We proposed nanofibers (NFs) of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Chitosan (CS) nanocomposite embedded with Chicory root extract (CRE) as a safe solution. We determined the best extraction solvent and drying method, 70 % ethanol and freeze-drying, respectively. We investigated the optimal electrospinner parameters for a smooth PVA/CS NFs. Finally, we discovered PVA/CS/CRE-50 mg (F4) to be the most effective antibacterial and antioxidant CRE concentration. Interestingly, it was found that ethanolic extract had the highest yield % at 24.7 % with Total Phenolic Contents (TPC) of 4 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/1 g, 80 % antioxidant activity at 25 mg with an IC50 of 4.15 mg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 100 mg against S. aureus and 25 mg against E. coli. Remarkably, F4 NFs had an IC50 33.32 mg/mL, Entrapment Efficiency 64.89 %, Loading Capacity 4.41 %, obeying Noyes-Whitney release model. F4 had an MBC of 2 mg with both bacterial strains , which proved to be potent antibacterial material that surpasses the pure extract 50 times. F4 has also shown an extraordinary antioxidant activity that exceeds PVA/CS NF activity 23 times. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicory taproots accumulate sesquiterpene lactones lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 8-deoxylactucin, predominantly in their oxalated forms. The biosynthetic pathway for chicory sesquiterpene lactones has only partly been elucidated; the enzymes that convert farnesyl pyrophosphate to costunolide have been described. The next biosynthetic step of the conversion of costunolide to the tricyclic structure, guaianolide kauniolide, has so far not been elucidated in chicory. In this work three putative kauniolide synthase genes were identified in chicory named CiKLS1, CiKLS2, and CiKLS3. Their activity to convert costunolide to kauniolide was demonstrated in vitro using yeast microsome assays. Next, introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents into chicory protoplasts was used to inactivate multiple chicory KLS genes and several chicory lines were successfully regenerated. The inactivation of the kauniolide synthase genes in chicory by the CRISPR/Cas9 approach resulted in interruption of the sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory leaves and taproots. In chicory taproots, but not in leaves, accumulation of costunolide and its conjugates was observed to high levels, namely 1.5 mg/g FW. These results confirmed that all three genes contribute to STL accumulation, albeit to different extent. These observations demonstrate that three genes oriented in tandem on the chicory genome encode kauniolide synthases that initiate the conversion of costunolide toward the sesquiterpene lactones in chicory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel rice-based snack enriched with chicory root flour (CRF) was developed by twin-screw extrusion. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the promising medicinal plants for the development of innovative food and may be considered a functional food ingredient. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to generate snack formulations by varying feed moisture (M, 16.3–22.5%), screw speed (SS, 500–900 rpm) and CRF content (20–40%). The optimization according to artificial neural network modeling and a genetic algorithm was applied to define optimal process conditions (17.6% moisture, 820 rpm and 24.1% of CRF) for obtaining the product with the highest expansion (3.34), crispiness (3.22 × 10−3), volume (2040 m3), degree of gelatinization (69.70%) and good color properties. Bulk density (110.33 g/L), density (250 kg/m3), and hardness (98.74 N) resulted in low values for the optimal sample. The descriptive sensory analysis evaluated low hardness and bitterness, with high crispiness for the optimal extrudate. This study points to the possibility of a novel chicory enriched extrudate production with desirable physicochemical and sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of defoliation frequency and severity on FA and nutrient composition of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) before and after vernalisation were compared. Before vernalisation, the FA and nutrient components exhibited little variation with defoliation frequency and severity irrespective of the time of day. After vernalisation, total FA more than halved compared with pre vernalisation levels (52.2 versus 19.2 mg/g DM). Concentrations of total FA and polyunsaturated FA: linoleic and linolenic declined by 63%, 50%, and 74%, respectively. Furthermore, extending the defoliation frequency from 300 to 600 growing degree-days after vernalisation caused a decline of 28% of linoleic, 40% of linolenic and 33% of total FA concentrations. Diurnal fluctuations were detected for linoleic and oleic acids after vernalisation (P < 0.01). In terms of nutrient composition, vernalisation decreased CP, digestibility and ME, while fibre contents increased. Between morning and afternoon, there were general declines in CP and fibre contents as well as increases in soluble sugars the herbage regardless of vernalisation. Overall, the feeding value and the concentration of FA were greater on chicory herbage managed under shorter regrowth intervals than that under longer regrowth intervals, which is likely to favour animal production and the concentration of the desirable FA in ruminant products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conducted a survey of Unconventional Food Plants (PANC's) in Caruaru and Castanhal de Mari-mari, traditional communities located in Mosqueiro Island, Belém-PA. To obtain the data, dialogued interviews were conducted, directed by semi-structured forms. The collection of botanical material took place through guided tour, and the identification of species through specialized bibliographies. For qualitative analysis, the socioeconomic information was tabulated, as well as the compilation of the information of each indicated ethno-species, as a form of consumption and part used. In Caruaru, 79 ethnospecies were cited, and 36 were identified, where the most cited were the acai, Bacuri and Brazil nuts, and the most representative families were Lamiaceae, Malvaceae and Myrtaceae. In Mari-mari, 69 ethnospecies were indicated, 21 of which were identified, where the most cited were Cupuassu, Uxi and Mari, highlighting the families Anacardiaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae. Regarding the indices, in Caruaru, the Use Value (UVs), have the acai (2.167), Bacuri (2.167), Brazil nut (1.500) and Uxi (1.333) with the highest values. While Consensus of Use (UCs) stands out the same ethnospecies, Açai (0.667), Bacuri (0.222), Brazil nuts (0.222) and Uxi (0.000). For the Mari-mari community, the largest (UVs) stand out for Cupuaçu (1,900), Chicory (1,400), Uxi and cassava with equal values (0.900). For Consensus of Use (CUs) were Cupuassu (0.600), uxi (0.400), Mari (0.222) and Chicory (0.000). The results showed the importance of PANCs for subsistence and as a source of income for communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as well as the spiny chicory (Cichorium spinosum L.) or "stamnagathi" in Greek, a bitter—sweet wild green, are two vegetables belonging to the Asteraceae family. Both species are commercially cultivated in outdoor fields and in greenhouses in various regions of Greece and particularly in Crete. During the years, 2014 and 2015 severe damage occurred in crops of C. intybus and C. spinosum in Crete. Typical symptoms in affected plants were marginal spots and lesions on leaves, and leaf blight. Initially, lesions appeared as water-soaked that later became brown, dry and papery, usually surrounded by a thin yellow halo or a brown to black border. Spots were gradually expanded and coalesced each other causing the blight of the leaves and finally the necrosis of the whole plant. In some cases, the diseased incidence reached 20 to 30% causing a significant reduction in yield and marketability of the product. The study of morphological, physiological and biochemical traits of the isolates as well as the pathogenicity tests indicated that the isolated bacteria belonged to group II of LOPAT discriminative tests, which contain the strains of Pseudomonas viridiflava. The phylogenetic analysis based on the B subunit of the gyrase gene (gyrB), and the amplification of a species-specific fragment confirmed P. viridiflava as the causal agent of the disease. This is the first record of the bacterium P. viridiflava as a pathogen of the common chicory in Greece as well as the spiny chicory worldwide. The disease can result in severe crop losses; hence, effective management practices should be investigated and applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wildflower species as biogas feedstock carries the risk that their seeds survive anaerobic digestion (AD) and cause weed problems if spread with the digestate. Risk factors for seed survival in AD include low temperature, short exposure and hardseededness (HS). However, it is not possible to predict how AD will affect seed viability of previously unstudied species. In laboratory-scale reactors, we exposed seeds of eight species from a mixture of flowering wild plants intended as biogas feedstock and three reference species to AD at two mesophilic temperatures. Half of the species were HS, the other was non-HS (NHS). Viability was determined using a combination of tetrazolium and germination tests. Viability and germinability were modeled as functions of exposure time using a dose-response approach. Responses to AD varied considerably among species, and none of the considered influencing factors (time, temperature, HS) had a consistent effect. Seed lots of a species differed in inactivation times and seed-killing efficacy. The HS species Melilotus officinalis, Melilotus albus, and Malva sylvestris were particularly AD-resistant. They were the only ones that exhibited biphasic viability curves and tended to survive and germinate more at 42 °C than at 35 °C. Viability of the remaining species declined in a sigmoidal curve. Most NHS species were inactivated within a few days (Cichorium intybus, Daucus carota, Echium vulgare, and Verbascum thapsus), while HS species survived longer (Malva alcea). AD stimulated germination in the HS species A. theophrasti and its AD-resistance overlapped with that of the most resistant NHS species, C. album and tomato. In all seed lots, germinability was lost faster than viability, implying that mainly dormant seeds survived. After the maximum exposure time of 36 days, seeds of HS species and Chenopodium album were still viable. We concluded that viability responses to mesophilic AD were determined by the interplay of AD-conditions and species- and seed-lot-specific traits, of which HS was an important but only one factor. For the use of wildflowers as biogas feedstock, we recommended long retention times and special care with regard to HS species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is a broadly consumed beverage worldwide that is susceptible to fraudulent practices, including its adulteration with other plants such as chicory extracts. In the present work, a non-targeted high-throughput flow injection analysis-mass spectrometry (FIA-MS) fingerprinting methodology was employed to characterize and classify different varieties of tea (black, green, red, oolong, and white) and chicory extracts by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Detection and quantitation of frauds in black and green tea extracts adulterated with chicory were also evaluated as proofs of concept using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Overall, PLS-DA showed that FIA-MS fingerprints in both negative and positive ionization modes were excellent sample chemical descriptors to discriminate tea samples from chicory independently of the tea product variety as well as to classify and discriminate among some of the analyzed tea groups. The classification rate was 100% in all the paired cases—i.e., each tea product variety versus chicory—by PLS-DA calibration and prediction models showing their capability to assess tea authentication. The results obtained for chicory adulteration detection and quantitation using PLS were satisfactory in the two adulteration cases evaluated (green and black teas adulterated with chicory), with calibration, cross-validation, and prediction errors below 5.8%, 8.5%, and 16.4%, respectively. Thus, the non-targeted FIA-MS fingerprinting methodology demonstrated to be a high-throughput, cost-effective, simple, and reliable approach to assess tea authentication issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research is focused on the two sub-spices of Cichorium intybus L. (ssp. eu-intybus and ssp. pumilum) collected from Algeria, by phytochemical study including measurement of the total content of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), identifying phenolic profiles and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous (infusion and decoction) extracts. Four extracts were obtained. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified as ferulic acid, quercetin, and naringenin. The quantification of phenolic compounds shows lower contents for the two components estimated, where the decoction of ssp. pumilum are the extract with higher phenolic contents. The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extracts of the two sub-species was lower than of the standards used (Levofloxacin and nystatin), and the activity was moderate against Gram +, Gram- and fungal strains tested. The decoction of ssp. pumilum was the most active extract with zones of inhibitions varying from 6.33 ± 0.58 to 14.67 ± 0.58 mm. C. albicans was more resistant. The CMI of the majority of extracts were greater than 25 mg/mL. This study demonstrates that different aqueous extracts from C. intybus ssp. eu-intybus and C. intybus ssp. pumilum of aerial parts from Algeria are different in their properties (contents and profiles), and their antimicrobial activity is moderate witch, incite us, to see with others biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the inclusion of two forages with different fiber composition on the apparent digestibility of the nutrients and the nitrogen retention of diets offered to pigs in three physiological states was evaluated. For this, nine animals were used, castrated males in a sequence of three in vivo digestibility tests, each test corresponding to a weight phase. The treatments were: control base diet (T0) formulated based on corn and soybean meal; base diet with alfalfa (T1) (Medicago sativa var. Chaná) or with chicory (T2) (Cichorium intybus var. Lacerta) for phases (F) of rearing I (F1, 40-60 kg of LW), rearing II (F2, 60-80 kg of LW) and termination (F3, 80 to 100 kg of LW). The design was repeated measures using Ar (1) and a significance level of 5%. There was no reduction in digestive fiber utilization when forage was offered continuously up to the 30% inclusion level for finishing animals. The increased fiber level in forage diets resulted in an increase in fecal N excretion, while there was no effect on urinary N excretion and apparent N retention. The data obtained support the claim that it may be economically feasible for small-scale pig farmers to use low-cost, available high-fiber feed ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A well-balanced diet seems to play a key role in disease prevention and health promotion in young animals. Therefore, many attempts have been made to supplement feeds with novel nutritional components, with potential prebiotic capacity. It seems that chicory root fulfils those criteria as it contains high amounts of inulin-type fructans. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with 4% dried chicory root on the cecal mucosa proteome of piglets. It is shown that this feed additive may affect cellular metabolism in the cecal epithelium and may be beneficial for gut health. Prebiotics are known to have many beneficial effects on intestinal health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, thereby affecting epithelial cell proliferation and metabolism. This study had two aims: (1) to identify the protein constituents in the cecal mucosa of 50-day-old healthy (PIC × Penarlan P76) barrows, and (2) to assess the effects of 4% inclusion of dried chicory root in a cereal-based diet on the cecal mucosa proteome changes. Pigs (eight per group) were randomly allotted to the groups and were fed a control diet from the tenth day of life (C) or a diet supplemented with 4% of died chicory root (CR), for 40 days. At the age of 50 days, animals were sacrificed and cecal tissue samples were collected. It was found that feeding a CR diet significantly decreased the expression of 16 cecal mucosa proteins. Among them, fifteen proteins were down-regulated, while only one (KRT20) was shown to be up-regulated when compared to the C group. Dietary supplementation with CR caused down-expression of metabolism-associated proteins including enzymes involved in the process of glycolysis (G6PD, TPI1, ALDH9A1, CKMT1 and AKR1A1) as well as those engaged in transcriptional and translational activity (PRPF19, EEF1G) and several structural proteins (ACTR3, KRT77, CAP1 and actin). From our findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory root at 4% had beneficial effects on the gut health of pigs as indicated by a changed abundance of certain cecal proteins such as KRT20, SERPINB1, HSP27, ANAXA2 and ANAXA4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term glucocorticoids can alter sperm motility, vitality, or morphology, disrupting male reproductive function. This study scrutinized the synergistic benefits of two Egyptian plants against dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced testicular and autophagy dysfunction in male rats. Phytochemical ingredients and the combination index were estimated for Purslane ethanolic extract (PEE) and Chicory water extract (CWE). Four control groups received saline and 100 mg/kg of each PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE, daily for 8 weeks. Dexa (1 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks) induced infertility where PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE were given. Seminal analysis, male hormones, glycemic and oxidative stress markers, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (Sigma 1R and GRP78), and autophagy regulators (Phospho-mTOR, LC3I/II, PI3KC3, and Beclin-1, P62, ATG5, and ATG7) were measured. The in vitro study illustrated the synergistic (CI < 1) antioxidant capacity of the PEE/CWE combination. Dexa exerts testicular damage by inducing oxidative reactions, a marked reduction in serum testosterone, TSH and LH levels, insulin resistance, ER stress, and autophagy. In contrast, the PEE and CWE extracts improve fertility hormones, sperm motility, and testicular histological alterations through attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy, with a synergistic effect upon combination. In conclusion, the administration of PEE/CWE has promised ameliorative impacts on male infertility and can delay disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut health plays an important role on production and performance of broilers. This trial was undertaken with an aim to evaluate the synergistic effect of probiotic, chicory root powder and coriander seed powder on the performance and gut health of broiler chicken. For this purpose, a total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 5 birds in each. Treatment groups included T1 as control i.e., basal diet (BD) without any growth promoter and T2—BD + antibiotic (BMD 0.05%). In the remaining experimental diets, T3—probiotic (@ 0.01%) + chicory root powder (@ 1.0%), T4—probiotic (@ 0.01%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%), T5—chicory root powder (@ 1.0%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%) and T6—probiotic (@ 0.01%) + chicory root powder (@ 1.0%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%). The results indicated that supplementation of probiotic + chicory (T3), probiotic + coriander (T4), chicory + coriander (T5) and probiotic + chicory + coriander (T6) in combination resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and better FCR compared to control and antibiotic groups at 42 d of age. Supplementation of different dietary groups did not show any significant (P>0.05) effect on feed intake of broilers. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSHRx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity when compared to control and antibiotic groups at 42 d of age. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) lowered the pH in the gut, increased Lactobacillus counts, and reduced E. coli and Salmonella counts in the ileum compared to control and antibiotic groups. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) increased the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio and villus width (VW) in the duodenum and only VH and CD in the ileum compared to control and antibiotic groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher jejunal VH and VW and increased the goblet cell number in duodenum, jejunum and ileum was recorded in all test diets (T3 to T6) compared to control and antibiotic groups. Therefore, combinations of probiotic (0.01%), chicory root powder (1.0%) and coriander seed powder (1.5%) can be used as feed additive for improving performance and gut health of broiler chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates such as fructans can be involved in priming or defence stimulation, and hence potentially provide new strategies for crop protection against biotic stress. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a model plant for fructan research and is a crop with many known health benefits. Using the chicory– Botrytis cinerea pathosystem, we tested the effectiveness of fructan-induced immunity, focussing on different plant and microbial fructans. Sugar dynamics were followed after priming and subsequent pathogen infection. Our results indicated that many higher plants might detect extracellular levan oligosaccharides (LOS) of microbial origin, while chicory also detects extracellular small inulin-type fructooligosaccharides (FOS) of endogenous origin, thus differing from the findings of previous fructan priming studies. No clear positive effects were observed for inulin or mixed-type fructans. An elicitor-specific burst of reactive oxygen species was observed for sulfated LOS, while FOS and LOS both behaved as genuine priming agents. In addition, a direct antifungal effect was observed for sulfated LOS. Intriguingly, LOS priming led to a temporary increase in apoplastic sugar concentrations, mainly glucose, which could trigger downstream responses. Total sugar and starch contents in total extracts of LOS-primed leaves were higher after leaf detachment, indicating they could maintain their metabolic activity. Our results indicate the importance of balancing intra- and extracellular sugar levels (osmotic balance) in the context of 'sweet immunity' pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is urgent to develop new antitumor drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity. In this study, an inulin-type fructan CIP70-1 was purified and characterized from chicory and showed weak antitumor activity. To improve its antitumor effects, inulin-based selenium nanoparticles (CIP-SeNPs) were constructed and characterized. CIP-SeNPs were spherical nanoparticles (60 nm), which remained stable in water for more than 3 months. A cellular antitumor assay revealed that CIP-SeNPs had stronger inhibitory effects on cancer cells (MCF-7, A549, and HepG2) than CIP70-1 alone. Furthermore, the in vivo antitumor effects of CIP-SeNPs were confirmed using zebrafish models. The results showed that CIP-SeNPs significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumors as well as the angiogenesis of transgenic zebrafish in the concentration range of 1–4 μg/mL. • An inulin fructan (CIP70–1) was purified and characterized from chicory. • An inulin-based selenium nanoparticle (CIP-SeNPs) was constructed and characterized. • CIP-SeNPs has good water-dispersion and excellent stability. • CIP-SeNPs blocked tumor proliferation and migration in the zebrafish model. • CIP-SeNPs inhibited angiogenesis in the transgenic zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicory acid, an important polyphenolic compound, which is mainly found in ferns. Chicory acid has various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancement, which also has the potential to intervene in metabolic diseases such as obesity. The paper reviews the structure, physicochemical properties, bioactivity and application of chicory acid in animal production under low oxygen conditions, to provide a reference for further research and development of chicory acid as a new feed additive with antioxidant potential in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the object of extensive research in recent times. The challenge in the industrial production of HMF is the choice of cheap, hexose feedstock. This study compares continuous HMF synthesis from hexoses—fructose and glucose, and biomass—Miscanthus × giganteus and chicory roots. The experiments were conducted in technical‐scale biorefinery (TRL 6/7). In the first stage, optimal conditions for the production of HMF from hexoses were selected using sulfuric acid as a catalyst in an aqueous medium. The following conditions were chosen for fructose: temperature of 200°C, the reaction time of 18 min, and pH = 2, and for glucose: 210°C, 18 min, and pH = 3. Under these conditions, the HMF yield was 56.5 mol% (39.6 wt.%) from fructose and 18.1 mol% (12.6 wt.%) from glucose. From the biomass, the HMF yields were 36.7 and 16.2 wt.% for miscanthus and chicory roots, respectively. Some results from the conversion of biomass solutions are unexpected and show a need for further investigations. This work has demonstrated the capacity to produce HMF from biomass as part of an environmentally friendly process in a biorefinery. Further research in this field and process optimization will be a step forward in the sustainable production of bioplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Farnesoid-X-activated receptors (FXR) are key modulators of liver regeneration. Milk thistle and Chicory are known as potent protective remedies in several liver disorders. The objective of this work was to examine the role of FXR in the hepato-healing properties of milk thistle (MTE) and chicory extracts (CE) in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups including control, vehicle, acetaminophen (500 mg/kg/day, oral), acetaminophen plus oral MTE 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, and acetaminophen plus oral CE 500 and 1000 /kg/day for 28 days. Liver function and histology as well as the pattern of hepatic FXR expression were assessed after 4 weeks. Results: Administration of acetaminophen was associated with a significant elevation of liver transaminase along with the architectural injuries. In contrast, chronic concomitant administration of both MTE and CE significantly restored the liver function and structural abnormality. The main molecular findings of the study revealed that the lower doses of both MTE and CE led to a marked upregulation of hepatic FXR expression. Conclusion: Discovery of the involvement of the nuclear modulating pathways in hepatoprotective activity of the extracts, providesa new mechanistic insight which needs further investigations.

Compared to monocultures, intercropping systems offer many agronomic benefits, including higher yield stability. In this study, we assessed whether cropping systems that are beneficial for yield stability are also beneficial for pollinator communities and whether the effect is modulated by the landscape type. Using a replicated block design in one heterogeneous and one homogeneous agricultural landscape, we studied the pollinator communities in eight populations (i.e., genotypes) of white clover (Trifolium repens) grown as a monoculture or as a two-species mixture (together with perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne) or three-species mixture (together with perennial ryegrass and chicory, Cichorium intybus). We recorded 1486 honey bees and 1254 wild pollinators belonging to 46 species. Bumble bees were the most abundant wild pollinators (49.6 %), followed by hover flies (23.4 %), and non- Bombus wild bees (21.5 %). Lepidoptera accounted for only 5.4 % of the wild pollinators. We found a higher species richness and abundance of wild pollinators in monocultures than in two-species mixtures, but white clover population did not influence pollinators. Moreover, species richness and abundance were also higher in the homogeneous landscape than in the heterogenous one. Most species were foraging on white clover. However, 18 species (39.1 %, n = 18/46) were recorded foraging on chicory and/or weeds, and ten of these wild pollinator species were never recorded on white clover. Our study highlights that diverse pollinator communities require both abundant floral resources and diverse plant communities, that their needs are not in conflict with the goal of achieving yield stability, and that the landscape type can modulate the effect of the cropping system. Moreover, the lack of pollinator preference for different white clover populations suggests that farmers can select mixtures that enhance yield stability without negatively affecting pollinator communities. Overall, these results highlight that intercropping systems comprising several plant species and plant genotypes can guarantee yield stability without compromising the pollinator community, showing that win-win situations for farmers and biodiversity are possible. • Ryegrass-white clover intercropping can support diverse pollinator communities. • However, several pollinator species require species other than white clover. • Landscape heterogeneity can modulate the effect of the cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicory taproots accumulate sesquiterpene lactones lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 8-deoxylactucin, predominantly in their oxalated forms. The biosynthetic pathway for chicory sesquiterpene lactones has only partly been elucidated; the enzymes that convert farnesyl pyrophosphate to costunolide have been described. The next biosynthetic step of the conversion of costunolide to the tricyclic structure, guaianolide kauniolide, has so far not been elucidated in chicory. In this work three putative kauniolide synthase genes were identified in chicory named CiKLS1, CiKLS2, and CiKLS3. Their activity to convert costunolide to kauniolide was demonstrated in vitro using yeast microsome assays. Next, introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents into chicory protoplasts was used to inactivate multiple chicory KLS genes and several chicory lines were successfully regenerated. The inactivation of the kauniolide synthase genes in chicory by the CRISPR/Cas9 approach resulted in interruption of the sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory leaves and taproots. In chicory taproots, but not in leaves, accumulation of costunolide and its conjugates was observed to high levels, namely 1.5 mg/g FW. These results confirmed that all three genes contribute to STL accumulation, albeit to different extent. These observations demonstrate that three genes oriented in tandem on the chicory genome encode kauniolide synthases that initiate the conversion of costunolide toward the sesquiterpene lactones in chicory.

Increasing resistance towards anthelmintic drugs has necessitated the search for alternative treatments for the control of gastrointestinal nematode parasites. Animals fed on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), a temperate (pasture) crop, have reduced parasite burdens, hence making C. intybus a potentially useful source for novel anthelmintic compounds or a diet-based preventive/therapeutic option. Here, we utilized in vitro bioassays with the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum and molecular networking techniques with five chicory cultivars to identify putative active compounds. Network analysis predicted sesquiterpene lactones (SL) as the most likely group of anthelmintic compounds. Further bioassay-guided fractionation supported these predictions, and isolation of pure compounds demonstrated that the SL 8-deoxylactucin (8-DOL) is the compound most strongly associated with anti-parasitic activity. Furthermore, we showed that 8-DOL acts in a synergistic combination with other SL to exert the anti-parasitic effects. Finally, we established that chicory-derived extracts also showed activity against two ruminant nematodes (Teladorsagia circumcincta and Cooperia oncophora) in in vitro assays. Collectively, our results confirm the anti-parasitic activity of chicory against a range of nematodes, and pave the way for targeted extraction of active compounds or selective breeding of specific cultivars to optimize its future use in human and veterinary medicine.

A total 300 female Quail 60 days old were used to investigate the effect of varying dietary levels of powder Basil Seed and leaves of wild chicory on the feed cost of egg production and sensory traits of egg . The birds were randomly divided in to 12 groups treatments of 25 birds each (5 birds) for each replicate (cage). The dietary treatments were , 1: basal diet(Free of additions) . 2:basal diet contained 0.50% of basil seed powder , 3:basal diet contained 1.00% of basil seed powder , 4:basil diet contained 1.50% of basil seed powder , 5:basal diet contained 0.50% wild chicory leaves powder , 6:basal diet contained 1.00% of wild chicory leaves powder , 7:basil seeds powder plus 0.50% of wild chicory leaves powder , 8:basal diet contained 0.50% of basil seeds powder plus 1.00% of wild chicory leaves powder , 9: basal diet contained 1.00% of basil seeds powder plus 0.50% of wild chicory leaves powder ,10: basal diet contained 1.00% of basil seeds powder plus 1.00% pf wild chicory leaves powder ,11: basal diet contained 1.50% of wild seeds powder plus 0.50% of wild chicory leaves powder and 12: basal diet contained 1.50% of basil seeds powder plus 1.00% of wild chicory leaves powder Results showed significant differences among (P