Isolation, purification and physicochemical characterization of Cichorium intybus L. root polysaccharide and its protective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury

Abstract

Background

Liver injury is a major cause of hepatic diseases, often leading to impaired liver function. Current treatments face limitations due to potential hepatotoxicity, driving interest in alternative therapies like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Cichorium intybus L., a medicinal herb rich in bioactive polysaccharides, has shown promise in liver protection.

Results

A water-soluble polysaccharide (CIP-N-1), with an average molecular weight of 2.3 kDa, was isolated and purified from the water extract of Cichorium intybus L. root using DEAE cellulose column chromatography and CL-6B agarose gel chromatography. CIP-N-1 consists of 98.16% neutral sugars and 1.69% proteins, with its primary components being mannose and glucose in a ratio of 4.9:95.1. In vivo studies demonstrated CIP-N-1′s hepatoprotective effects by enhancing antioxidant activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and reducing inflammation in CCl₄-induced liver injury.

Conclusions

CIP-N-1 shows potential as a dietary supplement for alleviating chemical liver damage. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support its use in liver health, offering a natural therapeutic option for hepatic injury prevention and treatment.

How to cite: Ma Y, Yang Z, Huang W. Isolation, purification and physicochemical characterization of Cichorium intybus L. root polysaccharide and its protective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury. Electron J Biotechnol 2025;77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2025.06.003.