Biological and pharmacological activities, phytochemical profile, and ecological sustainability aspects of Cichorium intybus: An account of knowledge gaps and existing approaches

Chicory, known as Kashni, refers to Cichorium intybus L., a plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean region, with a long-standing history as a medicinal herb. It contains several key components that play a vital role in treating various health conditions. Many cultures have traditionally utilized this herb. Chicory also exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. The review studies in the literature to date do not appear to have captured the existing knowledge regarding this plant in terms of following in one place: phytochemical profile, biological and medicinal activities; such that the knowledge gaps along with the current approaches used to overcome the corresponding limitations associated with the knowledge gaps, need to be accounted for. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. This review research included over one hundred articles, research theses, and books that focused on the ethnobotany, extraction and isolation of chemical constituents, bioactivities of C. intybus, and its role in nanoparticle synthesis. The study covered scientific publications from 1995 to 2024. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactive composition of C. intybus, highlighting its pharmacological activities linked to plant secondary metabolites based on recent findings. It also explores the plant's occurrence, morphology, geographic distribution, and its role in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Additionally, the review identifies and narrates gaps in toxicological research, strategies to address these gaps, limitations, and future directions. In conclusion, C. intybus is a remarkable plant that warrants further study through innovative approaches.