Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10771472 | Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | 2005 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Chicory is a major source of fructans with reported prebiotic-bifidogenic properties. In the present study, the potential anti-inflammatory activities of chicory were investigated. Ethyl acetate chicory root extract produced a marked inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in human colon carcinoma HT29 cells treated with the pro-inflammatory agent TNF-α. Two independent mechanisms of action were identified: (1) a drastic inhibition of the induction by TNF-α of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein expression and (2) a direct inhibition of COX enzyme activities with a significantly higher selectivity for COX-2 activity. The inhibition of TNF-α-dependent induction of COX-2 expression was mediated by an inhibition of NF-κB activation. A major sesquiterpene lactone of chicory root, the guaianolide 8-deoxylactucin, was identified as the key inhibitor of COX-2 protein expression present in chicory extract. Altogether, the data presented strongly support chicory root as a promising source of functional food ingredient, combining prebiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Authors
C. Cavin, M. Delannoy, A. Malnoe, E. Debefve, A. Touché, D. Courtois, B. Schilter,