Effect of Chicory Root Extract on Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats

Effects of water-soluble extract from roasted-chicory root on the cholesterol metabolism in rats fed cholesterol diet were investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats received a hypercholesterolemic diets without (control group) or with 5.0% water-soluble extract from roasted chicory root for 2 weeks. Roasted chicory extract group showed significantly higher body weight gain and food intake compared with the control group. The concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL+VLDL cholesterol in serum were significantly lower in rats fed roasted chicory extract diet. However, HDL-cholesterol concentration, and atherogenic index were not significantly affected by the dietary roasted chicory extract. Fecal net weight, fecal cholesterol, and bile acid excretion were significantly higher in the chicory extract group. The results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect in rats fed roasted chicory extract may be caused by an alteration in the absorption of cholesterol by an increase in the fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid.