SAEDNEWS: The combination of chicory and shatreh, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help support liver cleansing and reduce elevated liver enzymes in people with fatty liver disease.
According to Saednews, Fatty liver disease is one of the most common modern health conditions. Its prevalence continues to rise due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and increased consumption of processed foods.
The condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. In its early stages, fatty liver often causes few or no noticeable symptoms. However, if it progresses, it can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. In Iranian traditional medicine, several medicinal plants have been recommended for supporting liver health and managing fatty liver, with chicory and fumitory holding a particularly important place.
This natural combination is traditionally believed to support liver cleansing, help reduce elevated liver enzymes, and improve liver function. This article examines the potential benefits of chicory and fumitory distillates for fatty liver, how they are traditionally consumed, possible side effects, precautions, and the available scientific evidence.
Fatty liver, medically known as hepatic steatosis, refers to a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is commonly associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Fatty liver disease is generally divided into two major categories:
Alcohol-associated fatty liver disease: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease worldwide. Its prevalence has also been increasing in Iran, and the condition can occur in children and adolescents as well.
Simple steatosis: Fat accumulates in the liver without significant inflammation.
Steatohepatitis: Fat accumulation is accompanied by liver inflammation.
Fibrosis: Scar tissue begins to develop in the liver.
Cirrhosis: Severe and potentially irreversible liver damage occurs.
Chicory, scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Iranian, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian medicine. The plant has blue flowers and distinctive leaves, while its roots, leaves, and flowers have all been traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Chicory contains several potentially beneficial compounds, including:
Inulin: A prebiotic fiber that may support digestive and metabolic health.
Sesquiterpene lactones: Compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids: Antioxidants that may help protect cells.
Caffeic acid and related compounds: Including chlorogenic acid, which has antioxidant properties.
B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals: Including potassium and manganese.
Research has investigated several possible effects of chicory on liver health:
May help reduce liver enzymes: Some studies suggest that chicory preparations may help lower levels of ALT and AST, enzymes that can become elevated when the liver is damaged.
May support bile secretion: Chicory has traditionally been used to stimulate bile production and secretion, which plays an important role in fat digestion.
Antioxidant activity: Compounds found in chicory may help neutralize free radicals and protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Chicory contains compounds that may help reduce inflammatory processes.
Possible effects on blood sugar: Some research suggests that chicory-derived compounds may support insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation, factors closely linked to fatty liver disease.
Fumitory, scientifically known as Fumaria officinalis, is an annual herb with pink or purple flowers. It has traditionally been used in Iranian and European herbal medicine for liver and skin-related complaints.
In Persian, it is commonly known as Shah-Tareh or Shatreh, and it is sometimes referred to as “king fumitory.”
Fumitory contains a variety of naturally occurring compounds, including:
Alkaloids: Such as protopine, which has been investigated for anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Flavonoids: Antioxidant compounds.
Tannins: Compounds traditionally associated with astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.
Bitter compounds: Traditionally used to support digestive secretions.
Organic acids: Including fumaric acid.
Fumitory has traditionally been associated with several potential benefits:
Traditional blood-purifying properties: In herbal medicine, fumitory has been used as a plant believed to support the body's natural elimination processes.
Support for bile secretion: Like chicory, fumitory has traditionally been used to promote bile production and support fat digestion.
Potential anti-inflammatory activity: Certain compounds in fumitory have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in experimental research.
Antioxidant protection: Its antioxidant compounds may help protect cells against oxidative stress.
Potential effects on blood lipids: Some research has investigated whether fumitory may help influence cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Combining chicory and fumitory distillates is a traditional practice in Iranian herbal medicine. Supporters of the combination believe that the two plants may complement one another and provide broader support for liver and digestive health.
Support for bile flow: Both plants have traditionally been associated with bile secretion, which is important for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Compounds found in both herbs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in experimental research.
Antioxidant support: Their antioxidant compounds may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Support for fat metabolism: Some research suggests that compounds found in these plants may influence lipid metabolism, although stronger human evidence is needed.
Digestive support: Traditionally, both herbs have been used to support digestion and digestive secretions.
Traditional recommendations vary depending on the preparation, individual circumstances, and practitioner. One commonly cited traditional approach is:
Mix chicory distillate and fumitory distillate in approximately equal proportions.
Dilute the mixture with an equal amount of lukewarm, boiled water.
Some people add a small amount of honey or fresh lemon juice to improve the taste.
Traditional sources may recommend consuming the mixture before meals. However, there is no universally established medical dose or treatment duration for fatty liver, and herbal distillates should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based medical care.
Consult a healthcare professional before using herbal preparations regularly, particularly if you have a medical condition or take prescription medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require particular caution with medicinal herbs because safety data may be limited.
People with gallbladder or bile-duct problems should seek medical advice before using herbs that may affect bile flow.
Stop using the product and seek medical advice if significant or unusual symptoms occur.
Scientific studies have investigated the potential liver-related effects of chicory and fumitory, although the strength of evidence varies considerably.
Some studies have reported that chicory extracts may influence liver enzymes, blood lipid levels, oxidative stress, and fat accumulation in experimental models.
A study published in 2018 investigated chicory extract in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reported improvements in some liver and metabolic markers after several weeks of supplementation.
Animal research has also suggested that chicory may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver and oxidative stress.
Experimental research has investigated the potential protective effects of fumitory on the liver. Some studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects in laboratory and animal models.
Other research has explored its possible effects on liver enzymes and lipid metabolism.
Evidence specifically evaluating chicory and fumitory distillates together for fatty liver is limited. Although both plants have a long history of traditional use and individual studies have produced promising findings, there is not enough high-quality clinical evidence to conclude that the combination can treat or reverse fatty liver disease on its own.
Although these herbs may be well tolerated by many people, herbal products can still cause side effects or interact with medications.
Potential problems may include:
Bloating or increased gas
Digestive discomfort
Allergic reactions, although these may be uncommon
Possible interactions with certain medications
Changes in blood pressure or blood glucose in susceptible individuals
Extra caution may be appropriate for people with:
Gallstones or gallbladder disease
Bile-duct obstruction
Significant low blood pressure
Active stomach ulcers
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Chronic medical conditions requiring regular medication
Anyone taking medication for diabetes, blood pressure, blood clotting, or other chronic conditions should discuss herbal products with a healthcare professional before using them regularly.
Herbal preparations alone are unlikely to address the underlying causes of fatty liver. Lifestyle changes remain among the most important approaches for improving metabolic and liver health.
Consider:
Reducing added sugars and refined carbohydrates such as sugary drinks, sweets, white bread, and highly refined grains.
Increasing fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Choosing healthier sources of fat, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
Eating adequate protein from sources such as fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
Drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
Regular exercise can support weight management, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health.
A practical goal for many adults is:
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
A combination of aerobic and resistance training.
Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and other enjoyable forms of exercise.
For people who are overweight or obese, gradual weight loss can significantly improve liver fat and metabolic health.
Even a relatively modest reduction in body weight may provide meaningful benefits, while larger sustained reductions can produce greater improvements in some people.
Avoid or minimize alcohol, particularly if advised by your healthcare professional.
Manage chronic stress.
Aim for adequate, consistent sleep.
Keep conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol under control.
Follow up with a healthcare professional when liver enzymes or imaging tests are abnormal.
Chicory and fumitory have a long history of use in Iranian traditional medicine and contain compounds that have been investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and potentially liver-supportive effects.
However, chicory and fumitory distillates should not be viewed as a proven stand-alone treatment for fatty liver disease. Scientific evidence for their combined use remains limited, and much of the available research involves extracts, laboratory studies, or animal models rather than large, high-quality human clinical trials.
For people with fatty liver, the most important steps remain a healthy diet, regular physical activity, appropriate weight management, and treatment of associated metabolic conditions. Herbal preparations may be considered as complementary approaches only after discussing their safety and potential interactions with a qualified healthcare professional.
Early action is especially important because fatty liver can progress silently. Regular medical evaluation and sustainable lifestyle changes can help protect liver health over the long term.
