Cichorium intybus is a bushy perennial herb with blue or lavender flowers from Asteraceae family. It is common in the low parts of the country, near roads, in dry meadows and as a weed in the wheat fields. The plant holds a wealth of polyphenols, organic acids, mineral acids, fructans, coumarin derivatives and other phytochemicals. The root contains mainly inulin and intybin, and the milk sap of the leaf and stem contain sesquterpene lactones, lactucin and lactupicrin. The aerial part of the plant is a source of coumarins – esculin, esculetin and cichoriin, flavonoids – apigenin and routin, hickory acid, santonin and others.
Characteristics of the plant Cichorium intybus L.
Deffinition
Product from the aerial part of the plant Cichorium intybus.
Appearance
Green brown to brown amorphous powder with specific odour.
Content of specific natural components
Coumarins, determined as esculin, based on dry substance, %, not less than: 9.0
Flavonoids, determined as apigenin, based on dry substance, %, not less than: 7.0
Tannic compounds, determined as tannin, based on dry substance, %, not less than: 4.5Shelf life
3 (three) years from the date of production.
Storage
Store in dry and cool places, away from direct sunlight
Packaging
Cichorium intybus is available in 10 kg PE bag, placed in carton box.
Application
It is used alone or in combination with other plant extracts in production of food or feed additives.