# Kasani

> Kasani (Cichorium intybus L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. WHO monograph exists for Cichorium intybus; recognized in European Pharmacopoeia; documented in Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacopoeias of India.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cichorium intybus L.
- **Family:** Asteraceae (Compositae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO monograph exists for Cichorium intybus; recognized in European Pharmacopoeia; documented in Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacopoeias of India

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kasani |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cichorium intybus L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Inulin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#inulin) (up to 60%)
- [Lactucin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactucin) (sesquiterpene lactone)
- [Lactucopicrin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactucopicrin)
- Cichoriin ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin) glycoside)
- Chicoric acid (caffeic acid derivative)
- [Esculetin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#esculetin)
- Chlorogenic acid
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/): Chicoric acid and esculetin reduce hepatic oxidative stress, inhibit NF-kB activation, and promote hepatocyte regeneration; lactucopicrin provides cytoprotection
- Prebiotic: Inulin (fructo-oligosaccharide) selectively promotes growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species in the gut microbiome
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/): Chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid inhibit hepatic [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose)-6-phosphatase and enhance peripheral insulin sensitivity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hepatoprotective use (Yakrit-Shodhaka) validated through clinical and preclinical studies showing reduction of liver [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and hepatocyte regeneration
- Digestive and prebiotic use confirmed by enhancement of beneficial gut microbiota (Bifidobacteria) through inulin fermentation
- Antidiabetic use supported by clinical evidence of improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Aisa HA, Xin XL, Tang D 2020. [Chemical constituents and their pharmacological activities of plants from Cichorium genus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36119016/). *Chinese herbal medicines*. PMID [36119016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36119016/) · [doi:10.1016/j.chmed.2020.05.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2020.05.001)  
  Identified over 100 individual compounds from the plant; majority from roots; documented sesquiterpene lactones as key bioactive anti-inflammatory and [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) agents.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food; widely consumed as coffee substitute; mild allergic reactions possible in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants
- High inulin content may cause bloating and flatulence in sensitive individuals; caution in patients with gallstones (chicory may stimulate bile production); limited data in pregnancy

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Satva ([starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) extract)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20 mL fresh juice twice daily; 3-5 g powder; 50-100 mL decoction; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Chicoric acid and lactucin sesquiterpene lactones show moderate oral bioavailability (25-35%). Inulin (prebiotic fiber, 15-20% in root) is not absorbed but modulates gut microbiome favorably. Chlorogenic acid bioavailability ~33% with significant colonic metabolism. Co-administration with [piperine](/reference/piperine/) enhances phenolic acid absorption. Phytosome formulation of chicoric acid improves bioavailability 2.5-fold.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for hepatoprotective and digestive benefits; root decoction as coffee substitute in the morning; prebiotic (inulin) preparations between meals

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to minimum 15% inulin and 2% total sesquiterpene lactones (as lactucin); leaf extract to minimum 3% chicoric acid by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 24 hours for fresh juice; 18 months for dried root powder; 24 months for capsules; 36 months for roasted root (coffee substitute)

**Storage:** Fresh juice and roots require refrigeration (2-8°C). Dried preparations in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Inulin-rich preparations are hygroscopic — moisture protection essential.

**Marker Compounds:** Chicoric acid, Chlorogenic acid, Lactucin, Lactucopicrin, 8-Deoxylactucin, Inulin, Esculetin, Caffeic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of fresh leaves and roots
- Hot water extraction for inulin-rich fraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) for sesquiterpene lactones
- Roasting of roots (150-180°C) for coffee substitute preparation
- Spray drying for instant powder

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Bhumyamalaki](/herb/bhumyamalaki/) (Phyllanthus niruri) for hepatoprotective synergy
- Kutki for liver disorders
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for hepatorenal protection
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for comprehensive liver support
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for gastroprotective combination

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kasani/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.