Chicory Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Chicory interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Chicory is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Chicory is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Chicory against your medication
Add one medicationChicory Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line
From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Chicory drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them traces back to a single theoretical concern supported only by animal and lab research, not human studies.
The one area worth attention is diabetes medications. Chicory extracts have lowered blood sugar in animal and lab studies, so in theory adding chicory could push blood sugar lower than expected in someone whose levels are already managed with medication. Because blood sugar is closely monitored and small shifts can matter, this is the combination we would keep an eye on, even though the effect has not been confirmed in people.
Although the number of listed medications looks large, it reflects one shared concern applied across the many drugs used to treat diabetes, not dozens of separate problems. The interaction is rated as possible, meaning it comes from lab and animal findings rather than documented effects in humans, so most people taking chicory are unlikely to notice any meaningful change.
Based on HelloPharmacist’s Chicory interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.
Drugs that interact with Chicory
86 medications have a known interaction with Chicory, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.
Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Chicory using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.
AI summaries are generated from our Chicory interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
No drugs match “”.
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsAcetohexamideDymelor
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Acetohexamide interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Albiglutide interactionAlogliptinNesina
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionCanagliflozinInvokana
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Canagliflozin interaction Canagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsCanagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Canagliflozin, Metformin interactionCanagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Chlorpropamide interactionDapagliflozinFarxiga
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dapagliflozin interaction Dapagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsDapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interactionDapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interactionDapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interactionDasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interaction Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsDulaglutideTrulicity
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Dulaglutide interaction Dulaglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsEmpagliflozinJardiance
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Empagliflozin interaction Empagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsEmpagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionEmpagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Empagliflozin, Metformin interactionEmpagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionErtugliflozinSteglatro
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Ertugliflozin interaction Ertugliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsErtugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionExenatideBydureon, Byetta
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Exenatide interaction Exenatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsExenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Exenatide Synthetic interaction Exenatide Synthetic drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsGliclazideDiamicron
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Gliclazide interactionGlimepirideAmaryl
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glimepiride interaction Glimepiride drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsGlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glipizide interaction Glipizide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsGlipizide, MetforminMetaglip
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glipizide, Metformin interactionGlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glucagon interaction Glucagon drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsGlucoseIV Glucose
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glucose interactionGlyburideAlbert Glyburide, Diabeta, Glycron, Glynase, Glynase PresTab, Micronase +1 more
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glyburide interaction Glyburide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsGlyburide, MetforminGlucovance
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Glyburide, Metformin interactionInhaled InsulinExubera
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Inhaled Insulin interactionInsulinNovoRapid Insulin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin interactionInsulin (bovine)Hypurin Bovine Neutral
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin (bovine) interactionInsulin (human)Afrezza, Novolin 70/30, Novolin L, Novolin N, Novolin R
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin (human) interaction Insulin (human) drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin (pork)Hypurin Porcine Neutral, Lente Iletin II, NPH Iletin, NPH Iletin II, Pork Actrapid, Regular Iletin +1 more
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin (pork) interactionInsulin (rdna)Actrapid, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humulin 50/50, Humulin 70/30, Humulin L +8 more
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin (rdna) interaction Insulin (rdna) drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin AspartFiasp
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Aspart interaction Insulin Aspart drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Aspart, Insulin DegludecRyzodeg 70/30
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Aspart, Insulin Degludec interactionInsulin DegludecTresiba
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Degludec interaction Insulin Degludec drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Degludec, LiraglutideXultophy 100/3.6
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Degludec, Liraglutide interactionInsulin GlargineBasaglar, Lusduna, Semglee
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Glargine interaction Insulin Glargine drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Glargine (rdna)Lantus
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Glargine (rdna) interaction Insulin Glargine (rdna) drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Glargine RecombinantToujeo Solostar
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Glargine Recombinant interactionInsulin Glargine, LixisenatideSoliqua 100/33
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Glargine, Lixisenatide interactionInsulin Glulisine (rdna)Apidra
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Glulisine (rdna) interaction Insulin Glulisine (rdna) drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Human, Sodium ChlorideMyxredlin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Human, Sodium Chloride interaction Insulin Human, Sodium Chloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin LisproAdmelog, Admelog Solostar
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Lispro interaction Insulin Lispro drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsInsulin Lispro RecombinantHumalog Kwikpen
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Lispro Recombinant interactionInsulin Lispro-aabcLyumjev
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Lispro-aabc interactionInsulin DetermirLevemir
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Insulin Determir interaction Insulin Determir drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsLinagliptinTradjenta
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Linagliptin interaction Linagliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsLinagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideJentadueto XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionLiraglutideVictoza
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Liraglutide interaction Liraglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsLiraglutide RecombinantSaxenda
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Liraglutide Recombinant interaction Liraglutide Recombinant drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsLixisenatideAdlyxin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Lixisenatide interaction Lixisenatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsMetforminGlucophage, Metformin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin interaction Metformin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsMetformin HydrochlorideRiomet ER
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin Hydrochloride interactionMetformin XrGlucophage XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin Xr interactionMetformin, LinagliptinJentadueto
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin, Linagliptin interactionMetformin, RosiglitazoneAvandamet
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin, Rosiglitazone interactionMetformin, SitagliptinJanumet, Janumet XR
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Metformin, Sitagliptin interactionMiglitolGlyset
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Miglitol interaction Miglitol drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsMuraglitazarPargluva
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Muraglitazar interactionNateglinideStarlix
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Nateglinide interaction Nateglinide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsPioglitazoneActos
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Pioglitazone interaction Pioglitazone drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsPramlintideSymlin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Pramlintide interaction Pramlintide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsRepaglinideGlucoNorm, Prandin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Repaglinide interaction Repaglinide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsRosiglitazone MaleateAvandia
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Rosiglitazone Maleate interaction Rosiglitazone Maleate drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsSaxagliptinOnglyza
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Saxagliptin interaction Saxagliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsSaxagliptin, Metformin XrKombiglyze
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Saxagliptin, Metformin Xr interactionSemaglutideOzempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Semaglutide interaction Semaglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsSimvastatin, SitagliptinJuvisync
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Simvastatin, Sitagliptin interactionSitagliptinJanuvia, Zituvio
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Sitagliptin interaction Sitagliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsSitagliptin, MetforminZituvimet
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Sitagliptin, Metformin interactionSotagliflozinInpefa
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Sotagliflozin interactionTirzepatideMounjaro, Zepbound
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Tirzepatide interaction Tirzepatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsTobutamideMobenol
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Tobutamide interactionTolazamideTolinase
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Tolazamide interaction Tolazamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsTolbutamideOrinase
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Tolbutamide interaction Tolbutamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsTroglitazoneRezulin
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Troglitazone interactionVildagliptinGalvus
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Vildagliptin interactionPioglitazone, MetforminActoPlus Met
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Pioglitazone, Metformin interactionRosiglitazone, GlimepirideAvandaryl
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Chicory + Rosiglitazone, Glimepiride interactionWhat Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Chicory combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The kinds of drugs Chicory affects
Every type of medication (drug category) Chicory is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, chicory might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal and in vitro research shows that chicory extracts have antidiabetic effects.
Chicory: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Chicory is best known as a caffeine-free coffee substitute and as a source of inulin, a soluble prebiotic fiber that may support digestion and regularity. Strong human evidence for most other traditional uses (like liver, gallbladder, or skin conditions) is limited. It is generally well tolerated, but the inulin can cause gas and bloating, and people allergic to ragweed or related plants should be cautious.

- Scientific name
- Cichorium intybus
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part used
- Root and leaves (the root is the most common medicinal part)
- Common forms
- Roasted root (coffee substitute), inulin fiber powder, capsules, tea, liquid extract
- Constipation and digestive health
- Source of prebiotic fiber (inulin)
- Coffee substitute
- Liver and gallbladder support
- Appetite and blood sugar (traditional)
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Generally well tolerated in food amounts, but may cause gas and can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
When used orally in excessive amounts. Chicory may induce menstruation or miscarriage.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is native to Europe and Asia and now grows in many parts of the world, often along roadsides and in fields. It has bright blue, and sometimes pink or white, flowers that bloom in summer.
The root is the part most often used. When roasted and ground, it has a flavor that resembles coffee, which is why chicory is a popular caffeine-free coffee substitute or coffee blend. The root is also a rich natural source of inulin, a soluble fiber used as a sweetener and as a prebiotic in many food products.
In traditional medicine, chicory has been used for digestive complaints, constipation, and to support the liver and gallbladder. The leaves are also eaten as a salad green in some cultures.
How it works
Chicory root is high in inulin, a soluble fiber that the body does not digest. Instead, it travels to the large intestine, where helpful gut bacteria ferment it. This "prebiotic" action may support a healthier balance of gut bacteria and help draw water into the stool, which can ease constipation.
Chicory also contains bitter compounds called sesquiterpene lactones (such as lactucin and lactucopicrin), along with chicoric acid and other plant antioxidants. The bitter substances are thought to stimulate digestive juices, which may explain the traditional use for indigestion.
Many of the proposed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects come from laboratory or animal studies. These do not always translate to benefits in people, so they should be viewed as preliminary.
Does Chicory work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Chicory, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 9 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer-related hot flashes
Oral chicory has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
Although there has been interest in using oral chicory for constipation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chicory for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Although there has been interest in using oral chicory for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chicory for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyspepsia
Although there has been interest in using oral chicory for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chicory for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperlipidemia
Although there has been interest in using oral chicory for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chicory for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Although there has been interest in using oral chicory for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chicory for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neonatal jaundice
It is unclear if oral chicory solution is beneficial in neonates with jaundice.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
It is unclear if oral chicory seed is beneficial in patients with NAFLD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
It is unclear if oral chicory root extract is beneficial in patients with osteoarthritis.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Chicory is widely consumed as a food and coffee substitute and is generally considered safe in these amounts. Concentrated supplements and inulin fiber powders may cause more digestive side effects.
People who are allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or related plants may also react to chicory, since it is in the same plant family. Anyone with a history of these allergies should be cautious. People with gallstones should talk to a doctor first, because chicory may increase bile flow.
For pregnancy, some traditional sources suggest chicory may stimulate the uterus or affect menstruation, so medicinal amounts are best avoided. For breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety data, so it is best to avoid concentrated or medicinal amounts. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using chicory supplements, especially if you have a medical condition.
Side effects
The most common side effects come from the inulin fiber and include gas, bloating, stomach rumbling, cramping, and changes in bowel habits. These are usually mild and tend to improve when starting with a small amount and increasing slowly.
Less commonly, some people may have allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, or tingling in the mouth—particularly those allergic to ragweed and related plants. Rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur. Stop using chicory and seek medical care if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Chicory: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Chicory from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, chicory seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, belching, bloating, and flatulence.
Asthma Pulmonary/Respiratory
Occupational exposure to chicory may cause asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. Dyspnea and anaphylaxis have also been reported in a patient with regular occupational exposure to chicory. This patient also experienced contact dermatitis and generalized pruritus.
- Nemery, B. and Demedts, M. Occupational asthma in a chicory grower. Lancet 3-25-1989;1(8639):672-673.
- Pirson F, Detry B, Pilette C. Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma caused by chicory and oral allergy syndrome associated with bet v 1-related protein. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2009;19(4):306-10.
- Willi R, Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, et al. Contact anaphylaxis and protein contact dermatitis in a cook handling chicory leaves. Contact Dermatitis 2009;60(4):226-7.
Dermatitis Dermatologic
Occupational exposure to chicory may cause skin rash, contact dermatitis, or generalized pruritus. The sesquiterpene lactones of the plant may be the allergens. Chicory may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asterceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
- Friis, B., Hjorth, N., Vail, J. T., Jr., and Mitchell, J. C. Occupational contact dermatitis from Cichorium (chicory, endive) and Lactuca (lettuce). Contact Dermatitis 1975;1(5):311-313.
- Willi R, Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, et al. Contact anaphylaxis and protein contact dermatitis in a cook handling chicory leaves. Contact Dermatitis 2009;60(4):226-7.
- Cadot, P., Kochuyt, A. M., van Ree, R., and Ceuppens, J. L. Oral allergy syndrome to chicory associated with birch pollen allergy. Int.Arch.Allergy Immunol. 2003;131(1):19-24.
Dermatitis Immunologic
Occupational exposure to chicory may cause allergic reactions. Dyspnea and anaphylaxis have also been reported in a patient with regular occupational exposure to chicory. This patient also experienced contact dermatitis and generalized pruritus.
Flatulence Gastrointestinal
Orally, fructo-oligosaccharides, such as those extracted from chicory, can cause flatulence, belching, abdominal pains, intestinal sounds and bloating, which occur commonly, but are mild at doses of 10 grams daily.
- Stone-Dorshow T, Levitt MD. Gaseous response to ingestion of a poorly absorbed fructo-oligosaccharide sweetener. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;46:61-5.
- Briet F, et al. Symptomatic response to varying levels of fructo-oligosaccharides consumed occasionally or regularly. Eur J Clin Nutr 1995;49:501-7.
- Bouhnik Y, Vahedi K, Achour L, et al. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans. J Nutr 1999;129:113-6.
- Cummings JH, Macfarlane GT, Englyst HN. Prebiotic digestion and fermentation. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:415S-420S.
- Bonnema AL, Kolberg LW, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Gastrointestinal tolerance of chicory inulin products. J Am Diet Assoc 2010;110(6):865-8.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official standardized dose for chicory. The right amount depends on the form—roasted root for coffee, inulin fiber powder, capsules, or tea—and on the product's concentration.
For inulin fiber, it is generally wise to start with a small amount and increase slowly to reduce gas and bloating, and to drink plenty of water. The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and ask a pharmacist or doctor for guidance, especially if you are taking it for a specific health concern.
Chicory & Pregnancy
Chicory & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 13 references that drive our Chicory monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Stone-Dorshow T, Levitt MD. Gaseous response to ingestion of a poorly absorbed fructo-oligosaccharide sweetener. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;46:61-5. PubMed
- Briet F, et al. Symptomatic response to varying levels of fructo-oligosaccharides consumed occasionally or regularly. Eur J Clin Nutr 1995;49:501-7.
- Bouhnik Y, Vahedi K, Achour L, et al. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans. J Nutr 1999;129:113-6. PubMed
- Cummings JH, Macfarlane GT, Englyst HN. Prebiotic digestion and fermentation. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:415S-420S. PubMed
- Cadot, P., Kochuyt, A. M., van Ree, R., and Ceuppens, J. L. Oral allergy syndrome to chicory associated with birch pollen allergy. Int.Arch.Allergy Immunol. 2003;131(1):19-24. PubMed
- Friis, B., Hjorth, N., Vail, J. T., Jr., and Mitchell, J. C. Occupational contact dermatitis from Cichorium (chicory, endive) and Lactuca (lettuce). Contact Dermatitis 1975;1(5):311-313.
- Nemery, B. and Demedts, M. Occupational asthma in a chicory grower. Lancet 3-25-1989;1(8639):672-673. PubMed
- Pirson F, Detry B, Pilette C. Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma caused by chicory and oral allergy syndrome associated with bet v 1-related protein. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2009;19(4):306-10.
- Willi R, Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, et al. Contact anaphylaxis and protein contact dermatitis in a cook handling chicory leaves. Contact Dermatitis 2009;60(4):226-7. PubMed
- Street RA, Sidana J, Prinsloo G. Cichorium intybus: traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:579319.
- Bonnema AL, Kolberg LW, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Gastrointestinal tolerance of chicory inulin products. J Am Diet Assoc 2010;110(6):865-8. PubMed
- Devi Kt R, Sivalingam N. Cichorium intybus attenuates Streptozotocin-induced pancreatic ß-cell damage by inhibiting NF-?B activation and oxidative stress. J Appl Biomed 2020;18(2-3):70-9. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Brands that make products with Chicory
183 brands in our database make a supplement containing Chicory.
Supplement products with Chicory
552 products in our database contain Chicory. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Chicory: Common Questions
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Products that contain Chicory
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Chicory — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- Multivitamin & Minerals Gummies Raspberry Flavor by VitaDrops
- Pea Protein Vanilla Flavor by OL Olympian Labs, Inc. Lean & Healthy
- Chicory Root Mint Flavor by TerraVita
- Chewable Licorice by Rx Vitamins
- Shakeology Vegan Cafe Latte Flavored by BeachBody
- Probiotic 2 Billion CFU Gummies Berry Flavor by Lifeable Kids
- Herbal Joe by New Sun
- GB-B by Pure Herbs
- One Daily Multivitamin by Nature's Lab
- Herbal Detox by Cedar Bear
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