Abstract
The Cichorium plant is considered one of the medicinal plants that have been known since ancient times, as the ancient Egyptians used it 4000 years ago, as they believed in its important role in treating heart and liver diseases. The scientific name of the Cichorium is Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a part of the Asteraceae family (the tribe of Lactuceae)., so the current study aims to know the effect of biologically active substances in Cichorium on biochemical changes in obese rats. The experiment was performed in an animal house. All rats were separated into five groups, each with six rats, and given a baseline diet for one week before the trial. The first group sample of normal (n = 6) control negative (C-ve) rats were given solely the baseline diet for 28 days. The rest of the rats (n=24) were fed on a high-fat diet (20% animal fat) for obese rats. Experimental groups were fed varying concentrations of (5%, 10%, and 15% Cichorium). As a result, rats fed on (5%) Cichorium powder recorded the highest glucose level with a significant difference (P < 0.05) being, While, the lowest glucose level in obese rats recorded for (15%) Cichorium powder with significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest serum albumin levels were recorded for the group fed on (10%) Cichorium powder and (5%) Cichorium powder. On the other hand, the lowest value was recorded for the group fed on (15%) Cichorium powder with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The results suggested using Cichorium powder for obesity and hepatic patients.