Effect of Cichorium intybus Root and Artemisia absinthium Aerial Part Extracts on Solubility of Gallstones

Gallstones are caused by the accumulation and high density of fat-soluble substances inside the gallbladder. Cichorium intybus and Artemisia absinthium have phenol and flavonoid compounds and are believed to have a potential effect on solubility of gallstones. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the extracts of Cichorium intybus root and Artemisia absinthium aerial part in solubility of gallstones.

In this experimental study, gallstones were collected from Sari Shafa Hospital and the stone compounds were identified by UV and DSC. The gallstones were then cut into equal size and weight (200 mg). Acidic, alkaline, and distilled water media were prepared as control groups along with the experimental groups which contained Cichorium and Artemisia extracts at 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml, respectively. A gallstone sample was placed in each media and the dissolution rate of the stone compounds was measured by an auto-analyzer after 24 and 48 hours.

The UV spectrum showed the presence of bilirubin in the gallstones and the DSC thermogram showed the presence of cholesterol in the stones. Examination of isolated gallstone compounds showed that Cichorium extract at 500 mg could dissolve 75% of triglycerides (P<0.001) and the Artemisia extract at 500 mg could dissolve 63% of cholesterol which were significantly different compared to control groups (P<0.01).

According to current study, Cichorium and Artemisia have a significant effect on the dissolution of gallstones.