Cichorium intybus L. Extract Suppresses Experimental Gout by Inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 Signaling Pathways

Background: The production and maturation of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, regulated by the NF-kappa B and NLRP3 signaling pathways, lie at the core of gout. This study aimed to evaluate the antigout effect of Cichorium intybus L. (also known as chicory) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: A gout animal model was established with monosodium urate (MSU) crystal injections. Rats were orally administered with chicory extract or colchicine. Levels of ankle edema, inflammatory activity, and IL-1 beta release were observed. Several essential targets of the NF-kappa B and NLRP3 signaling pathways were detected. Primary macrophages were isolated to verify the antigout mechanism of chicory extract as well as chicoric acid in vitro. Results: Improvements of swelling degree, inflammatory activity, and histopathological lesion in MSU-injected ankles were observed in the treatment with chicory extract. Further, the chicory extract significantly decreased IL-1 beta release by suppressing the NF-kappa B and NLRP3 signaling pathways in gout rats. Similar to the in vivo results, IL-1 beta release was also inhibited by chicory extract and chicoric acid, a specific effective compound in chicory, through the NF-kappa B and NLRP3 signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study suggests that chicory extract and chicoric acid may be used as promising therapeutic agents against gout by inhibiting the NF-kappa B and NLRP3 signaling pathways.