Evaluating the effect of chicory on serum ferritin levels in transfusion-dependent Β-thalassemia patients: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

Several approved iron chelators exist, but they may cause significant adverse reactions in some patients. It is essential to explore complementary treatments that enhance compliance and minimize side effects.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of chicory in reducing serum ferritin levels in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Ali-Asghar Children's Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants included individuals with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and serum ferritin levels exceeding 1000 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A total of 110 patients were randomly assigned to receive either chicory syrup or a placebo for 8 weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between the intervention and control groups.

RESULTS

All 110 enrolled patients had their ferritin levels measured at baseline and 2 months after initiating either chicory extract or placebo. Mean ferritin levels decreased in both the treatment group (918.28 ± 151.42 ng/ml) and the placebo group (799.145 ± 145.07 ng/ml), with a statistically significant difference ( = 0.04). Additionally, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels showed a significant decline in the treatment group (8.12 ± 13.49 U/L) compared to the placebo group (2.8 ± 6.65 U/L) ( = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that chicory extract may effectively reduce ferritin levels in patients with β-thalassemia. However, further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these results and strengthen the evidence for the therapeutic potential of chicory.