Phytochemical Profiling and Chemical Analysis of Cichorium intybus with Evaluation of Its Bioactive Constituents and Mineral Composition

This research examined the phytochemical compounds and metabolomic profiles of Cichorium intybus leaf extracts by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and bioassays. GC-MS revealed major compounds, hydroxylamine, linolenic acid, and lupeol. Phytochemical quantification detected excessive amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics in methanolic and ethanolic extracts. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical content were assessed in hydroethanolic, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, all of which were positive for carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. Methanolic extracts revealed relatively lower levels of phytochemicals. The study also examined the level of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in various areas to identify environmental and anthropogenic factors. Iron content ranged extensively, from 186.72 mg/kg in Arya Nagar (Haridwar) to 2783.9 mg/kg in Nainital Lake (Nainital), which region indicates varied soil compositions. Zinc content ranged from 18.945 mg/kg in Dhanauri (Haridwar) to 199.15 mg/kg in Mount Litera Zee School (Dehradun), indicating huge spatial variations due to local circumstances.