Chicory root

Cichorium intybus · Chicory root

Mechanism

The root of chicory (Cichorium intybus) is very inulin-rich (dry matter predominantly inulin) and contains bitter compounds. Inulin is a fermentable, prebiotic dietary fibre that can support the large-intestinal flora, and together with the bitter compounds it is traditionally used to promote digestion. Inulin is chemically a fructan: in EMS-/laminitis-prone horses the amount supplied must be assessed critically, because a rapid large-intestinal fermentation of quickly available fructans can trigger laminitis in the experimental model.

Cautions

· EMS/LAMINITIS TENDENCY: inulin is a fructan — assess the amount critically, avoid if in doubt
· Bitter compounds — introduce cautiously in stomach-sensitive horses
· Not for balancing the overall ration; consider the fructan/sugar content of the ration

Sources

PMID:16706272van Eps & Pollitt 2006 (Equine Vet J) — Equine Laminitis induced with oligofructose (Fruktan-Modell)

Cichorium-ReviewPerović et al. 2020 — Cichorium intybus, inulinreiche Wurzel, Phytochemie/Anwendung

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific, low-dosed; with EMS/laminitis risk strictly limit the fructan load

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.