Allelochemicals in chicory and utilization in processed foods

In connection with a proposed defensive mechanism of chicory, antimicrobial , and nematicidal substances from the rhizomes were studied. A new antimicr obial sesquiterpenoid, 8 alpha -angeloyloxycichoralexin, in addition to gua ianolides such as cichoralexin and 10 alpha -hydroxycichopumilide, was isol ated and identified. These sesquiterpenoids exhibited antifungal activities against Pericularia oryzae, Pellicularia sasakii, Alternaria kikuchiana, a nd others. Ether-soluble phenolics from the chicory rhizome exhibited nemat icidal activity. Thus, it appears that these secondary metabolites play an important ecological role. Furthermore, the allelochemical research was app lied to the production of processed foods. The addition of dry powder from chicory rhizome to noodles, a boiled fish paste, and cocoa- and coffeecakes provided elongation of food preservation.