Cilentan Cichorium intybus L. organs: UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS analysis for new antioxidant scenario, exploitable locally and beyond

•Wild chicory from the Cilento region was dissected into its organs.•UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS approach was applied to deepen their bioactive constituents.•Their ratio was responsible for different antioxidant responses.•Root, floret and bract extracts prevented wound closure in SH-SY5Y cell monolayers. In the framework aimed at evaluating the close link between the chemical composition of poorly explored organs of local edible medicinal plants in the Cilento region (Southern Italy) and their recovery for new health products, Cichorium intybus L. was of interest. Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Time-Of-Flight tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS) investigation revealed that sesquiterpene lactones characterized roots and stems, while hydroxycinnamic derivatives accumulated in florets, bracts, and leaves. Florets diverged for anthocyanin derivatives, while roots differed by low flavonoid content. Despite shared phytochemical constituents, their ratio was responsible for different antioxidant responses. Notably, extracts, particularly rich in hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, showed protective effects against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in SH-SY5Y and HaCaT cell lines. The wound healing assay revealed marked inhibition of SH-SY5Y cell migration, avoiding wound closure. Overall, the research encourages the use of different organs from Cilentan wild chicory to obtain antioxidant safe and consumer-guaranteed products. [Display omitted]