Artichoke

(Cynara scolymus)

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Cynara
Species: scolymus
Synonyms: None
Common Names: Globe artichoke, alcachofra, alcachofera, artichaut, tyosen-azami
Phytochemicals: 7 types of Caffeoylquinic-Acids, Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Beta- selinene, Beta-sitosterol, Boron, Caffeic-acid, Caffeoyl-4-quinic-acid, Calcium, Caryophyllene, Chlorogenic-acid, Cyanidol-glucosides, Cynaragenin, Cynarapicrin, Cynaratriol, Cynarin, Cynarolide, Decanal, Eugenol, Ferulic-acid, Flavonoids, Folacin, Glyceric-acid, Glycolic-acid, Heteroside-B, Inulin, Iron, Isoamerboin, Lauric-acid, Linoleic-acid, Linolenic-acid, Luteolin-glucosides, Magnesium, Manganese, Mufa, Myristic-acid, Neochlorogenic-acid, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Pantothenic-acid, Phenylacetaldehyde, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Pseudotaraxasterol, Pufa, Riboflavin, Scolymoside, Stearic-acid, Stigmasterol, Tannin, Taraxasterol, Thiamin, Vit-B6, Zinc
Part Used: Leaves, flowers

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: reduces cholesterol lowers blood pressure stimulates bile supports liver supports gallbladder enhances digestion fights free radicals detoxifies

Other Actions: dries secretions supports heart cleanses blood increases urination

Standard Dosage: Leaves. Infusion: 1-3 cups daily; Liquid Extract: 2-3 ml with each meal; Capsules: 2-3 g 3 times daily; Standardized Extracts: follow label directions.

Alcachofra is the Brazilian name for the globe artichoke, whose flower petals and fleshy flower bottoms are eaten as a vegetable throughout the world. The artichoke, indeed, was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans; in Rome, the artichoke was an important menu item at feasts.

The artichoke is popular for its pleasant bitter taste, which is attributed mostly to a plant chemical called cynarin found in the green parts of the plant. Cynarin is considered one of artichoke's main biologically active chemicals. It occurs in the highest concentration in the leaves of the plant, which is why leaf extracts are most commonly employed in herbal medicine.

In the 1970s, European scientists first documented cynarin's ability to lower cholesterol in humans. Over the years, other researchers have continued to document artichoke's or cynarin's effect in this area. One of the more recent studies, published in 2000, was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that used an artichoke leaf extract that was standardized to its cynarin content. For six weeks, 143 patients with high cholesterol were given the extract; at the end of the test, results showed a decrease of 10%-15% in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and ratio of LDL to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Scientists now report that the cholesterol-lowering effect of artichoke can be attributed to chemicals other than just cynarin, including several newly discovered ones.

The liver detoxifying and protective properties of artichoke first came to the attention of researchers in 1966 (in a study that supported its effect on liver regeneration in rats). A 1987 study that focused on the effects of rat liver cells subjected to harmful chemical agents found both cynarin and caffeic acids (both in artichoke) to have significant protective effects.
Investigations are still being conducted on artichoke's beneficial effects on liver and gallbladder functions.
A portion of artichoke's liver protective properties is thought to be attributed to its documented antioxidant actions.
Previously, a 1999 clinical investigation focused on gallbladder function showed the efficacy and safety of artichoke extracts in the treatment of hepatobiliary dysfunction and digestive complaints, yet in patiens with IBS.

Artichoke has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a specific liver and gallbladder remedy. Artichoke is also often used to mobilize fatty stores in the liver and detoxify it, and as a natural aid to lower cholesterol.

Following- up here, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of artichoke.

Region	Uses
Brazil	for acne, anemia, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, asthma, bile insufficiency, blood cleansing, bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, dyspepsia, digestive disorders, dandruff, fever, flatulence, gallbladder disorders, gallstones, gout, heart function, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, kidney insufficiency, liver disorders, nephritis, obesity, prostatitis, rheumatism, seborriasis, ulcers, urethritis, urinary disorders, and as an astringent and vasoconstrictor
Dominican Republic	for bile insufficiency, digestive problems, gallbladder disorders
Europe	for bile insufficiency, cancer, detoxification, dyspepsia, gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, hyperglycemia, jaundice, liver disorders, nausea
Haiti	for edema, hypertension, kidney disorders, liver problems, urinary insufficiency
Mexico	for cystitis, gallstones, hypertension, liver disorders
Elsewhere	for diabetes, edema, rheumatism, urinary insufficiency

ARTICHOKE PLANT SUMMARY

Main Actions (in order):	liver and gallbladder bile stimulant, hepatoprotective (liver protector), antihepatotoxic (liver detoxifier), hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol)
Main Uses:	for gallstones and as a liver and gallbladder bile stimulant for high cholesterol for digestive disorders for irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and other bowel problems to support liver function
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antihepatotoxic (clears toxins in liver), antioxidant, liver and gallbladder bile stimulator, hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol)
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	astringent, blood cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), detoxifier, digestive stimulant, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens)
Traditional Preparation:	Infusion: 1 to 3 cups of a standard leaf infusion are taken daily after meals; Extract: 3-4 ml of a concentrated 4:1 liquid extract; Capsules or tablets: 3-5 g daily of dried herb in capsules, or tablets can be substituted, if desired. With standardized extract products, follow the instructions on the product label.
Contraindication	None reported for internal use; however: Dermatitis following contact with the fresh plant and leaves has been reported. Artichoke has been documented in traditional uses to be hypoglycemic; however, no clinical studies have been published to confirm this action. Diabetics and people with hypoglycemia should use this plant product with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels closely in anticipation of these possible effects.
Drug Interactions:	It may potentiate the effects of cholesterol-lowering and statin drugs.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.