Background
- Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a species of thistle. The edible part of the plant is the base of the artichoke head in bud, harvested well before any fruit develops. In traditional European medicine, the leaves of the artichoke (not the flower buds, which are the parts commonly cooked and eaten as a vegetable) were used as a diuretic to stimulate the kidneys and as a "choleretic" to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder.
- Cynarin, luteolin, cynardoside (luteolin-7-O-glycoside), scolymoside, and chlorogenic acid are believed to be artichoke's active constituents. The most studied component, cynarin, is concentrated in the leaves.
- Artichoke has been used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), alcohol-induced hangover, and for its choleretic (stimulates bile release) and antioxidant properties.
- Artichoke extracts are becoming increasingly available in the United States, with public interest and the availability of standardized extracts resulting in efforts to develop more rigorous support for clinical studies exploring the beneficial effects of artichoke.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
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View Abstract - Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, et al. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis. J Altern.Complement Med 2004;10(4):667-669.
View Abstract - Franck P, Moneret-Vautrin DA, Morisset M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to inulin: first identification of specific IgEs to an inulin protein compound. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005;136(2):155-158.
View Abstract - Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, et al. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 2003;18(11-12):1099-1105.
View Abstract - Jimenez-Escrig A, Dragsted LO, Daneshvar B, et al. In vitro antioxidant activities of edible artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and effect on biomarkers of antioxidants in rats. J Agric.Food Chem. 8-27-2003;51(18):5540-5545.
View Abstract - Li H, Xia N, Brausch I, Yao Y, et al. Flavonoids from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) up-regulate endothelial-type nitric-oxide synthase gene expression in human endothelial cells. J Pharmacol.Exp.Ther. 2004;310(3):926-932.
View Abstract - Lopez-Molina, D., Navarro-Martinez, M. D., Rojas-Melgarejo, F., Hiner, A. N., Chazarra, S., and Rodriguez-Lopez, J. N. Molecular properties and prebiotic effect of inulin obtained from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.). Phytochemistry 2005;66(12):1476-1484.
View Abstract - Lupattelli G, Marchesi S, Lombardini R, et al. Artichoke juice improves endothelial function in hyperlipemia. Life Sci 12-31-2004;76(7):775-782.
View Abstract - Miralles JC., Garcia-Sells J, Bartolome B, et al. Occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to artichoke (Cynara scolymus). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;91(1):92-95.
View Abstract - Pittler MH, White AR, Stevinson C, et al. Effectiveness of artichoke extract in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 12-9-2003;169(12):1269-1273.
View Abstract - Valerio F, De Bellis P, Lonigro SL, et al. In vitro and in vivo survival and transit tolerance of potentially probiotic strains carried by artichokes in the gastrointestinal tract. Appl Environ.Microbiol. 2006;72(4):3042-3045.
View Abstract - Visioli F, Bogani P, Grande S, et al. Local food and cardioprotection: the role of phytochemicals. Forum Nutr 2006;59:116-129.
View Abstract - Wang M, Simon JE, Aviles IF, et al. Analysis of antioxidative phenolic compounds in artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.). J Agric.Food Chem. 1-29-2003;51(3):601-608.
View Abstract - Wittemer SM, Ploch M, Windeck T, et al. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids after oral administration of Artichoke leaf extracts in humans. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(1-2):28-38.
View Abstract - Zhu XF, Zhang HX, Lo R. Antifungal activity of Cynara scolymus L. extracts. Fitoterapia 2005;76(1):108-111.
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