Cynara carduculus (Globe Artichoke )

Question 1

How do you recognise Globe Artichoke?

Answer 1

Globe artichokes are thistles – the vegetable is the partially ripe seed head. They are a variety of cardoon which is cultivated for its leaves.

Question 2

What are Globe Artichoke’s main constituents?

Answer 2

• **Sequiterpene lactones **including cynaropictin(bitter) choleretic, also active against hepatitis C.
• Sequiterpene glycosides including cynarascol
• Polyphenols including caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and Cynarin
• Flavonoids. Inulin – prebiotic.
• Cynarin usually seen to be main functional constituent and some studies just done on this compound.

Question 3

What family is Globe Artichoke in?

Answer 3

Asteraceae

Question 4

What is Globe Artichoke good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Generally an important liver tonic, can help protect and heal the liver. Also gallstones and kidney stones.

Actions:
* Hepatic - protects and restores liver.
* Choleretic and cholagogue.
* Bitter.
* Appetite stimulant.
* Antilithic – for both gallstones and kidney stones.
* Diuretic.

Applications:
* Cirrhosis.
* Fatty liver.
* Hepatitis.
* To protect liver from effects of toxic substances.
* Gallstones.
* Kidney stones.
* To reduce hyperlipidaemia

Question 5

What is Globe Artichoke’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Cynara carduculus var. scolymus

Question 6

What parts of Globe Artichoke do you use?

Answer 6

Medicinally the leaves and extracts of the leaves are used.

Question 7

What safety issues might Globe Artichoke have?

Answer 7

Safe as food or medicine. As tincture circa 30ml/week.

Question 8

What useful research does Globe Artichoke have?

Answer 8

The Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Alanine
Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Artichoke edible parts are hepatoprotective ascommercial leaf preparation
Warning: this is a very long article and thehepatoprotective quality of the extracts is assessed by testing on rats exposed to CCl4