Artichoke

One of the oldest vegetable plants in the world belonging to the composite family (Compositae). Cultivated in the Mediterranean area and in many other countries as a vegetable plant. Already known to the Greeks and Romans. Introduced to Central Europe about the 16th century, and later to America. Original origin probably Ethiopia, in the meantime cultivated plant in Europe, USA, North Africa, South America.

Traditional herbal medicinal product for mild digestive disorders.

Phytotherapeutically used are the dried leaves of annual artichokes (artichoke leaves - Cynarae folium), but also the fresh plant press juice.

Cynara scolymus contains phenolic carboxylic acids, in particular (about 15) derivatives of caffeic acid and cyanarin, as well as various bitter compounds such as the sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin. Bitter substances such as the sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin, as well as various flavonoids and monsaccharides. Flavonoids and monsaccharides.

Medicinal use: Artichoke extracts (see Cynarae folium below) are offered in more than 40 ready-to-use preparations (e.g. as juice, tincture) as lipid reducers and to stimulate bile production.

The diuretic and choleretic effect is attributed to the ingredient cynarin.

Functional dyspepsia, i.e. a feeling of fullness after eating, early satiety, upper abdominal pain, discomfort and stomach burning.

Because of its bitterness, extracts from artichokes are made into liqueur wine in Spain and Italy to stimulate gastric secretion (aperitif).

Current studies indicate a reduction in postprandial blood sugar levels and a highly significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Cosmetic use: Cynara scolymus extract (INCI) is used in cosmetic products as a skin-protecting substance.

Preparation-specific, general 3 x 300 mg dry extract

Up to seven sesquiterpene lactones are present in the artichoke. The sensitising effect has so far only been shown for cynaropizine and Grosheimin. Sensitizing potency: Medium strong. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional.

In artichoke pickers with occupational allergic contact dermatitis, a large number of cross-reactions to 49 different types of composites, including chrysanthemum, arnica, camomile and pyrethrum, have been observed. Composite allergy sufferersare therefore also at risk of recurrence on contact with artichokes. Hand eczema is common.

1. Wegener T et al (2017) Effects of pressed juice from artichoke flower buds in metabolic syndrome. Z Phytother 5: 206-211
2. Wegener T et al (1995) Artichoke leaf extract - lipid lowering on a plant basis. Physicians Journal Naturheilverfahren 36: 378-389.
3. Winter Y et al (2009) Reliable effects of pressed juice from artichoke flower buds on digestive complaints- results of a practical therapy study. Z Phytother 30: 111-116
4. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/artichoke.php.
5. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp.72-73
6. https://pflanzen.fnr.de/industrial-plants/medicinal-plants/pflanzen-datenbank.