Cynarae folium

Dried leaves of Cynara scolymus the artichoke.

Quality is laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC mon ograph: Traditional-use: Dyspeptic digestive complaints, bloating, flatulence
Indications proven by clinical studies (marketing authorization): dyspeptic complaints especially in functional disorders of the biliary tract.
ESCOP monograph: Digestive disorders, e.g. stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness, flatulence, biliary complaints; support for low-fat diets in hyperlipidemia
Commission e-monograph: Dyspeptic complaints.

Empirical medicine: loss of appetite, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis prophylaxis, liver protection, prevention of gallstone recurrence

Cynara scolymus contains phenolic carboxylic acids, in particular (about 15) derivatives of caffeic acid and cynarin, as well as various other substances. Bitter substances such as the sesquiterpene lactone cynaropikrin, furthermore various other compounds. flavonoids and monsaccharides.

Cholekinetic, choleric due to bitter substances and cynarin. Stimulates the exocrine pancreatic function. Has a lipid and triglyceride lowering effect, inhibits cholesterol synthesis. With a cynaride dosage of 50-60mg cynarin/day, significant reduction of blood fat values and blood cholesterol. Furthermore extracts of artichoke leaves have an antiphlogistic effect.

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

Dyspeptic complaints especially if they are due to dysfunctions of the liver-bile metabolism.

Mild diarrhea, abdominal cramps, epigastric discomfort: nausea, heartburn allergic reactions

Artichoke extracts are offered in more than 40 ready-to-use preparations (including juice and tincture) as lipid reducers and to stimulate bile production.

• Chologagum® Klosterfrau artichoke capsules (ED 300mg 1-1-1)
• Cynacur® coated tablets (ED 300mg 1-1-1)
• Hepar POS® capsules (ED 400mg 1-1-1)

1. Ben Salem M et al.(2015) Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 70:441-453.
2. Heidarian E et al. (2013) Protective effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against lead toxicity in rat. Pharm Biol 51:1104-1109.
3. Jacociunas LV et al.(2013) Protective activity of Cynara scolymus L. leaf extract against chemically induced complex genomic alterations in CHO cells. Phytomedicine 20:1131-1134.
4. Rondanelli M et al.(2013) Beneficial effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on increasing HDL-cholesterol in subjects with primary mild hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Food Sci Nutr 64:7-15.
5. Wider B et al. (2013) Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 28:CD003335.
6. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-cynara-cardunculus-l-syn-cynara-scolymus-l-folium_en.pdf
7. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/artichoke.php.
8. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp.72-73