Botanical name: Cynara
scolymus
Parts used and where
grown
This
large thistle-like plant is native to the
regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and
the Canary Islands. The leaves of the plant are
used medicinally. However, the roots and the
immature flower heads may also contain
beneficial compounds.
Artichoke has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health
concern for complete
information):
| Health
Concerns |
|
Indigestion and lack of appetite
(digestive aid) |
|
High cholesterol |
|
Irritable bowel
syndrome |
Historical or
traditional use (may or
may not be supported by scientific
studies)
The
artichoke is one of the world’s oldest medicinal
plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value
on the plant—it is clearly seen in drawings
involving fertility and sacrifice. Moreover,
this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and
Romans as a digestive aid. In 16th century
Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by
royalty.
Active
constituents
Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of
active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3
dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid,
and scolymoside. The choleretic (bile
stimulating) action of the plant has been well
documented in a controlled trial involving a
small sample of healthy volunteers. After the
administration of 1.92 grams of standardized
artichoke extract directly into the duodenum,
liver bile flow increased significantly. This
choleretic effect has led to the popular use of
artichoke extract in Europe for the treatment of
mild indigestion—particularly following a meal
high in fat. In an uncontrolled clinical trial
with 553 people suffering from non-specific
digestive disorders (including indigestion),
320–640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract
taken three times per day was found to reduce
nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and
flatulence in over 70% of the study
participants.
The
standardized extract has also been used to treat
high cholesterol and triglycerides. In one
preliminary trial and one controlled trial, use
of a standardized artichoke extract was found to
lower cholesterol and triglycerides
significantly when taken in amounts ranging from
900 to 1,920 mg per day. One preliminary trial
failed to find any effect.
While
scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves
lower cholesterol, test tube studies have
suggested that the action may be due to an
inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the
increased elimination of cholesterol because of
the plant’s choleretic action. In test tube
studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke
(e.g., luteolin) have been shown to prevent
LDL-cholesterol oxidation—an effect that may
reduce risk of atherosclerosis.
How much is usually
taken?
The
suggested adult amount of the standardized leaf
extract is 300–640 mg three times daily for a
minimum of six weeks.11
Alternatively, if a standardized extract is not
available, the amount of the crude, dried leaves
is 1–4 grams, three times a
day.
Are there any side
effects or interactions?
At
the recommended amount and according to the
German Commission E Monograph, there are no
known side effects or drug interactions. The use
of artichoke is not recommended for those who
are allergic to artichokes and other members of
the Compositae (e.g., daisy) family. In
addition, those who have any obstruction of the
bile duct (e.g., as a result of gallstones)
should not employ this plant therapeutically.
The plant’s safety during pregnancy and
breastfeeding has not been
established.
