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.