Artichoke

Thistle-like, herbaceous plant, one of the oldest vegetable plants in the world. It belongs to the composite family (Compositae). Cultivated as a vegetable plant in the Mediterranean region and in many other countries. Already known to the Greeks and Romans. Introduced to Central Europe around the 16th century, later also to America. Probably originally from Ethiopia, since then cultivated in Europe, USA, North Africa and South America.

Traditional herbal medicine for mild digestive complaints.

The dried leaves of annual artichokes (artichoke leaves - Cynarae folium) are used phytotherapeutically, as well as 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 substances such as the sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin, and 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. Medical 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/artischocke.php
5. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, p.72-73
6. https://pflanzen.fnr.de/industriepflanzen/arzneipflanzen/pflanzen-datenbank

7. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practitioners. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 216-218