Cynara scolymus

Related Terms

Alcachofa, alcaucil, artichaut (French), artichiocco, artichoke, artichoke inulin, artichoke juice, Artischocke (German), artiskok, carciofo, cardo, cardo de comer, cardon d'Espagne, cardoon, chlorogenic acid, Cynara?, Cynara cardunculus, Cynara scolymus L., Cynarae folium, cynarin, cynaroside, French artichoke, garden artichoke, Gemuseartischocke (German), golden artichoke, Hekbilin A?, Hepar SL? forte, inulin, kardone, LI220, Listrocol?, luteolin, Raftiline?, scolymoside, tyosen-azami, Valverde Artischoke bei Verdauungsbeschwerden.
Note: Globe artichoke should not be mistaken for Jerusalem artichoke, which is the tuber of Helianthus tuberosa L. (a species of sunflower).

Background

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a species of thistle. The edible part of the plant is the base of the artichoke head in bud, harvested well before any fruit develops. In traditional European medicine, the leaves of the artichoke (not the flower buds, which are the parts commonly cooked and eaten as a vegetable) were used as a diuretic to stimulate the kidneys and as a "choleretic" to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder.
Cynarin, luteolin, cynardoside (luteolin-7-O-glycoside), scolymoside, and chlorogenic acid are believed to be artichoke's active constituents. The most studied component, cynarin, is concentrated in the leaves.
Artichoke has been used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), alcohol-induced hangover, and for its choleretic (stimulates bile release) and antioxidant properties.
Artichoke extracts are becoming increasingly available in the United States, with public interest and the availability of standardized extracts resulting in efforts to develop more rigorous support for clinical studies exploring the beneficial effects of artichoke.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Globe artichoke leaf extract has been found to increase bile secretion in animal, human and laboratory studies. Additional human study is needed to make a firm recommendation for artichoke as a choleretic.

B


Globe artichoke leaf extract has been found to increase bile secretion in animal, human and laboratory studies. Additional human study is needed to make a firm recommendation for artichoke as a choleretic.

B


Preliminary human study suggests that cynarin and artichoke extracts may reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, additional study is needed to a make a strong recommendation.

B


Preliminary human study suggests that cynarin and artichoke extracts may reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, additional study is needed to a make a strong recommendation.

B


Artichoke extract has been used and marketed as a hangover remedy. However, there is insufficient available evidence to form a clear conclusion in this area.


C


Artichoke extract has been used and marketed as a hangover remedy. However, there is insufficient available evidence to form a clear conclusion in this area.


C


Antioxidant properties of artichoke have been noted, although long-term clinical effects in humans are not known. Additional study is needed to make a strong recommendation.

 C


Antioxidant properties of artichoke have been noted, although long-term clinical effects in humans are not known. Additional study is needed to make a strong recommendation.

 C


One proposed etiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia is bile duct dyskinesia. Because globe artichoke extract has been studied as a choloretic, it has been hypothesized that it may also function as an antidyspeptic agent. Preliminary evidence supports this hypothesis, although more study is needed to draw a firm recommendation.

C


One proposed etiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia is bile duct dyskinesia. Because globe artichoke extract has been studied as a choloretic, it has been hypothesized that it may also function as an antidyspeptic agent. Preliminary evidence supports this hypothesis, although more study is needed to draw a firm recommendation.

C


There is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of artichoke in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

 C


There is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of artichoke in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for artichoke. A typical dosage of standardized artichoke extract is 320-1,800 milligrams daily for six weeks. The expert panel German Commission E recommends 6 grams of the dried herb or its equivalent daily, usually divided into three doses.
Also, 3-8 milliliters of 1:2 liquid extract daily is often recommended in clinical practice, and up to 10 milliliters of pressed juice from fresh leaves and flower buds of the artichoke has been used in clinical trials. The German Commission E has recommended 6 milliliters of tincture (1:5 grams per milliliter) given three times daily.
Doses of globe artichoke containing 250-750 milligrams of cynarin daily, or dried artichoke extract 1,800-1,900 milligrams daily, have been used in clinical trials. However, it is not clear that these are optimal doses.
Doses in the range of 4-9 grams of dried leaves daily are often recommended in clinical practice. The German Commission E has recommended 0.5 gram of a 12:1 (w/w) dried extract given as a single daily dose.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Artichoke may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
There are multiple published reports of cholesterol-lowering effects of artichoke, although the quality of most studies is not sufficient to form a clear conclusion in this area. Artichoke may add to the cholesterol-lowering effects of other agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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