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Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)
Background
Globe artichoke is a perennial plant found in the Mediterranean region and South America.
Pharmacology
Constituents of the flower heads are 12% sugar (inulin), 3% protein, tannin, cynarin, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, caffeic acid, flavonoids (rutin), and sesquiterpenes lactones.
The inulin in globe artichoke is a polymer of fructose that is not digested and does not increase blood sugar. It decreases postprandial hyperglycemia. In research, 20 g caused only a mild rise in blood sugar, which was significantly lower than the same dose of fructose. Inulin, which may be broken down to fructose in cold weather or winter months and converted back in summer months, activates the complement pathway and promotes chemotaxis of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. It also may stimulate interferon. Cynarin (15% content in roots) stimulates bile and has a direct effect on liver function. It is broken down into caffeic acids, which act on the liver. The bitters may also contain small amount of caffeic acid.
Clinical Applications
Traditionally, globe artichoke was used for arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. In France, it was used for gallstones, obesity, and rheumatism. Globe artichoke is indicated for arteriosclerosis, jaundice, dyspepsia, anorexia, liver insufficiency, chronic albuminuria, post-operative anemia, gallbladder, and biliary disease, chronic liver disease and impairment, and kidney disease. It increases excretion and decreases synthesis of total cholesterol. It helps to prevent gallstone formation.
Globe artichoke is also attributed with tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative, antigalactic, alterative, and aphrodisiac qualities. It stimulates liver cells to regenerate and is also hepato-protective. It supports the kidneys and has a hypoglycemic effect in diabetes.
Contraindications
Theoretically, globe artichoke is contraindicated for biliary tree blockage and colic, which may be due to active gallstones.
Dosage
Recommended dose is 1-4 g dried leaves three times daily, or up to 15-30 ml of tincture per day.
Globe artichoke is a perennial plant found in the Mediterranean region and South America.
Pharmacology
Constituents of the flower heads are 12% sugar (inulin), 3% protein, tannin, cynarin, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, caffeic acid, flavonoids (rutin), and sesquiterpenes lactones.
The inulin in globe artichoke is a polymer of fructose that is not digested and does not increase blood sugar. It decreases postprandial hyperglycemia. In research, 20 g caused only a mild rise in blood sugar, which was significantly lower than the same dose of fructose. Inulin, which may be broken down to fructose in cold weather or winter months and converted back in summer months, activates the complement pathway and promotes chemotaxis of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. It also may stimulate interferon. Cynarin (15% content in roots) stimulates bile and has a direct effect on liver function. It is broken down into caffeic acids, which act on the liver. The bitters may also contain small amount of caffeic acid.
Clinical Applications
Traditionally, globe artichoke was used for arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. In France, it was used for gallstones, obesity, and rheumatism. Globe artichoke is indicated for arteriosclerosis, jaundice, dyspepsia, anorexia, liver insufficiency, chronic albuminuria, post-operative anemia, gallbladder, and biliary disease, chronic liver disease and impairment, and kidney disease. It increases excretion and decreases synthesis of total cholesterol. It helps to prevent gallstone formation.
Globe artichoke is also attributed with tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative, antigalactic, alterative, and aphrodisiac qualities. It stimulates liver cells to regenerate and is also hepato-protective. It supports the kidneys and has a hypoglycemic effect in diabetes.
Contraindications
Theoretically, globe artichoke is contraindicated for biliary tree blockage and colic, which may be due to active gallstones.
Dosage
Recommended dose is 1-4 g dried leaves three times daily, or up to 15-30 ml of tincture per day.