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Common Name: Artichoke, Globe Artichoke Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus or Cynara cardunculus Nutritional Support at a Glance: Used as nutritional support by persons with Atherosclerosis, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nausea & Vomiting, non-ulcerative dyspepsia, Liver problems, Decreased bile output, Digestive problems, High cholesterol and triglycerides, Loss of appetite, Diabetes when eaten as a fresh vegetable. Notice to Consumers: No information is provided as an enticement to purchase and in accordance with section 201(g) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, is not intended to treat, prevent, cure or mitigate any disease and is for your perusal and to be used in concert with your physician. To view product formulation: Cynara cardunculus (Artichoke) Origin: The unopened edible flower bud of a thistle-like plant long considered a delicacy and is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables referenced by Dioscorides account of large-scale cultivation near Carthage. Pliny commented that they were more highly prized than any other vegetable. Although their origin is really unknown, artichokes are commonly believed to have originated in Africa. They were cultivated in Italy and taken to France by the wife of Henry II. The French and Spanish explorers brought them to the U.S. and were significantly cultivated in Louisiana and later to California where almost 99% of all the World’s globe artichokes are grown today. Parts Used Medicinally: Leaves and artichoke extract prepared as a dried encapsulated powder or tincture. Artichokes can also be made into an herbal tea. Traditional and/or Historical Use: Cynara cardunculus leaves have a long historical use as a digestive aid and liver remedy. The extract from artichoke enhances detoxification reactions and protects the liver very similar to milk thistle extract because they are members of the same family and has been shown to increase bile acid output, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce severe constipation, and as a diuretic. Fresh artichokes are very low in calories containing the starch inulin which is not utilized for energy making it an excellent food for diabetics and are a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium, chromium, and a very good source of vitamin C, folic acid, biotinniacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin A. Active Biochemical’s or Phytochemical’s and/or Mechanism of Action: Cynara cardunculus extracts contain 13% to 18% caffeyloquinic acid compounds (caffeylquinic acid) and 5% cynarin, a (1,5-dicaffeyl ester of quinic acid) and luteolin. Cynarin is the most studied, but monocaffeylquinic acid appears to be more potent for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) was shown to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis via an indirect modulation of HMG-CoA-reductase. The stimulation of HMG-CoA-reductase activity by insulin was efficiently blocked even though other insulin-dependent mechanisms like increased lactate were unaffected. Artichoke extracts demonstrates antioxidative, hepatoprotective, choleretic, anti-cholestatic effects, inhibition of chloresterol biosynthesis, and LDL oxidation. 553 patients with an average age of 54.7 years diagnoses with dyspeptic discomfort, severe constipation, and functional biliary colic were studied using a standardized 320 mg dose of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) taking 1-2 capsules three times a day for 6 weeks and vomiting was reduced by 88.3%, nausea by 82.4%, constipation by 71%, flatulence by 68.2%, abdominal pain by 76.2%, loss of appetite by 72.3%, and fat intolerance by 58.8% with mild adverse events reported at only 1.3%. Also described in clinical data are antiemetic, apasmolytic, choleretic and carminative effects described with a low incidence of side-effects and good tolerance. Testing of several ALE components, caffeic acid, cynarin, and other dicaffeoylquinic acids were relatively ineffective in the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis while cynaroside, particularly its aglycone luteolin are mainly responsible with luteolin appearing to be the critical component and it also was shown to block the insulin effect on cholesterol biosynthesis. Cynarin in a double-blind study reduced total cholesterol levels by 20%, triglycerides by 15% and pre-beta-lipoprotein by 20% compared to matched placebo group. Recommended Dosage: Standardized extracts are usually taken at a dosage of 200 to 400 mgs three times a day between meals or as labeled or directed by your physician. Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications: No significant side effects have been reported when taken within the recommended doses. May increase bile flow and exacerbate gallstones or bile duct obstruction. Drug Interactions: George T. Grossberg, M.D. & Barry Fox, Ph.D reports,”May increase the diuretic effect of bumetanide and furosemide and may interfere with the absorption of ferric gluconate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, iron-dextran complex, polysaccharide-iron complex and may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low levels of blood potassium) when taking hydrochlorothiazide.” General References: Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press. Melvin R. Werbach, M.D. & Jeffrey Moss, D.D.S., C.N.S., C.C.N. (1999) Textbook of Nutritional Medicine. Third Line Press, Inc. Tarzana, CA. Simon Mills, MCPP, FNIMH, MA & Kerry Bone MCPP FNHAA FNIMH BSc (Hons) (2000) Principles and Practices of Phytotherapy. New York, NY Churchill Livingstone. Joseph Pizzorno, Jr. & Michael Murray, (1999) Textbook of Natural Medicine. New York, NY, Churchill Livingstone. M. Murray, N.D.(1995) The Healing Power of Herbs. New York, NY, Gramercy Books. Melvin R. Werbach M.D. & Michael T Murray, N.D., (2000) Botanical Influences on Illness. A Sourcebook of Clinical Research. Tarzana, CA, Third Line Press. George T. Grossberg, M.D. & Barry Fox, Ph.D. (2007) The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide. New York, NY, Broadway Books. James F. Balch, M.D. & Mark Stengler, N.D., (2004) Prescription for Natural Cures. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Supportive Published Research: © 2009 |