Artichoke cut fruit, Cynara cardunculus

Artichoke cut fruit

Cynara cardunculus

The artichoke has become important as a medicinal herb in recent years, following the discovery of cynarin in the plant. This bitter-tasting compound found in the leaves improves liver and gallbladder function, stimulates the release of digestive juices, especially bile, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. The leaves are anticholesterolemic, antirheumatic, choleretic, digestive, diuretic, hypoglycemic and lithontripic. They are used internally in the treatment of chronic diseases of the liver and gall bladder, jaundice, hepatitis, atherosclerosis and the early stages of diabetes. The leaves are harvested before the plant flowers and can be used fresh or dried.

Cynara cardunculus L. has potential as a food and medicinal herb. Its young flower heads are usually consumed as a main part of various Mediterranean dishes /artichoke/ while its various plant parts are considered as potential sources of valuable phytocomponents, mainly polysaccharides and polyphenols. These chemicals contribute to its nutritional value and bioactivity, including liver and cardiovascular protection and inflammatory disorders.

Action of Artichoke

Based on their long-standing traditional use, artichoke leaf tea and other preparations can be used to relieve digestive disorders such as indigestion with a feeling of fullness, bloating and flatulence, chronic liver and gall bladder diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, atherosclerosis and the early stages of diabetes.
Clinical studies have also been done involving patients with digestive disorders. The results show that artichoke leaves can improve symptoms of indigestion.

How to use Artichoke, cut fruit

Crushed dried leaves for herbal tea: pour 3 g of herb /1 tablespoon/ with 200 ml of boiling water, infuse for 5 minutes. It is strained. It is taken at room temperature 2 times a day. Daily dose 3-6 g of artichoke leaves. A standard tincture /water-alcohol extract/ can be prepared in a ratio of 1:5.

Warnings
Artichoke leaf herbal tea should be used in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. Artichoke leaf medicines should not be used in patients with certain disorders of the liver and biliary tract. They should also not be used in patients who are hypersensitive (allergic) to plants of the Asteraceae family.