Cynara scolymus
(Artichoke)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Decreases the rate of cholesterol synthesis in the liver
• Digestive tonic
• Enhances biliary excretion of cholesterol
• Increases bile production in the liver - cholagogue
• Increases the contractive power of the bile duct - choliokinetic
• Increases the flow of bile from the gallbladder by 60% and 4 times normal in a 12-hour period - choleretic
• Liver detoxification
• Protective to liver tissue
• Reduces blood fat
• Reduces cholesterol and cholinesterase levels
• Significant liver regenerating and protecting effects

Clinical Indications:

• Cholecystitis (Gallbladder disease)
• Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
• Hepatitis
• Alcohol-related liver disorders
• Anemia
• Dyspepsia
• Hypercholesterolemia

Contraindications:

• Allergic hypersensitivity to artichoke or other species in the Asteracea family
• Bile duct obstruction due to the cholagogue effect

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• No interactions have been reported

Chemical Constituents:

• 1,3 dicaffeoylquinic acid
• 3-caffeoylquinic acid
• Beta-sitosterol
• Caffeic acid
• Cynarin
• Flavonoids
• Heteroside-B
• Inulin
• Minerals:
  
  Boron
  Calcium
  Iron
  Magnesium
  Manganese
  Phosphorus
  Potassium
  Zinc
• Oleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Protein
• Scolymoside
• Sesquiterpene lactones
• Stigmasterol
• Tannin
• Vitamins:
  
  Niacin
  Pantothenic acid
  Riboflavin
  Vitamin B1
  Vitamin B6

Toxicity:

• Considered safe

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).