HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ARTICHOKE/45' ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: ARTICHOKE LEAF
Caffeic acid derivatives: chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic
acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, cynarin4£ Flavonoids (0.5%): in particular rutin
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
ARTICHOKE LEAF
Approved by Commission E:- Liver and gallbladder complaints
- Loss of appetite
ARTICHOKE LEAF AND ROOT
Unproven Uses: Artichoke is used for dyspeptic problems
and also for prophylactic treatment against the return of
gallstones.In folk medicine, Artichoke is also used for digestion
complaints and as a tonic in convalescence.CONTRAINDICATIONS
ARTICHOKE LEAF AND ROOT
Because of the stimulating effect of the drug upon the biliary
tract, it should not be administered if there is a bile duct
blockage. Colic can occur where the patient suffers from
gallstones.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
ARTICHOKE LEAF AND ROOT
Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The
plant possesses a medium potential for sensitization through
skin contact. Allergic reactions occur in particular when
there is frequent on-the-job contact with artichokes. There
are cross-reactions with other composites (including chrys-
anthemes, arnica Pyrethrum).DOSAGE
ARTICHOKE LEAF
Mode of Administration: Dried, comminuted drug, pressed
juice of fresh plant and other galenical preparations for
internal use.
Daily Dosage: The average daily dose is 6 gm of drug;
single dose is 500 mg of dry extract.
Storage: Artichoke should be protected from light and
insects in well-sealed containers.
LITERATURE
Adzet T, Puigmacia M, J Chromatogr 348:447-453. 1985.
Brand N, Cynara scolymus L. - Die Artischocke. In: ZPT
11 (5): 169. 1990.
Fintelmann V, Antidyspetische und lipidsenkende Wirkung von
Artischockenblatterextrakt. In: ZPT 17(5) Beilage ZFA.
Zeitschrift fur AUgem Med. 1996.
Fintelmann V, Menken HG, Artischockenblatterextrakt Aktuelle
Erkenntnis zur Wirkung als Lipidsenker und Antidyspeptikum.
In: DAZ 136(17): 1405-1414. 1996.
Hinou J, Harvala C, Philianos S, Polyphenols substances of
Cynara scolymus L. leaves. Ann Pharm Fr, 47:95-8, 1989
Khalkova Zh, Vangelova K, Zaikov Kh, An experimental study
of the effect of an artichoke preparation on the activity of the
sympathetic-adrenal system in carbon disulfide exposure. Probl
Khig, 53:162-71. 1995
Kirchhoff R. Beckers CH, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gartner H,
Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ (1994) Increase in choleresis by
means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine 1:107-115.
Maros T, Seres-Sturm L, Racz G, Rettegi C, Kovacs VV, Hints
M, Quantitative analysis of cynarin in the leaves of the
artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Farm Zh, 18:56-9, 1965
Meding B, Allergic contact dermatitis from artichoke Cynara
scolymus. Contact Dermatitis, 18:314, 1983 Jul
Reuter HD, Pflanzliche Gallentherapeutika (Teil I) und (Teil II).
In: ZPT 16(1): 13-20, 77-89. 1995.
Schilcher H, Pharmazeutische Aspekte pflanzlicher Gallenther-
apeutika. In: ZPT 16(4):211-222. 1995.
Schmidt M, Phytotherapie: Pflanzliche Gallenwegstherapeutika.
In: DAZ 135(8):680-682. 1995.
Sokolova VE, Liubartseva LA, Vasilchenkoo EA, Effect of
artichoke (Synara scolymus) on some aspects of nitrogen
metabolism in animals. Farmakol Toksikol, 53:340-3, 1970
May-Jun
Wasielewski S, Artischockenblatterextrakt: Prevention der
Arteriosklerose?. In: DAZ 137(24):2065-2067. 1997.
Further information in:
Adzet T, Camarasa J, Laguna JC, Hepatoprotective activity of
polyphenol^ compounds from Cynara scolymus against CC14
toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. J Nat Prod, 50:612-7, 1987
Jul-AugSesquiterpene lactones (0 to 4%): cynaropicrin, dehydrocy-
naropicrin, grossheimin, cynaratriolCOMPOUNDS: ARTICHOKE ROOT
Caffeic acid derivatives, including chlorogenic acid sesqui-
terpene lactones, are not contained in the rhizome.EFFECTS: ARTICHOKE LEAF AND ROOT
The main active principles are sesquiterpenes (amaroids),
hydroxy cinnamic acid and flavonoids. The drug has a
cholagogic, hepatotoxic and lipid-reducing effect. A choler-
etic effect has been observed in rats (effect of the cinnamic
acid). The cholesterol levels were reduced in the rats; a
hepatostimulating and bitter effect on the gastrointestinal
tract has also been documented.