Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)

Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)

Product Name: Артишок, Cynara scolymus, Artischocke, Alcachofa, Artichaut, الخرشوف, อาติโช๊ค

Synonyms: Артишок обыкновенный, Артишок огородный, Globe artichoke, Green artichoke, Gemeine Artischocke, Alcaucil, Alcachofa común, Artichaut commun, الأرضي شوكي, الخرشوف البستاني, อาติโช๊คสวน, อาร์ติโชกเขียว

Main Indications for Cynara scolymus Use: Fatty liver disease, toxic hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia of hypokinetic type, chronic pancreatitis in remission, constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, hyperuricemia, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome.

Use of Cynara scolymus in mixtures and complexes: Liver cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, nephritis of autoimmune nature, diabetic nephropathy, viral hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome, obesity, hypertension, neurocirculatory dystonia of hypertensive type.

Pharmacological Properties of Cynara scolymus: hepatoprotective, choleretic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, diuretic, antiseptic, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, hypoglycemic, capillaroprotective.

Pharmaceutical Forms and Dosages of Cynara scolymus

Powder — Cynara scolymus

Standard Dosage (Powder): 400–600 mg of powder 2 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals, with warm water. Take without fat support. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 800–1000 mg 2 times a day before meals, for 14–28 days. Take without fat. If necessary — under medical supervision.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 1800 mg per day (divided into 2–3 doses). Course — no more than 30 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 5–7 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into 2 doses.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Used from 12 years of age, at a dosage of no more than 300 mg once a day for 7–10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): For adults with a high risk of metabolic disorders — 400 mg once a day, in a course of 14 days quarterly.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: Maximum permissible concentration for the powder has not been established; for the extract: LD₅₀ in rats >5000 mg/kg. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store for up to 1 year in an airtight glass container shielded with food foil, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C and humidity not exceeding 60%.

Dry Extract — Cynara scolymus

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 200–300 mg 2 times a day 20 minutes before meals, with warm water. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 400–600 mg 2 times a day before meals, for up to 28 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): No more than 1200 mg per day, taken in 2–3 doses. Course no more than 30 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 3–5 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into 2 doses.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Permissible from 12 years of age, no more than 150 mg once a day, course up to 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 mg once a day, course of 10 days. Suitable for patients with lipid metabolism disorders.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: LD₅₀ of the extract in rats: >5000 mg/kg. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Up to 2 years in an airtight glass container, protected from light and moisture, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C.

Aqueous Infusion — Cynara scolymus

Indications for preferred use (Aqueous Infusion): Preferred for acute cholecystitis, increased gastrointestinal sensitivity, in the elderly and during fever.

Standard Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 100 ml 2 times a day before meals, temperature +36...+38 °C, course 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 150 ml 3 times a day, course up to 14 days. Used for pronounced bile stasis.

Maximum Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Up to 200 ml 3 times a day, no more than 5 days in a row. Then — condition monitoring.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 1.5–2 ml/kg per day, in 2 doses.

Pediatric Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): From 7 years of age — no more than 50 ml once a day. Course 3–5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 70–100 ml once a day on an empty stomach, course 5–7 days monthly, for a predisposition to dyskinesia.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀ (Aqueous Infusion): No data found for the infusion.

Preparation method (Aqueous Infusion): Pour 1 tablespoon of dry raw material with 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 40 minutes, strain. Avoid contact with metal.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Aqueous Infusion): In a refrigerator for no more than 24 hours at a temperature of +2...+6 °C, in a glass container under foil.

Contraindications of Cynara scolymus

Oral administration: Internal use may be limited in case of individual intolerance to components, in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in conditions requiring control of metabolic load. It is not recommended to take without medical supervision in patients with pronounced metabolic disorders or reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Note: In the presence of chronic conditions, reduced general tolerance, as well as when using the drug for the first time, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary assessment of the individual reaction. In case of doubt, a specialist consultation is required. All these contraindications are template and do not replace a clinical decision.

Side Effects of Cynara scolymus

Oral administration: With internal use, reactions from the digestive system, changes in general well-being, individual sensitivity are possible. Side effects may include subjective discomfort, digestive reactions or short-term changes in mood and sleep. In most cases, the reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. If persistent or increasing symptoms occur, the intake should be discontinued.

Note: Side effects, as a rule, are associated with an individual reaction of the body, exceeding the recommended dosage, prolonged continuous use or non-compliance with the route of administration. Before use, it is recommended to conduct a trial use or skin test. All symptoms are reversible with the right tactics. In case of persistent or systemic reactions, it is necessary to stop using the drug and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics of Cynara scolymus

The pharmacological action of artichoke is associated mainly with the presence of phenolic acids (including chlorogenic and caffeic acids) and flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), which have hepatotropic, choleretic and antioxidant effects. At the systemic level, the drug exhibits a modulating effect on the excretory-metabolic system (primarily the liver and biliary tract), and also has a mild vasodilatory and diuretic effect. Its components reduce the synthesis of lipids in the liver, help increase bile secretion and protect hepatocytes. Antioxidant and moderate antiseptic effects have been established, which suggests the potential to affect the body's barrier and detoxification functions.

Pharmacokinetics of Cynara scolymus

The main active substances of artichoke — flavonoids and phenolic acids — are partially absorbed in the small intestine upon oral administration, passing through the portal system to the liver. There they undergo primary metabolism with the participation of phase II enzymes (including glucuronidation). Residual fractions interact with the intestinal microflora, where additional hydrolysis and transformation are possible. Excretion is carried out mainly with bile and to a lesser extent with urine. Aqueous and dry forms demonstrate moderate bioavailability, depending on the composition and concentration of active substances. Cumulation is not pronounced, the main excretion occurs within 12–24 hours.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale of Cynara scolymus

The mechanisms of action of artichoke include inhibition of the activity of lipogenesis enzymes and stimulation of bile secretion due to modulation of hepatocellular receptors and transport proteins. Artichoke flavonoids can inhibit the activity of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, indirectly reducing cholesterol synthesis. Inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators are also observed. It has been shown that artichoke compounds modulate the expression of cytokines and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase), including through effects on the NF-κB signaling pathway. Cynarin, one of the key components, affects the tone of the bile ducts and accelerates bile excretion. Interactions with hepatocytes and epithelial cells of the bile canaliculi have been found.

PubMed ID: 21319561
ScienceDirect: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Synergy of Cynara scolymus

Synergistic effects of artichoke have been identified when used together with plants that have hepatotropic and lipotropic activity. In particular, potentiation of the choleretic effect has been established in combination with turmeric (Curcuma longa) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which is accompanied by increased bile secretion and accelerated excretion of metabolites. The combination with tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) demonstrates an additive effect in eliminating dyspeptic symptoms. At the cellular level, synergy is observed due to the combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action through NF-κB cascades and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The effects are enhanced when used with polyphenol-rich antioxidants.

PMC ID: PMC7096075
ScienceDirect: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phym...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine of Cynara scolymus

Cynara scolymus has an ancient origin and has been known in the Mediterranean as a cultivated and medicinal plant since ancient times. The first mentions of its use are recorded in the works of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD, where the plant was considered a food and health remedy. In ancient Roman culture, artichoke was considered a plant of the noble classes and was used as a tonic, including in culinary and medicinal practice.

In the Arabic medical tradition of the Middle Ages, artichoke was used in the form of decoctions and infusions of inflorescences and leaves. Scientists of the Baghdad school mentioned it as a bitter and warming component suitable for restoring the balance of humors. In Medieval Europe, artichoke was part of monastic preparations, being included in the recipes of the Benedictine and Carmelite orders.

In Southern France, Spain and Italy, the plant was traditionally used not only as a food delicacy, but also as part of folk medicine: decoctions of leaves were considered cleansing, and the application of crushed parts of the plant was used in home skin care. In Provençal and Sicilian villages, artichoke was grown in vegetable gardens as a mandatory plant for spring cleansing of the body, which had a ritual significance.

In North Africa, especially in Morocco and Tunisia, Cynara scolymus was part of local herbal preparations used after heavy meals. In Turkey, the plant is known as "enginar" and is used as a component of the traditional phytoculture of the Aegean coast.

In the cultures of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, artichoke was borrowed from the French colonial tradition and became widespread in the form of aqueous infusions, which are considered a traditional cooling drink, especially in Lam Dong province. Local ethnic groups, such as the Koho and Tay, used the plant in folklore practices to cleanse the body and as part of seasonal rituals.

On the African continent, especially in Ethiopia, artichoke is mentioned in connection with plants of the genus Cynara, but is used mainly for food purposes. In a number of traditions, the plant was considered a talisman against overeating and a symbol of food mortification of excess, which could have ritual significance.

Thus, artichoke is represented in diverse ethnocultural contexts of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where it acts not only as a medicinal and food plant, but also as an element of ritual, seasonal and symbolic practice.