Cynara scolymus

Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)
Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)Cynara scolymus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)
Botanical Nomenclature Cynara scolymus
Common Name Globe Artichoke
Taxonomy- Family Compositae or Asteraceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cynara scolymus is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing up to 1,5m, with spiny or not, gray-green leaves and hermaphrodite, green or purple flowers. The flowering lasts from July to August and the harvesting of the leaves takes place in winter.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, stem, root
Active Substances Proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, flavonoids, inulin, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, cynarine, tannins, enzymes (cynarase, oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorvinase)
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has diuretic, cholagogue, antirheumatic and hypoglycemic properties. Also, the plant's extract lowers cholesterol and triglycerides blood levels and that is why it is used for the treatment of acute liver failure and incomplete digestion. The herbal tea made from the leaves is used against anemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, albuminuria, hepatitis, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and various skin diseases (pruritus).
Method of Administration The plant is administered as cholagogue, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic in the form of herbal tea (2-3 dried inflorescences in 1L of boiled water, 2 to 3 cups a day after eating), infusion (10-15g of dried root in 1L of boiling water, 1-2 cups a day) and tincture (2.5-3.5: 1 parts of ethanol 20% and dried herb)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Plant's consumption may cause hypokalemia, due to its diuretic action.
References 1)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 221, 2) http://www.rain-tree.com/artichoke.htm#.VZTgXfntmko 3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10483691 4)http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2011/12/WC500119940.pdf 5)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail361.php 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cynara+scolymus