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 ETYMOLOGY
Cynara, comes from the practice of fertilizing the plant with the ashes or cinders, "on cinerea.” Scolymus, comes from the greek for thistle or thorn.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Family: Asteracea
Description:The artichoke is a large grass perennial (growing to about one meter high) which can live up to 25 years and has a large root that produces a taproot. In the spring the stem, which is grooved and plump, produces a main head, but can also have up to 5 heads. The heads are made up of several series of fleshy bracts enclosing blue or violet tubular flowers. The main head crop is a green vegetable of the same name.
Habitat:A native of the Mediterranean, the artichoke prefers clay-rich earth, in warm-temperate climates. According to scholars, it is a variety of wild thistle and began as a mutation of thistle at the beginning of the fifteenth century.
Cultivation:The Artichoke is a demanding crop because the land which it prefers has the tendency to become too heavy and may collect stagnant water where rot can then result. Plants are started from seeds and then the sowing is preferably done in a cold greenhouse in the spring. The plants may be transplanted in the spring once they have 6-8 leaves.
Method of Harvest: The leaves, which are rich in the active ingredients, are collected after fully developed, but before the plant begins to flower. The crop can be harvested up to 3 times per season.
Parts Utilized:
Leaves.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Caffeoylquinic acids
MODE OF ACTION
Actions: The artichoke is hepatoprotective, increases biliary secretion, plays a role in the regulation of blood sugar, and normalizes kidney function. Thanks to its purifying properties via the liver, it is also effective in the treatment of skin problems such as acne.
Precautions: For its stimulating effects on biliary function, it should be used with caution in patients with gallbladder disorders, such as stones.
COMMON INDICATIONS
As a medicinal herb: The Artichoke is used to detoxify the body through the liver, in the treatment of dyspepsia, and for hypercholesterolemia.
Traditional use:
Artichoke was traditionally used for to eliminate water retention, cellulite, excessive uric acid, gout and rheumatism.
PREPARATION AND USE
Internal Use: Capsules may be ingested that contain the dried extract of artichoke or in other preparations equivalent to 25-30 mg / day of Caffeoylquinic acids (measured as chlorogenic acid).
Cosmetic Use: A decoction made using artichokes shows marked dermal bioactivity with external application, and is particularly suitable for normalizing the skin and alleviating boils.
Culinary Use: The leaves and their extracts are mainly used as an ingredient in digestive alcoholic beverages such as bitters, and various liqueurs.
HISTORY AND LEGENDS
The artichoke was very highly esteemed by both the Greeks and Romans. Dioscorides (first century AD) recommended applying its crushed roots to the armpits or on other parts of the body to soften unpleasant odors.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
“Effect of pretreatment with artichoke extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and oxidative stress.” Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2008 Sep;60(6):475-80. Epub 2008 Jun 25
“Pharmacological properties and therapeutic profile of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)” Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):241-7
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