Artichoke

Compositae - Asteraceae (Compositae). Parts used: inflorescences, leaves, root. Pharmacy name: artichoke inflorescences and leaves - Cynarae folium (formerly: Folia Cynarae), artichoke root - Cynarae radix (formerly: Radix Cynarae).

Botanical description. This perennial herbaceous plant has been known since ancient times. Its homeland is the territories adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, where it is used as a food delicacy.

The artichoke is a large plant that resembles a thistle. It can reach a height of 2 m and develops large purple inflorescences. The involucres of the inflorescences and thickened receptacles are eaten as a vegetable; these same parts of the plant - along with leaves and roots - are also used for medicinal purposes.

Collection and preparation. Leaves are collected during flowering, inflorescences - shortly after flowering. All kinds of herbal preparations and medicinal potions are then prepared from them.

The roots are harvested in the fall.

Active ingredients: cinaropicrin, cynarin, flavonoids, tannins.

Healing action and application.

It is practically not consumed in the form of tea. From a pharmaceutical point of view, artichoke galenic preparations are a bitter remedy with a beneficial effect on the liver, simultaneously stimulating the formation and outflow of bile. Artichoke preparations are good for nausea, a feeling of heaviness, flatulence and pain caused by poor liver function.

Patients with gallstones find that artichoke preparations help them best: colic becomes less frequent. In addition, artichoke reduces fat and cholesterol in the blood. Whether artichoke preparations have any effect on diabetes is not known with certainty.

Side effects are also unknown.

Artichoke: properties and applications

Artichoke sativa is a plant with many beneficial properties that have long been used in medicine. This plant is from the Asteraceae family and is one of the most popular choleretic agents. Artichoke contains vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and other biologically active substances that can have beneficial effects on the body.

Artichoke production is carried out by several companies, including Hexal Pharma GmbH (Germany) and Alain Becher Laboratory (France). Artichoke is available in several dosage forms, including gelatin capsules and extracts.

Indications for the use of artichoke include dyspeptic symptoms (heaviness in the epigastrium, flatulence, nausea, belching), impaired outflow of bile, hypokinesia of the gallbladder, chronic hepatitis, chronic intoxication (hepatotoxic substances, nitro compounds, alkaloids, salts of heavy metals), chronic renal failure, urolithiasis disease, uraturia, atherosclerosis, obesity (as part of complex therapy).

At the same time, there are a number of contraindications to the use of artichoke, including allergic reactions to the plant and other asteraceae, obstruction of the biliary tract, severe forms of renal failure and children under 12 years of age. You should be careful when using artichoke during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is no safety data.

Side effects of artichoke are quite rare, and may include allergic skin reactions and diarrhea with long-term use in high doses. With the simultaneous use of artichoke and indirect anticoagulants (phenprocoumon, warfarin), the effect of the latter may be weakened. An overdose of artichoke can lead to increased side effects.

In conclusion, artichoke is a healthy plant that can have beneficial effects on the body. However, before you start using artichoke as a medicine, you should consult your doctor and find out about possible contraindications and side effects.