Name
Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The folium of the plant.
Present in the market
- Herbal tea.
- Powdered leaves.
- Dry extract.
- Soft extract.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
CYNARA SCOLYMUS is used to treat health problems, such as high cholesterol, and digestive and liver disorders. It is also used to mobilize fatty stores in the liver and detoxify it, and as a natural aid to lower cholesterol. It can be used in leaf preparations to treat liver and gallbladder problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, anaemia, diarrhea (and elimination in general), fevers, ulcers, and gout.
In cases of digestive complaints (feeling of fullness, nausea, flatulence) it can be taken in herbal tea. Also, acts as adjuvant to a low fat diet in the treatment of mild to moderate hyperlipidaemia. In all aforementioned cases the suggested dosage is 1-3 times daily.
Furthermore, it can be traditionally used in powdered leaves to promote urinary and digestive elimination functions. In these cases the suggested dosage is 2-4 times daily.
It can also be used in dry extract to promote the digestion, and the suggested dosage is 3 times daily.
In dyspeptic complaints, particularly based on functional affections of the biliary tract, it can be used in soft extract, and the suggested dosage is 3 times daily 40 drops.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2011/12/WC500119940.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
Cynara can be combined with Gentiana lutea and Curcuma longa, and also with Matricariae flos, Taraxaci herba cum radix, Menthae piperitae folium, Millefolii herba, Foeniculi amari fructus, Helichrysi flos.
Due to its intense diuretic action, hypokalaemia is likely.
It is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy without medical surveillance.
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Artichoke has been used in traditional medicine for centuries all over Europe as a specific liver and gallbladder remedy, and several herbal drugs based on this plant are used as well against high cholesterol, and digestive and liver disorders. Also, Artichoke is used to treat dyspepsia and chronic albuminuria. It is also often used to mobilize fatty stores in the liver and detoxify it, and as a natural aid to lower cholesterol.