Phytotherapy news

Cynara scolymus is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 1.5 m tall with five leaves in large rosettes. It is native to the Mediterranean basin, and its leaf is used. It is traditionally used for its diuretic properties, in digestive and hepatic disorders. The leaf contains an essential oil and is characterized by the presence of compounds of the phenolic acid type derived from hydroxycinnamic acid and caffeic acid. Pharmacologically, artichoke exhibits cholagogic and choleretic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. Clinical studies have evaluated the effects of artichoke leaf extracts on the stimulation of biliary secretion, type 2 diabetes, and the components of metabolic syndrome. This plant is generally considered safe and has few adverse effects when consumed in moderate doses. High doses can lead to adverse effects such as immunosuppressive effects and liver and kidney damage. Artichoke leaf is indicated based on long-standing use for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia and flatulence. It is contraindicated in case of obstruction of the bile ducts, in pregnant or lactating women, and in children under 12 years.