Artichoke -Cynara scolymus

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Artichoke -Cynara scolymus

Cynara scolymus, like Carduus marianus protects the liver against toxins and

infection (Samochowiec, L et al. 1971).

In addition, it stimulates regeneration of liver cells

(Maros, T. et al. 1966, 1968).

 

The following effects on the liver has been demonstrated:

 

Promotion of blood circulation,

Mobilization of energy reserves,

Increase in the number of hepatocytes with double nuclei,

Increase in the RNA content of liver cells and

Stimulation of cell division.

 

Clinical trials on 84 patients with secondary hyperlipidaemia were performed

using Cynara scolymus. The following lipid values in serum were tested: total

cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol. and triglycerides. Apart from a

dramatic increase in HDL cholesterol, artichoke caused a decrease in value of

the other parameters (Dorn, M., 1995)

 

Alcachofra is the Brazilian name for the Globe Artichoke.

 

It is in the Milk thistle family and grows to a height of about 2 meters,

producing large violet-green flower heads. The flower petals and fleshy flower

bottoms are eaten as a vegetable throughout the world which has led to its

commercial cultivation in many parts of South and North America as well as

Europe.

 

The artichoke was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks

and Romans, and in Rome they were an important item on the menu at feasts. It

wasn't until the 15th century that they made their appearance in Europe.

 

The Artichoke is popular for its pleasant bitter taste which is attributed to

phytochemicals found in the green parts of the plants called cynaropicrin and

cynarin, sesquiterpene lactones with documented medicinal actions.

 

The phytochemicals in artichoke have been well documented and the leaves rather

than the flower have been found to be higher in medicinal value.

 

The medicinal activity of the leaves are attributed to the presence of

caffeoylquinic acids and acid derivatives, cynarin and luteolin.

 

In combination, leaf extracts have demonstrated a beneficial effect on the

gallbladder, to stimulate the secretion of bile in the liver, detoxify the

liver, and lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood.

 

In addition, other compounds in the leaves have shown to posses a hypoglycemic

effect.

 

Cynarin, the main constituent in Alcachofra, has shown highly specific

properties as a cholagogue (increases bile production in the liver), choleretic

(increases the flow of bile from the gallbladder), and choliokinetic (increases

the contractive power of the bile duct). Its cholagogue effects are the most

notable due to artichoke leaf extracts' ability to increase the flow of bile by

sixty percent and as much as four times normal in a 12-hour period.

 

Alcachofra has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a specific

liver and gallbladder remedy as well as a snake bite remedy. It's liver

detoxifying and protective properties were the first to come to the attention of

researchers in 1966 and investigations are still being conducted on artichoke

leaf's beneficial pharmacologic effects on liver function as well as gall

bladder function.

 

A French patent describes an artichoke extract for treating liver disease, high

cholesterol levels and kidney insufficiency.

 

Artichoke has demonstrated lipid-producing and anticholesterolemic action by

decreasing the rate of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by mobilizing fat

stores from the liver and other tissues such as white adipose tissue.

 

In addition to cholesterol, other blood fats such as triglycerides are thought

to be reduced through the use of artichoke.

 

It's current uses in natural medicine include its use for all types of liver and

gallbladder disorders, for the prevention of gallstones, liver diseases

including those related to alcoholism, dyspepsia, chronic albuminuria, anemia,

arteriosclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.

Action: Bitter, Lowers blood cholesterol, diuretic, Liver tonic, lowers blood

sugar.

http://www.healmarketplace.com/herbs/100herbs/artichoke.htm

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JoAnn Guest

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DietaryTipsForHBP

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