Cynara Scolymus

Cynara Scolymus [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://brilliantbotany.com/post/25113480924/an-artichoke-is-a-thistle-cynara-cardunculus-var

Common name: 
Artichoke
(Bone, 2003, p. 240).  

Latin binomial:
Cynara Scolymus 
(Bone, 2003, p. 240).  

Family: 
Compositae 
(Bone, 2003, p. 240).   

Parts used:
Leaf 
(Bone, 2003, p. 240). 

Active constituents:

• Leaves stems and roots all contain an aromatic, bitter and crystalline substance
• Cynarine
• Tannins   

Actions:

• Hepatoprotective
• Hepatic trophorestorative
• Choleretic
• Cholagogue
• Bitter tonic
• Hypocholestrolemic
• Antiemetic
• Diuretic
• Depurative  

 (Bone, 2003, p. 240). 

Indications:

• Artichoke should be prescribed in the formulations of
• Hyperlipidemia
• Conditions requiring an increase in bile flow
• Dyspepsia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Biliary fistula
• Jaundice
• Gout
• Conditions requiring a depurative action, such as itchy skin
• Long-term prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease 

Contraindications/Cautions:
Closure of the gallbladder is a contraindication, Globe artichoke should be used only with professional supervision in cholelithiasis (Bone, 2003, p. 240).  

Dosage:

• 3-8 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per day
• 20-55 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per week  

Combinations: 
Globe artichoke works in combination with boldo and greater celandine in conditions such as non-ulcer dyspepsia (Bone, 2003, p. 240).  

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.