In a recent review published in nutrients, Professor Beata Oras collates the available scientific literature on the clinical and health benefits of dietary supplements. Cynara Scolimus, Globe artichoke.
This review summarizes research on the various edible parts of the plant, the antioxidant properties possessed by artichokes, and herbal-derived nutritional supplements and by-products.
Additionally, the potential toxicity of plants or their metabolites in clinical dosage scenarios is also addressed.
study: Overview of the versatility of each part of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), its by-products and dietary supplements. Image credit: Ev Thomas/Shutterstock.com
The Miracle of the Rustic Globe Artichoke
Synara Scolimus, Globe artichoke is a type of herb commonly grown for food in the Mediterranean, Egypt, the Canary Islands, and parts of Asia and South America.
The plant’s heads, leaves and flowers are edible and form the bulk of its historic ecosystem services. However, some cultures use leaf decoctions for therapeutic effects, and extensive recent research has attributed this effect to the herb’s substantial antioxidant capacity.
Globe artichokes are rich in phenolic compounds, with 100 g of the herb containing an average of 96 mg gallic acid equivalent. Caffeic acid derivatives form the majority of these metabolites, and flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin are also found.
Scientists are studying the potential anticancer, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects of these compounds, and a growing body of evidence elucidates their chemical composition and clinical value.
Unfortunately, there is still a lack of projects that summarize and discuss advances in this field. Such manuscripts will help inform and direct future research and educate the public about the hidden benefits of this humble herb.
Collection of research data
Data for this study were collected from five online scientific repositories: PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, supplemented with additional studies obtained during publication reference review.
The database was accessed from the inception of the repository until February 14, 2024. All publications on C. scolymus or its mutants, variants, or genetic relatives were included in the review, including studies on its by-products and derivatives.
Phytochemical characteristics and nutritional benefits of globe artichoke
Biochemical and nutritional studies have revealed that artichokes contain approximately 57 kcal of energy per 100 g of dry weight, making them a low-calorie plant-based food and an ideal choice for healthy diets such as the Mediterranean diet. It is justifiable to include it in your diet.
100 g of plants also contains 3 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 0.2 g of fatty acids. In particular, 5.4g per 100g C. Scolimus is a dietary fiber, and up to 36% of its dry matter is inulin, both of which are known to have digestive and prebiotic effects.
Inulin, in particular, has been shown to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium gut microbial strains and improve gut microbiome composition and overall health.
However, artichoke’s clinical potential is largely due to its high concentration of phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, and cynarin, accounting for 96 mg per 100 g of the herb. .
“Interestingly, artichoke by-products, including raw artichokes, heat-treated or blanched artichokes, and water from blanched artichokes, are also good sources of antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds.”
The various edible and inedible parts of plants are rich in minerals such as Si, Fe, Na, K, Ca, Cu, and Mg, as well as folic acid, inulin, ascorbic acid, and other phenolic compounds in the leaves. I am. At the same time, seeds are rich in protein, lipids, fiber and sterols.
Artichoke clinical and nutraceutical activity
The best-known and best-studied property of artichoke and its metabolites is its antioxidant power.
These extracts have been shown to effectively reduce CU2+-Mediated oxidative stress in vitro Slows down oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant benefits of artichokes. in vivoThis is especially noticeable in the liver and kidneys.
Unfortunately, although these findings suggest great potential for clinical applications of this herb and its byproducts, particularly in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, there is a significant lack of human clinical trials in this area.
Fortunately, the hepatoprotective effects of this herb are much better characterized than its antioxidant effects, although its mechanistic efficacy is due to its antioxidant properties.
Artichoke and its extracts have been shown to support antioxidant systems, slow lipid peroxidation, and exhibit protective effects against acute hepatotoxicity in mouse models (rats).
Additionally, mouse models revealed that artichoke extracts can protect or reverse toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure.
Studies on male albino rats have shown that artichokes can prevent histopathological abnormalities, with the highest activity observed from metabolites obtained from the plant’s stems and flower stalks.
Parallel studies have reported cardioprotective and even neuroprotective effects of artichokes and their extracts, including artichoke juice, which have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure and reduce symptoms in patients suffering from mild hypertension. It has been.
Its byproducts have been shown to control obesity, reduce inflammation, improve lipid profiles, and benefit cardiovascular health.
safety first
The available studies on the cytotoxicity of artichoke and its metabolites are limited but promising. To date, no studies have reported any adverse side effects at clinically relevant doses, and the European Medicines Agency cites rabbit and murine models as the basis for its recommended doses of 600 to 1320 mg. Dried artichokes consumed daily.
“In many countries, dried and solution artichoke extracts, as well as the dried edible parts of artichokes, including their hearts, are currently being commercialized as dietary supplements, and these are usually coated for the treatment of liver disease. Although the main bioactive compounds responsible for the health-promoting potential of artichokes, their byproducts, and dietary supplements are phenolic compounds, their exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Further research is needed to elucidate this.”
