Theophrastus and the name of Artichoke.

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What is Artichoke Leaf Extract?

Artichoke leaf Extract INCI Name Cynara Scolymus Extract CAS 84012-14-6 EINECS ELINCS No 281-659-3 Artichoke thistle extract photo picture image Artichoke leaf extract is made from the long, serrated basal leaves of the plant in which is found the highest concentration of biologically active compounds. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant action and the ability to maintain healthy digestion and liver function by promoting adequate bile flow.204-209* Bile serves as a major carrier of cholesterol and detoxified substances for excretion from the body.

 The artichoke leaf extract is made from the long, deeply serrated basal leaves of the artichoke plant. This part is chosen for medicinal use, because the concentration of the biologically active compounds is higher here than in the rest of the plant. The most active of these compounds have been discovered to be the flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. These substances belong to the polyphenol group and include chlorogenic acid, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (cynarin is one of them), luteolin, scolymoside and cynaroside.

 Cynarin was the first constituent of the extract to be isolated in 1934. Interestingly, it is found only in trace amounts in the fresh leaves, but is formed by natural chemical changes that take place during drying and extraction of the plant material. Cynarin was originally believed to be the one active component of the extract. Today the whole complex of compounds is considered important, since it has not yet been completely clarified which component is responsible for each effect. It is claimed that neither cynarin alone nor fresh plant material achieves the potency of the dried total extract. (Kirchhoff et al., 1994).

 Chlorogenic acid, another major component of the artichoke leaf extract, has recently become known as a powerful antioxidant with exciting potential in many applications. Laboratory investigations are ongoing all over the world with promising findings for future clinical application in areas such as HIV, cancer and diabetes.

 Most of the modern research on artichoke has been done with the German artichoke extract Hepar SL forte, standardized to contain 3% caffeylquinic acids. A new, even more potent extract, standardized at 15% caffeoylquinic acids-calculated as chlorogenic acid-is now available on the American market.
 Artichoke leaf Extract INCI Name Cynara Scolymus Extract CAS 84012-14-6 EINECS ELINCS No 281-659-3 Artichoke thistle extract photo picture image

 Where it comes from:

 Artichoke leaf extract is made from the external, serrated leaves of the artichoke plant; these have been shown to contain the highest concentration of biologically active compounds. These compounds include flavonoids, caffeoylquinic acids, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, luteolin, scolymoside, cynaroside, chlorogenic acid (a powerful antioxidant) and cynarin. Because it was the first to be isolated,as early as the mid-1930s,cynarin was once thought to be the main active compound in artichoke leaves. Now, it is believed that the full range of constituents is responsible for the healing benefits of artichoke leaf extract.

 Interestingly, cynarin appears only in trace amounts in the fresh leaf During the extraction and drying process, chemical changes occur that transform certain compounds into cynarin. Additionally, fresh artichoke leaves do not appear to have the same potency as the dried extract.

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Reference:

citations1.Theophrastus and the name of Artichoke.

last edit date:1st,July.2009.