Theophrastus and the name of Artichoke.

Contents

• Basic Botanical Info of Artichoke.
• Artichoke Plant Description.
• What Is Artichoke?.
• Main Actions and Suggested health benefits of artichoke.
• Artichoke has a long history.
• Chemistry,Pharmacology of Origin Plant.
• What is Artichoke Leaf Extract?.
• How Artichoke acts as a Herbal Remedy?.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:Brief
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:1.Effects on the gastrointestinal system.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:2.Artichoke and Lipid Lowering Effects.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:3.High CholesterolDrugs and Side Effects.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:4.Artichoke as a Herbal Medicine.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:5.Cardiovascular health.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:6.Cardiovascular protection.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:7.Hepato-protection.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:8.Dyspepsia.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:9.Liver protection.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:10.Digestion.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:11.Further effects.
• Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:12.Other applications.
• Artichoke plant Research Update.
• Suggestions and Administrations of Artichoke.
• Research Update:Artichoke Leaf.

Artichoke Extract Health Benefits:12.Other applications.:

Chlorogenic acid in artichoke leaf has been identified as a potent antioxidant, and researchers are examining its possible application in treating cancer, diabetes and HIV, Chlorogenic acid has also been shown to be an antioxidant against peroxynitrite, one of the most damaging oxidants, and one that is associated with heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory disease.

 In one study, chlorogenic acid was shown to both prevent and reduce existing precancerous lesions in the colons of rats. Other studies have suggested that chlorogenic acid helps inhibit carcinogenic reactions and lessens the potential of certain chemicals to be carcinogenic.

 A study on the application of artichoke leaf for diabetes found that chlorogenic acid helps regulate glucose metabolism, preventing the risk of high rates of glucose output found in diabetic patients.

 A study on HIV replication showed that caffeoylquinic acids have promise as HIV inhibitors, and that they may be effective against the virus at only 1/100th the concentration at which they exhibit toxicity.


 Tolerability and contraindications:

 Artichoke leaf extract is well tolerated and has few side effects in recommended dosages. The use of the artichoke plant as food in many countries over hundreds of years supports its safety. More important, however, is that several rigorous studies report the absence of adverse effects when using a standardized extract compared to placebo. In a large safety study, only one out of 100 subjects reported mild side effects such as transient increase in flatulence.

 Local eczematous reactions have been reported after occupational exposure and skin contact with the fresh plant or its dried parts. Such an allergy should be considered a contraindication for internal use of the extract, although no reactions to orally ingested extract have been observed so far. Because of its bile stimulating effect, the extract should not be taken by individuals with gallstones or other bile duct occlusion.

 Availability:

 A new artichoke extract is now available in the United States, giving Americans a chance to discover its merits. While the German artichoke products, cited in most European studies, typically contain 3% caffeoylquinic acids, this new artichoke extract is standardized to contain 15% caffeoylquinic acids, calculated as chlorogenic acid.

 Conclusion:

 Artichoke leaf extract has proven to be a safe and natural way to maintain and improve general health, because of its many applications to essential physiological functions. As a nutritional supplement and antioxidant it can safely be used as an adjunct to conventional therapies.


 Clinical Artichoke Extract Studies:

 In one very interesting study done on rat hepatocytes, a high concentration-dependent inhibition of cholesterol synthesis was found. The 1997 study indicates that artichoke leaf extract reduces the formation of cholesterol and continues to persist for hours after ingestion. This study also indicates that artichoke leaf extract may work through indirect inhibition of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase similar to "statins" effect. This finding was supported by the fact that artichoke leaf extract blocked insulin-dependent stimulation of HMG-CoA reductase without affecting insulin in general. HMG-CoA reductase is a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis and generally reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Gebhardt's study also demonstrated that the extract did not interfere with other pathways leading to cholesterol synthesis, which is why adverse effects due to sterol precursor accumulation are not to be expected.

 In addition to the findings from the animal experiments, numerous studies were also conducted on isolated human hepatocytes. In 1995, Fintelmann published a report on a multicenter structured investigation of 557 patients treated with a special extract from artichoke leaf. Over a period of 43.5 days, the average daily dose given was 1.5 g extract. On average, serum cholesterol was reduced by 11.5%, and serum triglyceride concentrations decreased 12.5% in patients whose cholesterol values were routinely determined (n=302).

 Another major benefit of artichoke leaf extract is the discovery of its role in dyspeptic syndrome (irritable stomach, nervous gastropathy, meteorism and flatulence, irritable colon functional biliary tract disease). As more and more clinical studies are conducted, the benefits of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of dyspeptic syndrome confirms its antioxidant health benefits.

 A recent post-marketing surveillance study was conducted with 553 patients over a loner period of time. (12) Notable in this study was that symptoms improved dramatically within 6 weeks of treatment; 98% of these patients believed that artichoke leaf extract was considerably better, somewhat better, or equal to that achieved during previous treatment with other drugs.

 Cosmetic uses of Artichoke Leaf:

 Artichoke extract may have antioxidant benefits for skin.Some cosmetic preparation includes a skin care complex having an anti-ageing effect. The complex consists of liposomes comprising a mixture of cosmetic oil, extract of Plukenetia volubilis seeds, extract of Cynara scolymus leaves and hydrogenated retinol. The liposomes are homogeneously dispersed in a gel network consisting of water and a gel-forming agent.The extract of Cynara scolymus leaves is same as our Artichoke leaf extract,such complex works fine at a concentration of 0.1-11 wt. %.

   Skin condition:Cynara Scolymus Extract is commonly known as Artichoke Leaf Extract,Artichoke is a liver restorative and increases the flow of bile by up to 60%. The liver indirectly effects the condition of the skin and it is always important to support this organ in any skin condition.Combined with other herbs,it works to boost skin nail and hair healthy,such like combine with Red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense), Sarsaparilla root (Smilax ornata), Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus), Horsetail herb (Equisetum arvense), will compose a Skin Hair Nails Beauty blend,Healthy skin, hair and nails are dependent upon the overall health of a number of systems, notably areas relating to hormonal balance, circulation, optimal liver function and the balancing supply of a number of micro-nutrients. This formulation addresses each of these key areas. Horsetail provides trace elements, notably silica, which is needed for strengthening the hair, skin and nails. Silica is one of the main nutrients stored in the hair and nails.Trikatu enhances the circulation. By doing so, the circulation to the skin and hair are improved thus reducing the oxidation of the tissues and allowing for cellular regeneration to occur.If there is no Trikatu,capsicium and cinnamon could be used as substitute for same purpose.Red Clover provides isoflavones such as genestein, and is traditionally known as an alterative (blood cleanser, balancer). Artichoke leaf and Burdock root are potent detoxifying agents, acting primarily on stimulating liver function. Red clover is a phyto-estrogen,should not used in estrogen-dependant cancers.

Reference:

• 1.Cladonia species and Cladonia Stellaris Identification,Economic importance and Phytochemicals,a wonderful thing more than fodder for reindeer.

Article Information:

♥The article and literature was edited by herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional.It runs a range of online descriptions about the titled herb and related phytochemicals,including comprehensive information related,summarized updating discoveries from findings of herbalists and clinical scientists from this field.The electronic data information published at our official website www.mdidea.com and www.mdidea.net,we tried best to update it to latest and exact as possible.
♣ last edit date:Nov 19th 2012 at 14:30