Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus - previously C. scolymus)

Used for both food and remedy by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, research today supports globe artichoke's benefits for digestion, liver health and other physiological effects.

- Dr Karen Bridgman

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, globe artichoke (Cynara) is an ancient herbaceous thistle native to the Mediterranean basin. The base of the fleshy leaves and the large immature flower head is eaten as food and is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Traditionally, Cynara was prescribed to improve digestion and for liver and gallbladder diseases. Today, artichoke extracts have shown diverse health-protective benefits for many organ systems.

Active compounds

The heads and leaves of the globe artichoke contain antioxidants, polyphenolic compounds, the prebiotic inulin, cynarin and flavonoids (luteolin) and a variety of minerals (copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus) and vitamins (folate, Vitamin C, B2, B3, B6 and K). Cynara is low in fat, carbohydrates and calories and high in fibre with three per cent protein.

Therapeutic uses

Research demonstrates Cynara reduces the risk of a range of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies.

Digestion:

Cynara has high levels of inulin - a prebiotic fibre of the gut microbiome that stimulates the growth of probiotic bacteria (including lactobacilli and bifidobacterium) – contributing to gut health and reduction of symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea.

In a 2010 study, 16 healthy participants took 10gm per day