Family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Leaves, ideally just before flowering.
Habitat: Tall perennial rosette plant, native to the Mediterranean and now widely cultivated as a food and medicinal plant.
Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones (0.5-4%), mainly guaianolides. Phenolic acids (up to 2%) mainly mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids. Flavonoids (0.1-1%) largely luteolin, cynaroside and apigenin derivatives.
Actions: Choleretic, Cholagogue, Hepatoprotective, Diuretic, Liver Trophorestorative, Hypolipidaemic.
History and Folklore: The botanical name seems to originate from a rather unlucky woman named Cynara in an ancient Greek myth; after a brief affair with Zeus she was cast aside and turned into an artichoke.
• Cardiovascular system: hyperlipidaemia, obesity, mild odema, arteriosclerosis
• Gastro-intestinal tract: dyspepsia, cholelithiasis, nausea, liver disease, chronic constipation, anorexia, hepatitis
• Urinary tract: mild renal insufficiency
• Musculskeletal system: arthritis, gout
• Skin: as an internal adjunct to various skin treatments
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
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