Artichoke health secrets, from traditional remedies to modern wonders

Recent research published in journals nutrients We reviewed the pharmacological effects, nutritional profile, and benefits of artichoke (Kinara Cardunculus variable.Scolimus).

Functional foods contain bioactive ingredients that have beneficial effects on the body's functions. When consumed in large amounts in the regular diet, it can improve health and reduce the risk of several diseases. Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region. Asteraceae family. Widely used in food and medicine.

Research: Functional and therapeutic potential of Cinara scolimus in health benefits. Image credit: LENA GABRILOVICH / Shutterstock

C. Cardanculus There are three varieties: domestic (C. Cardunculus altilis), wild (C. Cardunculus silvestris), and cultivated (C. Cardunculus scolymus). It is a source of minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols. The buds, enclosed in green leafy bracts, are the main edible parts of the plant, while the stems, leaves, and outer bracts are not consumable and are considered waste during processing.

However, the inedible parts also contain essential phytochemicals. These non-dietary portions may represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study summarized the nutritional profile, pharmacological effects, and health benefits. C. Scolimus.

bioactive compounds

The bioactive compounds present in artichoke byproducts are well described in the literature. The by-products are characterized by low fat levels and high levels of insoluble fiber, high content of vitamin C, inulin, minerals (phosphorus, potassium, sodium), phenols and their derivatives (hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids). Flavonoids include derivatives of apigenin and luteolin. Flavonoid derivatives exhibit anti-inflammatory and scavenging effects.

Chlorogenic acid (CLA) is a major component of artichoke extract. CLA has been implicated in the improved health conditions associated with artichoke consumption. Cynarin, a member of the caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), is known for its hepatoprotective effects. In particular, cynarin is not inherently present in artichokes, but is an artifact formed during water extraction. In addition, artichokes contain significant levels of sesquiterpene lactones, which have various biological effects.

Antibacterial effect

The antibacterial properties of artichokes have not been well evaluated, but studies suggest inhibitory activity against a variety of pathogens. CQAs are thought to be involved in the destruction of bacterial cell walls, while flavonoids have been reported to interfere with microbial enzymatic activities. In addition, the growth-inhibiting effects of extracts from artichoke stems, leaves, and heads Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

Studies have also reported antifungal effects of artichoke extract. Modulation of fungal enzymes and interference with cell membrane integrity contribute to these effects. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that artichoke extract may cause inhibition of viral replication and disruption of viral attachment to host cells.

Artichoke and the cardiovascular system

CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 32% of deaths in 2019. Targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis in hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia that cause CVD remains a central strategy in the regulation and management of CVD. CVD development.

Artichoke extract may affect lipid metabolism by decreasing the synthesis of cholesterol and endogenous triglycerides. One study showed that supplementing obese rats with artichoke leaf extract improved their lipid profile and cardiac markers. Additionally, research has revealed that artichoke extract can prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

Treatment of mild hypercholesterolemic patients with two doses of artichoke extract for 8 weeks resulted in lower total cholesterol (TC), high cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and TC to HDL. Cholesterol was significantly improved. C ratio. A study of healthy men or men with mild hypertension found that administering concentrated artichoke leaf juice for 12 weeks lowered blood pressure.

Neuroprotective effect

A study on a mouse model of obesity showed that ethanol extract from artichoke had beneficial effects on neuroinflammatory parameters. Additionally, another study investigated the effects of these extracts on oxidative and inflammatory stress in different brain regions of HFD-fed mice and found that the production of inflammatory cytokines was reduced.

Furthermore, CLA significantly increased cell survival, inhibited the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and inhibited the activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), myeloid differential primary response 88 (MyD88), and TLR9. Reduced level. Isochlorogenic acid B (ICAB), found in artichokes, has potential neuroprotective properties.

ICAB can increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors that protect against memory impairment, anxiety, and depression. The neuroprotective effects of artichoke were also demonstrated in a mouse model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. In particular, artichoke leaf extract improved cognitive function and spatial memory recovery, and reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), tau protein, and β-amyloid.

Pharmacological effect

therapeutic effect of C. Scolimus A study on hemodynamic parameters and liver function was conducted in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Administration of 6 tablets daily for 2 months decreased blood glucose, TC, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, LDL, and serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Another study found that taking powdered artichoke capsules twice a day for eight weeks reduced systolic blood pressure and improved BMI in hypertensive patients.

conclusion

A growing population demands efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. Therefore, proper recycling of plants requires an understanding of their appropriate industrial uses. Commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and traditional medicine, artichokes have potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. Bioactive compounds from this plant may protect against several diseases, highlighting their use as nutritional supplements in combination with conventional treatments.