Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) extract contains cynarin and chlorogenic acid that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and stimulate bile acid synthesis. Clinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in total cholesterol (up to 23 mg/dL) and improvements in liver function markers.
Origin & History
Cynara scolymus, or Globe Artichoke, is a perennial thistle native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated for its edible flower heads and leaves. Bioactive extracts are typically produced via ethanolic or aqueous methods to concentrate key compounds like phenolic acids and inulins from the plant's vegetative parts.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Human clinical evidence is supported by multiple meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review (PMID: 28609140) confirmed artichoke's lipid-lowering effects, while an RCT in NAFLD patients (PMID: 29520889) demonstrated significant improvements in liver enzymes. Additionally, a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (PMID: 20591206) established its prebiotic effects on the gut microbiome.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) per 100g edible portion (cooked, boiled): Calories: ~53 kcal. Macronutrients: Carbohydrates 10.5g (of which dietary fiber 5.4g, sugars 0.99g), Protein 2.9g, Fat 0.34g. Key Micronutrients: Folate (Vitamin B9) 68mcg (17% DV) - one of the richest vegetable sources, Vitamin C 7.4mg (8% DV), Vitamin K 17.8mcg (15% DV), Vitamin B6 0.116mg (7% DV). Minerals: Magnesium 60mg (14% DV), Phosphorus 90mg (9% DV), Potassium 370mg (8% DV), Iron 1.28mg (7% DV), Copper 0.231mg (26% DV), Manganese 0.256mg (11% DV), Calcium 44mg (4% DV). Bioactive Compounds: Cynarin (1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid) - primary bitter phenolic, concentrated in leaves at 0.5-1.0% dry weight, primary hepatoprotective agent; Chlorogenic acid 50-200mg/100g fresh weight - potent antioxidant with moderate-high bioavailability; Luteolin (flavonoid) 0.1-0.4mg/100g fresh weight - anti-inflammatory, moderate bioavailability enhanced by fat co-ingestion; Silymarin-related flavonoids present in trace amounts; Inulin (prebiotic fructooligosaccharide) 3-10g/100g fresh weight - fermented by gut microbiota, not directly absorbed, contributing to prebiotic effect; Cynaroside (luteolin-7-glucoside) present in measurable quantities. Bioavailability Notes: Cynarin is heat-labile and partially degraded by cooking; raw or minimally processed artichoke or standardized leaf extracts (typically standardized to 2.5-5% cynarin or 15-20% chlorogenic acids) retain higher bioactive concentrations. Inulin content varies with harvest time and storage. Fat-soluble compounds (luteolin) have improved absorption when consumed with dietary fat. Iron bioavailability is moderate (non-heme) but enhanced by concurrent Vitamin C content.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Artichoke extract's primary bioactive compounds cynarin and chlorogenic acid inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. These compounds also stimulate bile acid production and enhance hepatic glutathione synthesis. Additionally, luteolin glycosides provide antioxidant protection by scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation in liver tissues.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A 2017 meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (702 participants) found artichoke extract significantly reduced total cholesterol by 17.6 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol by 14.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 8.5 mg/dL. Studies typically used 300-640mg daily doses for 6-12 weeks. Evidence for liver health comes from smaller trials showing improved ALT and AST levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Most studies are short-term with moderate sample sizes, indicating good but not definitive evidence strength.
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