Cholesterol artichoke

Anonymous, 1999. Renewed proof inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis by dried extract of artichoke leaves. Forsch. Komplementar Med. 6(3), 168-169. 

Gebhardt, R. 1998. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in primary cultured rat hepatocytes by artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extracts. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 286(3), 1122—1128. 

Unlike most crops that store carbon as starch, a polymer of glucose, in the Jerusalem artichoke carbon is stored as inulin, a fructose polymer. The implications of this have a pronounced influence on the value and utility of the crop. An extremely important attribute derived from inulin is its nutritional contributions, even though the caloric value in humans is low. The evidence for the role of inulin in decreasing blood cholesterol and in enhancing other positive health benefits has been firmly established. 

Cynarine is the main active agent of artichoke extract. It is a cinnamic acid derivative the substitution pattern of its aromatic rings is similar to that of dopamine. Caffeic acid is also regarded as a major active substance. It has not yet been clarified to which constituents the known modes of action are attributable .) increase in choleresis, (2.) inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, (3.) hepatoprotection due to antioxidative effects, and (4.) activation of the urea cycle. 

Cynara scolymus (artichoke) contains a variety of flavo-noids, phenols, and sesquiterpenoids, including cynarapi-crin, cynaratriol, cynarolide, and isoamberboin. It has been used to lower serum cholesterol, with httle evidence of efficacy (16). 

C25H24O12, Mr 516.46. Powder with a weak sweetish taste, mp. 227-228 °C, [a] -59° (CH3OH). C. occurs in the leaves of artichokes (Cynara scolymus, Astera-ceae), in flowers of Rhus typhina, as well as in Sene-cio nemorensis and Cirsium arvense. It is used for liver and biliary tract diseases. A cholesterol-lowering activity has also been reported. The biosynthesis pro-... 

Cholesterol lowering medicines usually work by inhibiting the uptake of this compound or slowing down its synthesis in the liver. Herbs used for this purpose exert their effects in the same way. A decrease of 20-50% in cholesterol levels is the usual result of medical treatments, but this can be improved by a low-cholesterol diet and the use of some herbs and vegetables (artichoke or garUc). Red yeast rice is quite heavily advertised as a very effective and namral substance, and millions of people purchase these products. Red yeast rice is sold in dietary supplements and is not a listed medicine, which—most ironically—just adds to its popularity (Fig. 3.26). 

Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C, Simpson HCR (2008) Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus L.) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine 15 668-675... 

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