Artichoke and health (food and medicine): A review

Abstract

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), which belongs to Asteraceae, is one of the perennial herbaceous plants that combined food and medicinal properties, especially immature flower heads (edible) and leaves, due to the diversity in the plant’s metabolic compounds content. From the food side, it is a rich source of inulin that is harmless to diabetics, also important fibers and nutrients. Medically, the plant contains many important phenolic compounds as antioxidants and liver stimulants, the most important of which are Cynarin and other compounds that belong to the caffeoylquinic acids group, in addition to the presence The presence of luteolin is important in lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). So the immature flower heads can be eaten directly as food and achieve the medical benefit, the most important is liver stimulants, while the other parts of the plant, including the leaves and pomace, can use as food supplements to reduce fat, cholesterol and as a good source of antioxidants important in scavenging free radicals and strengthening the immune system, prevention of atherosclerotic diseases and hypertension associated with heart disease.