Cynara scopymus L., also known as artichokes or chrysanthemums, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the composite family. It is named "French Lily" because its flower buds resemble lilies. China was introduced from France in the 19th century and planted in the French Concession of Shanghai. Currently, it has a cultivation history of over 100 years. The name 'artichoke' was mistakenly named 'artichoke' due to the Japanese passing through Korea when introduced from China, and this name has been used to this day. In fact, the origin of artichokes is on the Mediterranean coast of Europe, and they have been used as a palace dish for high-ranking officials and nobles as early as ancient Rome and Greece. The main producing areas include Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, the United States, etc.
Treating indigestion
In Europe, artichokes have been used as a medicinal herb to treat indigestion. Artichoke extract is used to treat digestive tract diseases including abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.
Decreasing blood lipid and anti Congee
Many experiments have shown that artichoke extract can reduce blood lipids, mainly by affecting the synthesis and decomposition of cholesterol and lipids in the liver to regulate lipid levels, thus preventing the occurrence of Atherosclerosis.
Liver protection and antioxidant function
The research on the antioxidant function of artichokes mainly focuses on leaf extracts. The antioxidant capacity of polyphenol compounds extracted from artichokes was mainly determined by the number of hydroxyl groups on the aromatic ring. The more hydroxyl groups there are, the stronger the antioxidant capacity. In addition, the second hydroxyl group located in the ortho and para positions can also increase its antioxidant capacity. The experimental results showed that 1 g of dried artichoke extract had EC50 values comparable to 29.2 mg and 62.6 mg of VC, 77.9 mg and 159 mg of VE for DPPH and FRAP, respectively, and had good anti LDL oxidation effects.