Part1. What is Cynara scolymus extract?
Cynara scolymus extract is the water or alcohol extract of the perennial herb Artichoke, and its main active ingredients include polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc. It has pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidation, liver protection, cholesterol-lowering, anti-bacterial, and gastrointestinal improvement. Cynara scolymus extract can be used in food additives, feed additives, antioxidants and even medicines.
Part2. Pharmacological effects
1. Antioxidant effect
Artichoke leaf extract has antioxidant and protective effects on mouse liver from oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide, as well as lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Using the scavenging effect of each polyphenolic compound isolated from artichoke extract on DPPH free radicals to evaluate their antioxidant capacity, it was found that the antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic compounds is mainly determined by the number of hydroxyl groups on the aromatic ring, The more hydroxyl groups, the stronger the antioxidant capacity. In addition, the second hydroxyl located at the ortho and para positions can also increase its antioxidant capacity.
2. Protect the liver
Artichoke root can be used as medicine, which has the effects of sterilization, hangover, and stimulation of bile secretion, and is very effective for liver damage caused by alcohol.
3. Antimicrobial activity
The antimicrobial activity of chlorogenic acid, cynic acid, luteolin-7-rutinoside and stenoside of artichoke extract is relatively high, and the antifungal activity is stronger than the antibacterial activity. Studies have reported that artichoke leaf extract has obvious resistance to 7 kinds of bacteria, 4 of which are yeasts.
4. Lower cholesterol
Artichoke extract can regulate human lipid metabolism by reducing cholesterol and endogenous triglyceride in human body. Bile is the main way to eliminate cholesterol. Artichoke extract can reduce the cholesterol content in human liver and serum by promoting the secretion of bile. At the same time, many studies have shown that artichoke extract can directly act on the synthesis of endogenous cholesterol.
5. Treats indigestion
The mechanism of artichoke extract in treating indigestion is to promote the secretion of bile. Artichoke extract can be used to treat digestive system disorders and fat non-absorbable disease caused by insufficient bile secretion.
6. Lowering blood fat and anti-atherosclerosis
Studies have shown that artichoke extract can reduce blood lipids, mainly by regulating lipid levels by affecting the synthesis and decomposition pathways of cholesterol and lipids in the liver. In a double-blind test, 44 healthy people were randomly divided into groups. After taking artichoke extract, the cholesterol level of one group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The effect was more pronounced in people with high total cholesterol levels. However, high-density lipoprotein (HDLS), which is beneficial to health, tends to increase, and can inhibit the oxidation of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDLS), thereby preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
7. Regulatory effect on endothelial cell function
After taking artichoke, the triglyceride level of the patients increased, and the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased; the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the control group were significantly decreased, and the VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and arm FMV in the treatment group were all decreased compared with those before medication, while There was no change in the control group before and after treatment. It can be seen that artichoke food additives can indeed regulate endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
8. Other functions
Artichoke leaf extract, especially the flavonoids in it, can regulate the gene expression of NO enzyme in human epithelial cells, promote the synthesis of NO, and thus prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
The artichoke contained in artichoke has anti-spasmodic effect.
In addition, artichoke can also improve intestinal peristalsis, promote the contraction of the intestinal wall, so that the substances in the intestine can be transported faster, thereby preventing constipation.
Artichoke contains a lot of inulin, which is a fructan formed by D-fructofuranose molecules connected by β-(2-1) glycosidic bonds, which can increase the synthesis of B vitamins and improve human immunity. function; at the same time, inulin can promote the absorption and utilization of trace elements iron and calcium.
Preventing osteoporosis and reducing liver toxins, especially amino toxins.
Inulin can generate anti-cancer organic acids in the intestines, and has significant anti-cancer functions; it has the effect of alleviating food allergies and rejection reactions.
Suitable for diabetics.
