Biochemical Properties and Applications of Cynara Species
Summary
The genus Cynara, encompassing globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and cultivated cardoon (C. cardunculus), is notable for its rich biochemical repertoire and versatile applications. Leaves, bracts and by-products are reservoirs of polyphenols such as mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids, flavones (luteolin and apigenin derivatives) and sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin), which underpin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. Inulin-type fructans in roots and tissues act as soluble dietary fibres with prebiotic effects, while lipophilic constituents—chlorophylls, carotenoids and seed oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids—further diversify the phytochemical profile. Mechanistic studies reveal modulation of oxidative stress pathways, bile secretion, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. Applications extend across functional foods, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations and cosmeceuticals, supported by evidence for cholesterol-lowering, glycaemic control and hepatic enzyme regulation. Recent efforts in cultivar selection, extraction technology and biorefinery approaches aim to enhance bioactive yields and integrate agricultural residues into circular-economy models, yielding bio-stimulants, biomaterials, inulin and bioenergy.
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Biochemical Properties and Applications of Cynara Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biochemical properties and applications of cynara species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyphenols: A class of plant secondary metabolites with multiple phenolic rings, recognised for antioxidant and signalling roles.
Inulin: A fructan-type soluble dietary fibre composed of β(2→1) fructose chains, functioning as a prebiotic and modulator of gut microbiota.
Cynarin: A caffeoyl ester of quinic acid, a sesquiterpene lactone associated with cholagogic (bile-promoting) and hepatoprotective effects.
Luteolin: A flavone widely found in Cynara foliage, noted for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Sesquiterpene lactones: A group of lipophilic terpenoids with 15 carbon atoms, responsible for bitterness in Asteraceae and linked to diverse bioactivities.
References
- Gluten-Free Bread Enriched with Artichoke Leaf Extract In Vitro Exerted Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Antioxidants (2023).
- Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits. Nutrients (2024).
- Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) By-Products in Food Applications: Functional and Biological Properties. Foods (2024).
- Cynara cardunculus L.: Outgoing and potential trends of phytochemical, industrial, nutritive and medicinal merits. Journal of Functional Foods (2020).
- The Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. International Journal of Hepatology (2016).
- Luteolin-Enriched Artichoke Leaf Extract Alleviates the Metabolic Syndrome in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity. Nutrients (2018).
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