Artichoke Leaf Research Articles

The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action.

Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide, and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidaemia, needs more attention. Cooked artichoke (Cynara scolymus) hearts or artichoke leaf extract (ALE) are believed to be helpful in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. In this narrative review, we provide a brief overview of the potential impact of artichoke consumption on lipid profile. We appraised the Cochrane, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, and included articles published between 2000 and June 2018 on intervention in humans only. The main potential of ALE administration observed on lipid profile relates to decreased serum LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, although no strong evidence for increasing HDL appears to exist. Evidence suggests that decreases of 8-49 mg/dL for LDL concentration, 12-55 mg/dL for total cholesterol, and 11-51 mg/dL for triglycerides, can be attributed to 2 to 3 g/d of ALE, in which its components luteolin and chlorogenic acid may play a key role. On the other hand, the effects of cooked artichoke hearts can be attributed mainly to its soluble fibres, particularly inulin. Despite the convincing evidence on its health benefits, additional long-term clinical trials are pivotal to fully elucidate the potential effects of ALE administration on positive cardiovascular outcomes.

The interaction of FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism with artichoke leaf extract effects on cardiometabolic risk factors in hypertriglyceridemia: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveHypertriglyceridemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The potential favorable effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on anthropometric and metabolic indices may affect by fat mass and obesity associated (FTO)-rs9939609 polymorphism. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ALE supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in hypertriglyceridemic patients regarding the interaction of rs9939609-FTO polymorphism with intervention outcomes. MethodsIn this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 52 patients with hypertriglyceridemia randomly allocated to receive ALE (1800 mg/day as four tablets) or matching placebo (consisting of corn starch, lactose, and avicel) for 12 weeks. The measurement of anthropometric indices, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lipid profile was performed before and after the intervention. The FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The interaction was tested using two-way ANOVA. ResultsForty-eight patients completed the trial (intervention, n = 24, placebo = 24). ALE and placebo groups were similar in the baseline characteristics. ALE supplementation did not change anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters. However, there was a significant interaction between FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism and TC, LDL-C, and TG level response to ALE supplementation. Moreover, significant changes in TG level were observed in A allele carriers compared to subjects with TT genotype. ConclusionNo significant effect of ALE supplementation was shown on anthropometric and biochemical indices in Iranian hypertriglyceridemic patients. However, rs9939609 variant of FTO gene seems to affect lipid profile response to ALE supplementation. Further clinical trials with larger sample size are suggested to clarify the possible interaction between rs9939609 variant or other variants of FTO gene and ALE supplementation in hypertriglyceridemia.

Artichoke leaf extract, as AKR1B1 inhibitor, decreases sorbitol level in the rat eye lenses under high glucose conditions ex vivo.

In the previous study, the artichoke leaf extract showed effective inhibition of AKR1B1, the first enzyme of polyol pathway, which reduces high level of glucose to osmotically active sorbitol, important for development of chronic diabetic complications. In the present study, the effect of artichoke leaf extract and of several participating phenols (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and luteolin) was tested on sorbitol level in rat lenses exposed to high glucose ex vivo, on cytotoxicity as well as on oxidative stress in C2C12 muscle cell line induced by high glucose in vitro. The concentration of sorbitol was determined by enzymatic analysis, the cytotoxicity was provided by WST-1 test and intracellular content of reactive oxygen species was determined by fluorescence of 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescein probe. The extract and the compounds tested showed significant protection against toxic effects of high concentration of glucose in both models. On balance, the artichoke leaf extract thus represents a prospective preventive agent of development of chronic diabetic complications, probably due to phenols content, concerning preclinical and clinical studies.

Luteolin-Enriched Artichoke Leaf Extract Alleviates the Metabolic Syndrome in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

This current study aimed to elucidate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of long-term supplementation with dietary luteolin (LU)-enriched artichoke leaf (AR) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its complications (e.g., dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) in C57BL/6N mice. The mice were fed a normal diet, an HFD, or an HFD plus AR or LU for 16 weeks. In the HFD-fed mice, AR decreased the adiposity and dyslipidemia by decreasing lipogenesis while increasing fatty acid oxidation, which contributed to better hepatic steatosis. LU also prevented adiposity and hepatic steatosis by suppressing lipogenesis while increasing biliary sterol excretion. Moreover, AR and LU prevented insulin sensitivity by decreasing the level of plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide and activity of hepatic glucogenic enzymes, which may be linked to the lowering of inflammation as evidenced by the reduced plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. Although the anti-metabolic syndrome effects of AR and LU were similar, the anti-adiposity and anti-dyslipidemic effects of AR were more pronounced. These results in mice with diet-induced obesity suggest that long-term supplementation with AR can prevent adiposity and related metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism modulates the effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundTranscription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism. ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design, setting, participants and interventionsThis double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Main outcome measuresAnthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism. ResultsALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation. ConclusionThe responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2. Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.

Metabolome based classification of artichoke leaf: A prospect for phyto-equivalency of its different leaf origins and commercial preparations

The growing interest in assuring phytomedicines efficacy and moreover the increase in requirements for its safety drive the development of analytical methods for its quality control assurance. Herein, we present a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprinting approach of artichoke leaf material from different origins and in its commercial preparations. Under optimized conditions, we were able to simultaneously identify 23 metabolites including sugars, amino and organic acids, sesquiterpene lactones, flavones, cinnamates, inulin, fatty acids and nitrogenous bases. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reveal for differences among artichoke specimens. PCA score plot derived from the aromatic region (5–10 ppm) provided better classification model than that of full scan (0–10 ppm), and revealing for enrichment of wild Egyptian and Tanzanian artichoke in sesquiterpene viz. aguerin B versus O-caffeoylquinic acid and luteolin abundance in cultivated leaf. PCA analysis of 3 commercial artichoke preparations showed discrimination of a silymarin-containing capsule suggesting that NMR can distinguish liver-aid herbal preparations based on its different chemical composition. Quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR) was further employed to assess major metabolites levels and revealing for the enrichment of cultivated plants in cinnamates viz. (E)-cinnamaldehyde (1.1 mg/g) and O-caffeoyl quinic acid (15.09 mg/g,). To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first approach utilizing NMR fingerprinting to assess for phytoequivalency among artichoke leaf and in its preparations.

Promising new fixed combination for the treatment of diseases of the hepatobiliar system: Substantiation of pharmacotherapeutic properties and pharmaceutical quality profile

In this review article an analysis of literature data on the pharmacological and clinical study of a fixed combination of medicinal substances (artichoke leaf extract, ursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and Angelica sinensis roots extract), as well a scientific substantiation of the pharmaceutical quality profile of the corresponding finished solid dosage form has been conducted. Chronic diseases of the hepatobiliary system are some of the most common human diseases and inferior only to atherosclerosis . The fact that cholecystectomy is the most common surgical operation in the abdominal organs is evidenced by the widespread distribution of the pathology of the biliary system. The fact that there is an increasing number of diagnoses of cholelithiasis in children and infants is a cause for concern. Diseases of the biliary system are closely related to violations of the functional state of the liver. Synthesis of cholesterol supplemented bile with reduced bile acid content significantly increases the risk of gallstones, as well as gallbladder cholesterol. We have substantiated that the developed preparation is a fixed combination of medicinal substances with well-researched medical applications in the treatment of dyspeptic disorders with functional disorders of the biliary system, biliary dyskinesia of the hypokinetic type, and gastritis with reflux of bile. Each of the components of the fixed combination has an important influence on the human hepatobiliary system. The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid is due to the relative replacement of lipophilic toxic bile acids, improving the secretory capacity of hepatocytes and immunoregulatory processes, which is especially important in liver and cholestatic diseases. Taurine is a synergist of ursodeoxycholic acid, since it forms biliary conjugates in the liver. The artichoke extract has choleretic, hepatoprotective and diuretic effects, while the A. sinensis roots extract demonstrates moderate spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. We conducted a general description of active pharmaceutical ingredients and a review of biopharmaceutical tests, analyzed relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, and summarized the results of clinical efficacy and safety trials. Particular attention is paid to the results of clinical studies of the developed fixed combination. It should be noted that artichoke leaf extract, ursodeoxycholic acid, and taurine are widely used throughout the world in official medicine, at the same time, A. sinensis roots extract is more widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The fixed combination has a favorable safety profile, is investigated in clinical conditions in vivo both in the form of individual components and in the form of a single drug. A fixed combination pharmaceutical profile is based on the general requirements for solid dosage forms, as well as experimentally substantiated specific indicators and research methods.

Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is potentially treatable, though there are few therapeutic agents available. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a hepatoprotective agent. This study sought to determine if ALE had therapeutic utility in patients with established NAFLD. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group trial, 100 subjects with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD were randomized to either ALE 600mg daily or placebo for a 2-month period. NAFLD response was assessed by liver ultrasound and serological markers including the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) score. Ninety patients completed the study (49 ALE and 41 placebo) with no side effects reported. ALE treatment compared with placebo: Doppler sonography showed increased hepatic vein flow (p<.001), reduced portal vein diameter (p<.001) and liver size (p<.001), reduction in serum ALT (p<.001) and AST (p<.001) levels, improvement in AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores (p<.01), and reduction in total bilirubin. ALE supplementation reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations (p=.01). This study has shown beneficial effects of ALE supplementation on both ultrasound liver parameters and liver serum parameters (ALT, AST, APRI ratio, and total bilirubin) in patients with NAFLD.

Proizvodnja β-amilaza pomoću novog bakterijskog soja Paenibacillus chitinolyticus CKS1 na komercijalnim i otpadnim supstratima

Amylases are industrially important enzymes which could convert starch to glucose, maltose and oligosaccharides. A bacterial strain designated as Paenibacillus chitinolyticus CKS1which was isolated from the soil of the coniferous forest, produced β-amylases using different commercial and waste substrates. Maximum β-amylases activity of 0.820 U/mL was obtained using a sugar alcohol-isomaltidex (0.5% w/v), as a substrate for microorganism growth and enzyme production. After 48 h of fermentation in a medium that contained starch (0.5%, w/v) and 0.05% v/v of ethanol, CKS1 produced β-amylase with the activity of 0.518 U/mL. The latest trends in enzyme production include utilisation of various waste products, mainly of agroindustrial origin, as a substrate for microorganisms growth. The strain CKS1 was also able to grow and produce β-amylases by using plant waste material. The plant waste substrate (PWS) contained plant biomass that is left after the ethanol extraction of various medicinal herbs (marigold and chamomile flowers, artichoke leaf, lemon balm leaf, nettle leaf, thyme leaf, yarrow shoot, yellow gentian shoot, primrose shoot, valerian shoot and chestnut and hawthorn seeds).This mixture of dried plant biomass is dissposed as such as a waste. In a medium with 0.1% (w/v) of PWS, CKS1 produced β-amylases with a maximum activity of 0.569 U/mL. The results show the potential of utilising waste plant biomass, left after ethanol extraction of medicinal herbs, in production of amylases. The application of microorganisms in β-amylase production using waste substrate is economically and environmentally accepted.

The role of artichoke leaf tincture (Cynara scolymus) in the suppression of DNA damage and atherosclerosis in rats fed an atherogenic diet

Context: Polyphenols and flavonoids in artichoke leaf tincture (ALT) protect cells against oxidative damage.Objectives: We examined ALT effects on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and lipid profiles in rat plasma and gene expression in rat aorta [haemeoxygenase-1 (HO1), haemeoxygenase-2 (HO2), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)].Materials and methods: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 6/group): The control group (CG) was fed with standard pellet chow for 11 weeks; the AD group was fed for a similar period of time with pellet chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 3% sunflower oil and 1% sodium cholate. The ADA group was fed with pellet chow (for 1 week), the atherogenic diet (see above) for the following 4 weeks and then with ALT (0.1 mL/kg body weight) and atherogenic diet for 6 weeks. According to HPLC analysis, the isolated main compounds in ALT were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin and rutin.Results: Normalized HO-1 [0.11 (0.04–0.24)] and MCP-1 [0.29 (0.21–0.47)] mRNA levels and DNA scores [12.50 (4.50–36.50)] were significantly lower in the ADA group than in the AD group [0.84 (0.35–2.51)], p = 0.021 for HO-1 [0.85 (0.61–3.45)], p = 0.047 for MCP-1 and [176.5 (66.50–221.25)], p = 0.020 for DNA scores. HO-1 mRNA was lower in the ADA group than in the CG group [0.30 (0.21–0.71), p = 0.049].Conclusions: Supplementation with ALT limited the effects of the atherogenic diet through reduced MCP-1 expression, thereby preventing oxidative damage.

The effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on lipid and CETP response in metabolic syndrome with respect to Taq 1B CETP polymorphism: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

IntroductionThe potentially favorable effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) have been shown on lipid profile; however, results are inconsistent. Taq IB polymorphism in cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene may modulate the response to intervention. This study was aimed to examine the effects of ALE supplementation on serum lipid profile and CETP levels regarding CETP Taq IB polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MethodsIn this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients with MetS were randomized to receive ALE (1800 mg per day as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Serum levels of lipid profile and CETP, as well as physical activity levels were assessed before and after the intervention. Physical activity levels were measured using short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Moreover, patients were genotyped for CETP Taq IB polymorphism. ResultsMean age and BMI of the patients was 38.91 ± 6.90 years and 34.32 ± 4.28 kg/m2, respectively. Twenty-eight percent of the patients were male. ALE supplementation decreased serum triglyceride (TG) level compared to placebo over 12 weeks (−10% vs. −2%, p = 0.01). There was no interaction between CETP Taq IB genotype and response to ALE supplementation. The subgroup analysis showed that in men carriers of Taq IB-B1B1, LDL-C level significantly decreased in ALE group compared to the placebo group (-15% vs. 9%, p = 0.004). ConclusionsALE supplementation decreased TG levels without intervention-genotype interaction in patients with MetS. However, men with Taq IB-B1B1 genotype indicated a reduction of LDL-C in response to ALE.

Food processing and digestion: The effect of extrusion process on bioactive compounds in extrudates with artichoke leaf powder and resulting in vitro cynarin and cynaroside bioaccessibility

Although herbal ingredients could be used to increase bioactive compounds in food products, it is more crucial to investigate the effect of processing on their bioaccessibility and their content. In this study, artichoke leaf powder (ALP) was added to wheat flour (WF) at ratios of 0:100, 3:97, 6:94 and 9:91 g ALP:g WF on dry basis. The effect of extrusion process on the bioactive compounds themselves and in vitro bioaccessibilities of cynarin and cynaroside, which are found in ALP, were investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of extrudates and raw mixtures were also measured. The extrusion process reduced TPC from the range of 3.4–8.2 to 2.2–6.3 g gallic acid equivalent/kg. Antioxidant activities of the samples with ratios of 3:97 and 6:94 remained the same whereas it decreased from 30 to 24 mmol trolox equivalent/kg for the sample with the ratio of 9:91. The extrusion process also caused a decrease in cynarin and cynaroside contents. The process increased in vitro bioaccessibility of cynarin by 30–44% for all ALP concentrations and that of cynaroside by 38% for both ratios, 6:94 and 9:91. Obtained results could be useful in product and processing design to improve the bioaccessibility of functional compounds.

First Report of Brown Spot on Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) Caused by Bipolaris zeae in China

The Jerusalem artichoke is usually planted in saline-alkali soil, which isand cultivated mainly for human consumption as a tuber vegetable in China. In July 2015, 1.5-ha of Jerusalem artichoke fields at Tongliao in Inner-Mongolia Province was covered with fungal-like brown spots were observed in Jerusalem artichoke leaf at Tongliao in Inner-Mongolia Province. Disease distribution was infecting ∼80% of plants. The brown spots often appeared in the middle and lower leaves of the plant canopy. Early symptoms on leaves were small (1 to 3 mm), brown, water-soaked spots that later enlarged (5 to 8mm). Tissue Leaf samples were removed at the border of symptomatic and healthy tissue and were sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 2 min, plated on PDA plates, and incubated at 28°C for 5 days. From these cultures, individual isolates of the suspect pathogen were obtained by selecting single spores and subculturing them on PDA at 28°C. Irregular, grey to dark-olive colonies were observed after 3 days. Conidiophores were single,...

Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with metabolic syndrome: Influence of TCF7L2‐rs7903146 and FTO‐rs9939609 polymorphisms

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multicomponent condition with a complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown favorable effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with MetS, using a nutrigenetics approach. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 50 women (aged 20-50years) with MetS were randomly allocated into the two groups: "ALE group" (received 1,800mg hydroalcoholic extract of artichoke as four tablets per day) and "placebo group" (received placebo consisted of corn starch, lactose, and avicel as four tablets per day) for 12weeks. The biochemical and anthropometric parameters were determined before and after the intervention. The FTO-rs9939609 and the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. In carriers of A allele of the FTO-rs9939609, ALE supplementation resulted in a statistically significant decrease in serum triglyceride level compared with placebo (-19.11% vs. 10.83%; p<.05), with no other significant differences between the two groups. The TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism showed no interaction with response to ALE (p>.05). These findings suggest that ALE supplementation may improve serum triglyceride level in A allele genotype of FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism in women with MetS.

Artichoke leaf extract protects liver of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice through modulation of hepatic stellate cells recruitment

Schistosomiasis is the second most common human parasitic disease worldwide. It is responsible for 300000 deaths per year. Liver fibrosis is the main pathology of schistosomiasis and its complications are the major cause of death in infected cases. Unfortunately, the therapeutic dose of praziquantel (PZQ) – the main drug treatment – doesn't markedly affect fibrosis. In the present study, antiparasitic and hepatoprotective properties of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) were tested on mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and were compared to PZQ. Four mice groups were infected with S. mansoni. The first three groups received ALE, ALE + PZQ and PZQ respectively. The 4th was the positive control and the 5th was the negative control group. Worm load, egg count, granuloma numbers and diameters were measured to assess ALE anti-schistoaomal properties. Masson's trichrome staining of fibrosis, immune staining of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and estimation of liver enzymes were done to assess its hepato-protective action. Although it had no significant effects on worm or tissue egg load and granuloma number, ALE caused significant reduction of granuloma diameter, improvement of liver functions and liver fibrosis. ALE caused statistically significant changes in HSCs distribution. It reduced granuloma size by increasing HSCs recruitment inside granuloma and limited liver fibrosis by their inhibition in the peri- and inter-granuloma liver tissue. It was concluded that despite failure of ALE to treat S. mansoni infection, it can limit liver damage caused by this parasite by modulating HSCs recruitment.

The Role of Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates in Alleviating the Growing Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in USA: Evidence from a Simulation Study

BackgroundPromoting fruit and vegetable consumption has been one of the key points in WHO's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. The recommendation for fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, as set by the panel of WHO/FAO experts, is 400gr/day minimum, however different studies show that the majority of individuals do not comply to the suggested intake levels. One of the measure proposed to help individuals improve their intake of FV is the adoption of FV concentrates, which contain a well‐balanced mixture of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to collect and analyze scientific material on FV concentrates and their effectiveness in mitigating important risk factors for selected Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Findings about the FV effectiveness are illustrated through a simulation exercise, which shows a potential relief in public health burden in terms of reduction of cases of NCDs and their respective economic cost.MethodsRelevant articles about the FV concentrates were collected and analyzed in terms of their impact on measurable physiological outcomes (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, plasmatic homocysteine, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and tumour necrosis factor alpha), widely accepted in literature as risk factors for cardiovascular NCDs. Literature review results provided input for Markov chain simulation model. The model provides a simulation, using USA population projections, of potential reduction in morbidity and direct public health cost associated with different FV concentrates supplementation regimes.ResultsThe literature review has revealed a significant research gap about the effect of FV supplementation on NCDs. Building upon the (modest) evidence documented in literature, we show that FV concentrates have important potential in lowering NCD burden. A combined FV concentrate, such as Juice plus, appears to yield a significant gain in terms of lowering the risk of CHD in general population. Artichoke leaf juice concentrate and cherry juice concentrate produce non‐negligible effects in lowering the risk of stroke in vulnerable population (individuals with metabolic syndrome and hypertension). We found less evidence for heart failure, though the literature suggests effectiveness of fruit and vegetable juice.ConclusionIn conclusion, FV concentrates appear to play a non‐negligible role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases in healthy and vulnerable populations, and this is particularly relevant because of the increasing tendency to consume less fresh fruit and vegetables. Despite the documented potential benefits, FV supplements are still poorly debated in scientific research: high quality and long‐term studies are necessary to understand their effect on human well‐being and their potential for health care system.

Studies on the protective effect of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against cadmium toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, and immunosuppressive and hematological disorders in rats.

Our objective was to explore the protective effect of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity-induced oxidative organ damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups of eight animals each. The first group was assigned as a control. Groups 2-4 were orally administered with ALE (300mg/kg bw), Cd (CdCl2, 100mg/L drinking water), and ALE plus Cd, respectively, daily for 4weeks. After treatment with Cd, the liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly compared with the control rats. The sera interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-10, liver transaminase, urea, creatinine, and peripheral neutrophil count were significantly increased in Cd-exposed rats compared to the control group. The reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) decreased in the liver and kidney in Cd-exposed group. In combination treatment, Cd and ALE significantly improved immune response, an antioxidant system, and hepatorenal function with a significant decline in MDA. In conclusion, ALE ameliorates the immunosuppressive and hepatorenal oxidative injury stimulated by Cd in rats. These results suggest that artichoke has shown promising effects against adverse effects of Cd toxicity.

Antioxidant response to artichoke leaf extract supplementation in metabolic syndrome: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Oxidative stress is associated with most components and complications of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Artichoke Leaf Extract (ALE) has demonstrated anti-oxidant properties in both laboratory and animal studies. This study was designed to examine the effects of ALE on oxidative stress indices in patients with MetS. In the current double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with MetS were randomly allocated to either "ALE group" (received 1800mg ALE as four tablets per day) or "Placebo group" (received placebo containing cornstarch, lactose and avicel as four tablets per day) for 12 weeks. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL), red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD), as well as dietary intakes were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. A total number of 68 patients completed the study (ALE group=33; placebo group=35). Dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were not significantly different between two groups throughout the trial, with the exception of zinc (p<0.05). The concentration of ox-LDL decreased significantly in ALE group in comparison to the placebo group (-266.8±615.9 vs-129.5±591.2ng/L; p<0.05). However, no significant inter- and intra-group changes in MDA, SOD, GPx, and TAC concentrations were observed. ALE decreased serum ox-LDL level in patients with MetS, with no beneficial effects on other antioxidant indices. IRCT201409033320N9.

Simultaneous quantitative determination of 11 sesquiterpene lactones in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A method of ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 11 sesquiterpene lactones in 11 Jerusalem artichoke leaf samples harvested in a number of areas at different periods. The optimal chromatographic conditions were achieved on a ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (3.0 × 150mm, 1.8μm) with linear gradient elution of methanol and water in 8min. Quantitative analysis was carried out under selective ion monitoring mode. All of the sesquiterpene lactones showed good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9949), repeatability (relative standard deviations < 4.66%), and intra- and interday precisions (relative standard deviations < 4.52%) with an accuracy of 95.24-104.84%. The recoveries measured at three concentration levels varied from 95.07 to 104.87% with relative standard deviations less than 4.9%. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for this method were 0.89-5.05 and 1.12-44.33ng/mL, respectively. The results showed that the contents of sesquiterpene lactones varied significantly in the Jerusalem artichoke leaf samples from different areas. Among them, the content of sesquiterpene lactones in the sample collected from Dalian, Liaoning province was the highest and the early flowering period was considered to be the optimal harvest time.

English

Cynara scolymus L. leaves, popularly known as globe artichoke, have cholagogue and choleretic properties which are attributed to caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Although, there are already pharmacopoeial methods for quality control of artichoke dry leaf extract, it only shows the assessment of chlorogenic acid determination. This study aimed to adapt and validate a method for simultaneous determination of neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, cynarin and isochlorogenic acids A and C in tablets or capsules of globe artichoke leaf extract herbal medicines. Also, it evaluated the content of these caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in three commercial products and leaf extract. The validation considered the parameters of selectivity, precision, linearity, quantification and detection limits and accuracy. The method proved to be selective, precise and accurate. Commercial products and leaf extract had significantly different concentrations of standard compounds which may bring an impact on therapeutic outcomes. The method proposed was suitable for the identification and quantification of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in tablets and capsules and could be used in quality control, ensuring the safety and efficacy of commercially prepared herbal medicines. Key words: Herbal medicines, quality control, Cynara scolymus.