Cultivated Cardoon Research Articles

Yields and quality of Cynara cardunculus L. wild and cultivated cardoon genotypes. A case study from a marginal land in Central Italy

Abstract Cardoon yields and quality under low input conditions (reduced nitrogen fertilization and rainfed conditions) in a marginal land of Central Italy are presented. During 2011–2013, two cultivated and two wild cardoons were compared for the lignocellulosic biomass production, grain yield, and their chemical composition. The results showed a 3-year average aboveground biomass and grain yield in the range 8–18 and 1.2–2.8 t ha −1 dry matter respectively, significantly higher in the cultivated genotypes. The grain lipid contents were not significantly different as average, but the wild genotype Tolfa achieved the highest content (20.3%) in the last year of research. Average oil yields were 0.45 and 0.23 t ha −1 in cultivated and wild genotypes respectively. ANOVA showed a general prevalent influence of the genotype factor (G) on crop yields, and grain lipid and protein contents; on the other hand, the nitrogen factor (N) never showed significant effects on the different parameters. The chemical composition of the lignocellulosic biomass showed slight differences among the genotypes, but not always significant. Cardoon cultivation improved soil fertility parameters, even if differences were not always statistically different. Considering the results, dedicated production chains could be implemented in many Italian Regions taking advantage also from the availability of wild cardoon genotypes. The production costs and revenues analysis of cardoon in comparison with other herbaceous annual crops, demonstrated the low cultivation costs per hectare, the higher total revenues deriving from the yield outcomes, and its suitability for the inclusion in arable cropping systems in marginal lands.

Development of chloroplast genomic resources for Cynara.

In this study, new chloroplast (cp) resources were developed for the genus Cynara, using whole cp genomes from 20 genotypes, by means of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Our target species included seven globe artichokes, two cultivated cardoons, eight wild artichokes, and three other wild Cynara species (C. baetica, C. cornigera and C. syriaca). One complete cp genome was isolated using short reads from a whole-genome sequencing project, while the others were obtained by means of long-range PCR, for which primer pairs are provided here. A de novo assembly strategy combined with a reference-based assembly allowed us to reconstruct each cp genome. Comparative analyses among the newly sequenced genotypes and two additional Cynara cp genomes ('Brindisino' artichoke and C. humilis) retrieved from public databases revealed 126 parsimony informative characters and 258 singletons in Cynara, for a total of 384 variable characters. Thirty-nine SSR loci and 34 other INDEL events were detected. After data analysis, 37 primer pairs for SSR amplification were designed, and these molecular markers were subsequently validated in our Cynara genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on all cp variable characters provided the best resolution when compared to what was observed using only parsimony informative characters, or only short 'variable' cp regions. The evaluation of the molecular resources obtained from this study led us to support the 'super-barcode' theory and consider the total cp sequence of Cynara as a reliable and valuable molecular marker for exploring species diversity and examining variation below the species level.

Artichoke: botanical, agronomical, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview

Artichoke, Cynara cardunculus, is a dietary and medicinal plant species with a long tradition of use dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It comprises the globe artichoke, C. cardunculus subsp. scolymus, the cultivated cardoon, C. cardunculus subsp. altilis, and the wild cardoon, C. cardunculus subsp. sylvestris. The edible part of the plant is limited to the fleshy leaves (bracts) and receptacle of a large immature inflorescence, named capitulum or head, that has been shown to be a rich source of bioactive compounds. On the other hand, leaves, external bracts and stems discarded by the artichoke processing industry corresponding to about 80–85 % of the total biomass of the plant, represent a suitable potential source of food additives and nutraceuticals. Nutritional and pharmacological properties of artichoke heads and leaves are attributed mainly to polyphenolic compounds and inulin present at high concentration. Other classes of chemical compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes have been also found in the plant at lower amounts. This review, after a general historical, phytogeographical, and ethnobotanical overview, summarizes the current knowledge on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of this plant, with special emphasis on the agronomical and nutritional importance of the plant and to the methods of analysis, including the recently developed metabolomic studies.

Exploitability of cultivated and wild cardoon as long-term, low-input energy crops

The potential ability in terms of biomass, achenes, oil and energy yield of two Cynara cardunculus L. genotypes (one cultivated cardoon and one wild cardoon) was evaluated along a 7-year experiment. It was carried out in a marginal farmland of Southern Italy, with low soil fertility and minimal external inputs. Under these conditions, they reached an annual harvestable biomass ranging from 0.74 (wild cardoon) to 1.46 kg m−2 (cultivated cardoon) and an energy yield ranging from 13.8 to 27.5 kJ m−2. The lower heating value of biomass (including achenes) was on average 18.2 kJ kg−1, while the oil yield from achenes varied between 25.1 and 25.7 g 100 g−1 of dry matter. The cultivated cardoon was able to produce high yields until the fifth season and therefore is prone for medium long-time cropping systems. Conversely, wild cardoon showed a most stable yield pattern and plant survival over seasons, suggesting its particular suitability for perennial cropping systems in Mediterranean marginal areas.

Suitability of cultivated and wild cardoon as a sustainable bioenergy crop for low input cultivation in low quality Mediterranean soils

Increasing the use of renewable energies as biomass offers significant opportunities for Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emission and secure its energy supply. To ensure that bioenergy develops in environmentally-compatible way, the availability of crops, such as perennials, adapted to cropping systems based on minimal production inputs and marginal lands with medium-low soil fertility, is strongly needed. To examine the potential ability in terms of biomass, achenes, and energy yield and the possible role in soil fertility conservation of two botanical varieties (cultivated and wild cardoon) of the C3 Asteraceae, Cynara cardunculus L., a long-term experiment (seven cropping seasons) was carried out in a marginal farmland of Sicily (Southern Italy), with low soil fertility and without external inputs as fertilization, irrigation, weed and pest control from the second season onward. Under these conditions C. cardunculus improved soil fertility by increasing the soil organic matter content, organic C content, total nitrogen, assimilable P2O5 and exchangeable K, giving an annual harvestable biomass and energy yield of 14.6tha−1 and 275GJha−1 (cultivated cardoon) and 7.4tha−1 and 138GJha−1 (wild cardoon). The harvest time, in the third 10-day of August, allowed a very low biomass moisture, about 11% in cultivated cardoon and 7% in wild cardoon. Cultivated cardoon was capable of producing high yields until fifth season, therefore is indicated for medium long-time cropping systems. Wild cardoon showed a most stable yield pattern and plant survival over seasons, suggesting its particular suitability for perennial cropping systems of Mediterranean marginal areas. For these reasons, we have undertaken a breeding program aimed to improve the crop performances in terms of both biomass and energy yield (wild cardoon) and to stabilize the biomass production characteristics during crop ageing (cultivated cardoon).

Karyological and genome size insights into cardoon (Cynara cardunculusL., Asteraceae) in Tunisia

This study contributes the first genome size data for wild populations of Cynara cardunculus, the presumed progenitor of artichoke and cultivated cardoon. C-values estimated by flow cytometry are 2C = 1.98–2.14(3.03) pg for wild cardoon (10 populations), 2C = 2.10–2.11 pg for cultivated cardoon (two accessions) and 2C = 2.05 pg for artichoke (one accession). Chromosome counting (carried out for all material except the artichoke) establishes diploidy in all accessions. In order to provide a phylogenetic framework for Tunisian populations, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was sequenced and analysed together with previously published Cynara sequences. The wild and crop cardoons present similar karyological features and genome sizes despite strong morphological differentiation, with the single exception of a Tunisian population (from Tajerouine), which exhibits a 42–53% higher genome size. Along with Sicilian individuals, Tunisian wild C. cardunculus appear genetically closer to artichoke and cardoon ...

Selection of Italian cardoon genotypes as industrial crop for biomass and polyphenol production

Eight cardoon genotypes, of which seven Italian cultivated and one wild cardoon, belonging to the ENEA-Tuscia University joint collection, were assessed over two growing seasons with the aim of evaluating biomass production for pharmaceutical uses. Nine morphological descriptors (plant height and diameter, number of lateral shoots, main flower stem diameter, first fully developed leaf length and width, number of leaf lobes, plant fresh and dry weight) were selected to describe plant vigor and dry matter accumulation. Biochemical characterization of aboveground biomass was also undertaken, using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and HPLC analyses. Significant differences among genotypes were found for many of the agro-morphological traits evaluated. In particular, results identified aerial biomass yield, which ranged between 1095 and 2495gplant−1, as a useful trait in discriminating among genotypes. Significant differences among genotypes were also found for biomass polyphenol content. The most representative compounds detected were caffeoylquinic acids (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid) and flavonoid derivatives (cynaroside). The 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid content in biomass extracts ranged from 0.01 to 2.65gkg−1 DM, while the 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid varied from 3.08 to 4.07gkg−1 DM. With regard to cynaroside, the cultivated cardoon “AFN” showed the highest value (4.20gkg−1 DM). Taking into account that the analyzed germplasm has never been selected for biomass or polyphenol compound production, our data highlight the potential use of cardoon genotypes for biomass and pharmaceutical purposes.

Graft union formation in artichoke grafting onto wild and cultivated cardoon: An anatomical study

In order to develop a non-chemical method such as grafting effective against well-known artichoke soil borne diseases, an anatomical study of union formation in artichoke grafted onto selected wild and cultivated cardoon rootstocks, both resistant to Verticillium wilt, was performed. The cardoon accessions Belgio (cultivated cardoon) and Sardo (wild cardoon) were selected as rootstocks for grafting combinations with the artichoke cv. Romolo. Grafting experiments were carried out in the autumn and spring. The anatomical investigation of grafting union formation was conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the grafting portions at the 3rd, 6th, 10th, 12th day after grafting. For the autumn experiment only, SEM analysis was also performed at 30d after grafting.A high affinity between artichoke scion and cardoon rootstocks was observed, with some genotype differences in healing time between the two bionts. SEM images of scion/rootstock longitudinal sections revealed the appearance of many interconnecting structures between the two grafting components just 3d after grafting, followed by a vascular rearrangement and a callus development during graft union formation. De novo formation of many plasmodesmata between scion and rootstock confirmed their high compatibility, particularly in the globe artichoke/wild cardoon combination. Moreover, the duration of the early-stage grafting process could be influenced not only by the scion/rootstock compatibility, but also by the seasonal conditions, being favored by lower temperatures and a reduced light/dark photoperiod.

Antioxidant Properties of Seeds from Lines of Artichoke, Cultivated Cardoon and Wild Cardoon.

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus L.), the cultivated cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis DC.) and the wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. sylvestris L.) are species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of seeds from lines of artichoke and cultivated and wild cardoon in both aqueous-organic extracts and their residues by FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) evaluations. Both artichoke and cardoon seeds are a good source of antioxidants. Among artichoke seeds, hydrolysable polyphenols contribution to antioxidant properties ranged from 41% to 78% for FRAP values and from 17% to 37% for TEAC values. No difference between cultivated and wild cardoon in antioxidant properties are reported. Our results could provide information about the potential industrial use and application of artichoke and/or cardoon seeds.

Polyphenolic Composition in Different Organs of Tunisia Populations of Cynara Cardunculus.L and Their Antioxidant Activity

Polyphenols are biologically active molecules that contribute to development and cell growth. This study compared phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of stems and seeds in six Tunisian wild cardoon populations and one population of cultivated cardoon and artichoke located in the north of Tunisia. The analyzed organs exhibited different total polyphenol contents (1.49-23.25 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE g-1 DW). The seeds phenolic and tannins contents were higher than those in stems. The globe artichoke stem phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher than those in wild and cultivated cardoons. Seed extracts displayed the highest DPPH scavenging ability with the lowest IC50 value (3 μg ml-1), followed by globe artichoke stems (12 μg ml-1). In contrast, stems showed the highest capacity to quench superoxide (IC50: 2.1 μg ml-1) as compared to seeds (5.6 μg ml-1). These results confirm the beneficial effect of Cynara cardunculus.L organs on human health due to their high antioxidant activity.

Effects of saline stress on mineral composition, phenolic acids and flavonoids in leaves of artichoke and cardoon genotypes grown in floating system

Cynara cardunculus is a species native to the Mediterranean basin. It includes globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon as well as their progenitor wild cardoon. The species is a source of biophenols, and its leaf extracts have been widely used in herbal medicine as hepatoprotectors and choleretics since ancient times. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing the level of salinity in the nutrient solution (1 or 30 mmol L⁻¹ NaCl) on biomass production, mineral composition, radical-scavenging activity, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids in three artichoke ('Romolo', 'Violetto di Provenza' and 'Violetto di Romagna') and three cultivated cardoon ('Bianco Avorio', 'Bianco Gigante Inerme' and 'Gigante di Romagna') cultivars grown in a floating system. Increased salinity in the nutrient solution decreased the leaf dry biomass and leaf number of artichoke and cultivated cardoon cultivars. Salinity reduced macro- and microelement accumulation in leaves (e.g. N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and B) but improved their antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, cynarin and luteolin. The cultivated cardoons, especially 'Bianco Avorio' and 'Gigante di Romagna', showed higher biomass and leaf number than those observed in artichoke genotypes. 'Violetto di Provenza' exhibited the highest content of chlorogenic acid, closely followed by 'Violetto di Romagna', whereas for cynarin content the highest values were recorded in 'Violetto di Provenza', 'Bianco Avorio' and 'Gigante di Romagna'. The highest content of luteolin was recorded in 'Gigante di Romagna' and 'Bianco Avorio', while the highest content of apigenin was observed in 'Gigante di Romagna'. The results showed that the floating system could be considered an effective tool to improve quality aspects through proper management of the salt concentration in the nutrient solution. They also suggest that specific cultivars should be selected to obtain the desired profile of bioactive compounds.

Biomass, grain and energy yield in Cynara cardunculus L. as affected by fertilization, genotype and harvest time

A three-year experiment was conducted in Sicily (South Italy) aimed at evaluating the effects of three fertilization levels (low, medium and high) and two harvest times (flowering vs. achenes ripening) on aboveground biomass, grain and energy yield of five Cynara cardunculus genotypes (three cultivated cardoons, one wild cardoon accession and one globe artichoke line). The cultivated cardoons showed the highest aboveground dry biomass yield (on average 26 t ha−1 y−1), grain yield (on average 1.2 t ha−1 y−1) and energy yield (on average 450 GJ ha−1 y−1). Among these, ‘Bianco avorio’ and ‘Gigante di Lucca’ were able to maximize their biomass and energetic response under medium fertilization level, and improved, also, their performances along the three-year experiment. The shift in harvest time from flowering to achenes ripening decreased the aboveground biomass yield (grain excepted) (on average, from 21.1 to 19.0 t ha−1 y−1), but without significant effects on energy yield, as a consequence of the energy obtained from grains. The results show that combining an adequate choice of genotype and agronomical technique can make C. cardunculus a very competitive and sustainable energy crop in Mediterranean environment. Agronomical and breeding innovations are needed to further improve and stabilize crop performances and its agro-ecological sustainability.

Morphology and SSR fingerprinting of newly developed Cynara cardunculus genotypes exploitable as ornamentals

The species Cynara cardunculus includes the globe artichoke (var. scolymus), the cultivated cardoon (var. altilis) and the wild cardoon (var. sylvestris). The three taxa are sexually compatible and originate fertile F1 progenies, which, given the high heterozygosity of the species, are highly segregating. We report the characterization of two F1 populations, one bred from a cross between globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon, and the other between globe artichoke and wild cardoon. Both populations featured a wide array of phenotypes in relation to several traits, and some of the newly developed genotypes are of interest for the ornamental market. The two populations were genotyped at 50 microsatellite (SSR) loci: in the globe artichoke × wild cardoon and globe artichoke × cultivated cardoon progenies 116 and 97 alleles were respectively detected. SSR pattern scores were used to produce an UPGMA dendrogram and a PCoA plot. A set of nine SSR loci, evenly dispersed across the genome, was shown to be sufficient to unambiguously identify each segregant. The molecular fingerprinting is useful for establishing the true to type correspondence of propagative materials in nurseries and ensures the effective correspondence between the real and the declared identity of a clone.

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) vs. sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers for Cynara cardunculus characterization

A little is known about the genetic variability present in globe artichoke, cultivated and wild cardoons. This knowledgeis very important for efficient genetic resources utilization, and to gain a better understanding of genetic structure of thisbotanical varieties. With the aims to determine genetic distances between Cynara cardunculus accessions and to compare two molecular markers systems for their efficiency to differ between botanical varieties, a molecular characterization of sixteen accessions from different geographical origins was performed. Seven SSR and seven SRAP markers were usedfor varieties characterization and to calculate genetic distances between them. Both distance matrices were subjected to cluster analysis. Exclusive SSR alleles were found for globe artichoke and for wild cardoon, but non exclusive alleleswere found for cultivated cardoon. For both markers systems two major groups were identified, one of them includedmostly globe artichoke accessions and the other one grouped mainly cardoons. The differences observed in the sub-clusterconformation with each marker systems may be due to intrinsic characteristics of the markers. Concluding, both kind of molecular markers are valuable tools for studying genetic distances between C. cardunculus accessions although theygive different information. Nevertheless, SSR electrophoretic profiles are simpler to score than SRAP markers becausethey consist of just a few bands. As well, bands are highly informative because of the great number of alleles existing inpopulation and they are codominant markers. In addition, SSR’s use would reduce time and costs.

Phenolic acids and flavonoids in leaf and floral stem of cultivated and wild Cynara cardunculus L. genotypes

Ten genotypes, cultivated and wild of Cynara cardunculus L. were evaluated for their content of phenolic acids, flavonoids and their antioxidant activity. The major compounds present in the leaf were luteolin derivatives in globe artichoke and apigenin derivatives in wild and cultivated cardoon. Apart from ‘Cimiciusa di Mazzarino’ (var. scolymus), caffeoylquinic acids represent the main phenolic compounds in the floral stem. In particular, ‘Sylvestris Creta’ (var. sylvestris) and ‘Violetto di Sicilia’ (var. scolymus) show the highest content of caffeoylquinic acid ∼95% of the total measured polyphenols. The antioxidant capacity, in both leaf and floral stem, was qualitatively and quantitatively dependent on the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile. The phenolic acids and flavonoids in normally uneaten parts of wild and cultivated artichoke could be exploited as sources of natural antioxidants.

Cynara cardunculus L. genotypes as a crop for energy purposes in a Mediterranean environment

Abstract Previous studies indicate biomass and grain production for energy purposes as potential utilizations of the three Cynara cardunculus botanical varieties (globe artichoke, cultivated cardoon, and wild cardoon). In this work, the results of C. cardunculus biomass and grain yield under Sicilian (south Italy) low input conditions are shown. Over a 3 year period on the plain of Catania (South Italy) six genotypes of C. cardunculus , including 1 cultivated cardoon cultivar, 1 globe artichoke line, 1 wild cardoon ecotype, 3 F 1 progenies: “globe artichoke × wild cardoon”, “globe artichoke × cultivated cardoon” and “cultivated cardoon × wild cardoon”, were evaluated for lignocellulosic biomass production, energy yield and grain yield. On a 3 year average, the dry aboveground biomass and grain yield resulted, respectively, about 2000 g plant −1 and 100 g plant −1 in “globe artichoke × wild cardoon”, 1720 and 126 g plant −1 in cultivated cardoon, 1570 and 90 g plant −1 in “globe artichoke × cultivated cardoon”, 1480 and 109 g plant −1 in “cultivated cardoon × wild cardoon”, 1116 and 75 g plant −1 in wild cardoon and 990 and 60 g plant −1 in globe artichoke. The results showed that genotypes deriving from the cross of globe artichoke with cultivated and wild cardoon improved the performance both of globe artichoke and wild cardoon separately. It is reasonable to expect further improvements for biomass and grain yield in C. cardunculus in the future by breeding work.

Caffeoylquinic Acids and Flavonoids in the Immature Inflorescence of Globe Artichoke, Wild Cardoon, and Cultivated Cardoon

The species Cynara cardunculus is consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet and consists of the globe artichoke [var. scolymus (L.) Fiori], the cultivated cardoon (var. altilis DC.), and the wild cardoon [var. sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori]. The objective of this study was to investigate, in immature inflorescences, the main flavonoids and phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids, apigenin, and luteolin derivatives) by HPLC/diode array detection/mass spectrometry. Apigenin derivatives represented the major class in all samples investigated, highest in cardoon forms. Caffeoylquinic acids and luteolin derivatives were observed in var. scolymus only. Data allowed discrimination of globe artichoke from the related species on the basis of the profile of compounds analyzed. Our results suggest the possible use of cultivated and wild cardoon as a source of phenolic acids and flavonoids and indicate that artichoke consumption is an excellent dietary source of apigenin and other flavones.

Genetic mapping and annotation of genomic microsatellites isolated from globe artichoke

Cynara cardunculus includes three taxa, the globe artichoke (subsp. scolymus L. Hegi), the cultivated cardoon (var. altilis) and their progenitor, the wild cardoon (var. sylvestris). Globe artichoke is an important component of the Mediterranean rural economy, but its improvement through breeding has been rather limited and its genome organization remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the isolation of 61 new microsatellite loci which amplified a total of 208 alleles in a panel of 22 C. cardunculus genotypes. Of these, 51 were informative for linkage analysis and 39 were used to increase marker density in the available globe artichoke genetic maps. Sequence analysis of the 22 loci associated with genes showed that 9 are located within coding sequence, with the repetitive domain probably being involved in DNA binding or in protein-protein interactions. The expression of the genes associated with 9 of the 22 microsatellite loci was demonstrated by RT-PCR.

Identification of artichoke SSR markers: molecular variation and patterns of diversity in genetically cohesive taxa and wild allies

A set of 24 microsatellite markers was identified in the artichoke genome, using various approaches. A genomic library allowed the development of 14 SSR markers, whereas the other 10 were obtained from gene intron/UTR regions or from other species. Allelic variation was scored in C. cardunculus (artichoke, cultivated cardoon, and wild cardoon) samples, and in other wild Cynara allies. For the 23 polymorphic loci, a total of 165 alleles were scored, 135 of which in the artichoke primary genepool, and the remaining ones in the other Cynara species. Some allele combinations were able to identify artichoke varietal types, and some alleles were unique to specific groups. This makes these markers potentially useful in product traceability and in contributing to the saturation of genetic maps. The percentage of shared alleles between C. cardunculus taxonomic groups, and Nei’s genetic distances indicated that wild cardoons from the Eastern Mediterranean were more closely related to artichoke and less to cultivated cardoon in comparison to wild cardoons from the Western Mediterranean, and the genetic distance between the two wild cardoon genepools was rather high. The UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distances revealed that artichokes formed a fairly defined cluster, whereas Eastern wild cardoons occupied another branch, and Western wild cardoons were clustered together with cultivated cardoons. The transferability of microsatellite markers to other Cynara wild species was quite good. Sequencing alleles at three loci showed that, apart from microsatellite length variation, point mutations and insertion/deletions were quite abundant especially when comparing C. cardunculus to the other Cynara species. In the sequenced regions, some SNPs were identified which distinguished artichoke on one side, and cultivated and wild cardoon on the other, while other SNPs were apportioned according to the geographic distribution of Cynara wild species.

Simultaneous quantification of caffeoyl esters and flavonoids in wild and cultivated cardoon leaves

Cynara cardunculus is a diploid (2 n = 2 x = 34) species, native to the Mediterranean basin, which belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It includes globe artichoke, cultivated cardoon, as well as their progenitor wild cardoon. The species is a source of biophenols and its leaf extracts have been widely used in herbal medicine as hepatoprotectors and choleretics since ancient times. Globe artichoke leaves have been found to be rich in compounds originating from the metabolism of phenylpropanoids however, to our knowledge, the leaf polyphenolic composition of the two other forms within the species, cultivated and wild cardoon, have not yet been properly investigated. Two main classes of polyphenols have been detected by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS analyses: caffeoyl esters and flavonoids. The compounds which are the result of esterification of caffeoylquinic acid moiety with succinic acid, previously detected in other members of the Asteraceae family, were detected in cardoon leaves for the first time.