Cynara Scolymus Extract Research Articles

Dietary Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Extract Ameliorated the Growth Performance, Humoral Immune Parameters and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract This trial investigated the efficacy of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract (AE) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of goldfish (Carassius auratus). For this purpose, a total number of 470 goldfish with initial weight 5.70±0.2 g were fed with four experimental diets including 0 (T0), 100 (T1), 150 (T2), and 200 (T3) mg kg−1 diet AE for 8 weeks. At the end of feeding trial, growth performances, serum immune parameters, and mucus antioxidant enzymes were measured. Fish were challenged with A. hydrophila, and the antioxidant and immunity-related gene expression were investigated. Based on the results, the highest final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were attained in T2 and T3 (P<0.05). Immune factors including ACH50, lysozyme, and total immunoglobulin in T2 and T3 showed the highest values (P<0.05). The expression of GR, IL1 β, TNF α, HSC70, HSP70, and HSP90 β genes in T1, T2, and T3 were higher than the control (P<0.05). The GST expression was significantly enhanced in T2 (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the administration of AE, especially at doses of 150 mg kg−1, could improve the growth, immunity, and antioxidant parameters, as well as enhance disease resistance against A. hydrophila in goldfish.

Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Improves Liver Regeneration after Partial Liver Resection in Rats

Objective: Liver regeneration is necessary to restore hepatic mass and functional capacity after partial hepatectomy (PH). Cynara scolymus (CS) is a pharmacologically important plant that contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, and experimental studies have indicated that it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CS in liver regeneration after PH in rats. 
 Methods: A total of 36 Wistar albino rats weighing 280.5 ± 18.6 g were used. CS leaf extract was administered after partial hepatectomy. The rats were sacrificed at postoperative day 14, and the histological changes were assessed. The mitotic index (MI), nucleus size, hepatocyte size, and binucleation rate (BR) of hepatocytes were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. 
 Results: The rats that received CS extract had significant differences in liver regeneration markers, including the hepatocyte size, mitotic index, and Ki-67 proliferation index (p

The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers.

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one‐day‐old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42‐day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1–10 days, 11–24 days, and 25–42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple‐range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1–42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.

Protective potential of Cynara scolymus extract in thioacetamide model of hepatic injury in rats

Hepatic injury is a worldwide health problem. This study aimed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective potential of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract (CSE) in albino rats using the thioacetamide (TAA) a model of liver injury. Acclimatized 42 rats were divided randomly into seven groups, each consists of six rats, and subjected to different treatments. Hepatic injury model was induced by administration of TAA at a dose of 100 mg per kg, intraperitoneally, twice weekly for 8 weeks (+ve control); test groups rats received CSE at doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg BW, orally, daily for 8 weeks adjunct with TAA; standard group rats received Silymarin at a dose of 100 mg per kg, orally, daily for 8 weeks adjunct with TAA; other 2 groups of rats received only CSE at the same dose levels; while -ve control rats received only the vehicles. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected at the end of the experimental course for different assessments. Results revealed that CSE exhibited dose-dependent hepatoprotection indicated by nearly normalized parameters, including enzymatic liver function parameters (AST, ALT, GGT &amp; ALP with potential % of 94.06, 86.96, 85.93, 64.85, respectively, after large dose when standardized by Silymarin); non-enzymatic parameters (total protein, albumin, globulins, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, TAGs, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL &amp; VLDL with potential % of 83.42, 85.9, 83.44, 98.1, 77.41, 91.5, 97.51, 97.46, 81.41, 88.52 &amp; 89.4, respectively, after large dose when standardized by Silymarin). The underlying mechanism of the observed hepatoprotection of CSE was attributed to impeding the oxidative stress-mediated by TAA, indicated by reduced hepatocyte lipid peroxidation product MDA (95.96 % of Silymarin), and improved antioxidative enzymes in liver homogenate, namely, GPx, Catalase &amp; SOD with potentials of 95.44, 87.02 &amp; 81.48 % of Silymarin, respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic pathological pictures were supportive to the biochemical findings, where the pathological lesions caused by TAA as congestion and dilatation of central and portal veins with perivascular fibrous connective tissue proliferation admixed with few mononuclear leukocytes plus necrotic hepatocytes and hyperplastic biliary epithelium, were ameliorated dose-dependently when CSE was administered together with TAA. The present study's data may suggest CSE as a natural source for promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant drug preparations.

Amelioration of Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes Status in the Serum and Erythrocytes of Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemic Male Rats: The Protective Role of Artichoke Extract (Cynara scolymus L.)

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia is a disorder characterized by the premature erythrocytes destruction. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) induces oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which causes hemolytic anemia. Cynara scolymus due to its antioxidant compounds, has been used for various therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cynara scolymus extract on PHZ -induced anemia in male rats. METHODS: Hemolytic anemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PHZ (40 mg/kg) for 2 days. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 (normal control). Group 2 (anemic control) received only PHZ. The groups 3 to 5 were injected with 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the Cynara scolymus by gavage, respectively, daily from day 2 to day 15 after PHZ administration. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant enzymes activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum and erythrocytes. RESULTS: In anemic rats, serum and erythrocytes MDA level increased, but SOD and TAC activity de- creased significantly when compared with control group (p ≤ 0.05). These changes were ameliorated by treat- ment with Cynara scolymus at different doses (p ≤ 0.05). Also, improvement in several hematological param- eters was observed in anemic rats after administration of Cynara scolymus (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cynara scolymus extract exhibits protective property against PHZ-induced oxidative stress presumably due to antioxidative activity.

Effect of fosfomycin, Cynara scolymus extract, deoxynivalenol and their combinations on intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Weaning is a challenging stage of pig farming. Animals undergo environmental, social and dietary changes leading to weaning stress syndrome. In order to compensate for the detrimental effects of weaning stress, antibiotics and natural extracts are used as feed additives, sometimes without fully understanding the interactions between them or even with low concentrations of mycotoxins that are frequently present in feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fosfomycin (FOS), Cynara scolymus extract (CSE), deoxynivalenol (DON) and their combined administration on intestinal health of weaned piglets. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors (FOS, CSE and DON treatments), 2 levels each (presence and absence) and 3 repeats. Weaned piglets (n = 24) were randomly divided in groups to receive the different treatments, namely DON administered in diet (50 μg/kg BW), FOS administered into the drinking water (30 mg/kg BW), CSE administered in diet (15 mg/kg BW) and all their combinations. After 15 d, the animals were euthanized and gastrointestinal tract samples were immediately taken to evaluate gastrointestinal pH, Enterobacteriaceae to lactic acid bacteria (E:L) ratio, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase and maltase) activity, histology (intestinal absorptive area [IAA] and goblet cells count) and mucus ability to adhere pathogenic Escherichia coli. From our results, FOS and CSE treatments, individually or combined, produced a lower E:L ratio, an enhanced production of butyrate, increased disaccharidase activity (particularly maltase), and a greater IAA and goblet cells count along with an increase in pathogenic bacteria adherence to intestinal mucus. Deoxynivalenol did not show interactions with the other factors and its administration produced decreases on VFA, disaccharidase activity and goblet cells count. In conclusion, weaning piglets receiving diets containing FOS, CSE or both exhibited evident beneficial intestinal effects compared to animals receiving diets free from these compounds. On the contrary, the presence of DON at sub-toxic concentrations produced detrimental effects on intestinal health. The knowledge of the physiological and pathological gut changes produced by these compounds contributes to understand their potential productive consequences.

Mechanism & inhibition kinetics of bioassay-guided fractions of Indian medicinal plants and foods as ACE inhibitors

Hypertension is a becoming a major threat to the world. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key part in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which control blood pressure. Over expression of RAAS is related with vascular hypertension, ACE inhibition has turned into a noteworthy target for controlling hypertension. In the search of lead molecules from plant origin as a substitute for toxic synthetic drugs, 25 Indian medicinal plants and foods were screened for their ACE inhibitory activity. IC50 (50% inhibition of ACE) values of hydroalcoholic crude extracts and fraction were determined by a colorimetric method. Active fractions were further screened to determine the enzyme kinetics, mode, specificity and mechanism of inhibition. Standardization was done by determining total phenolics and flavonoids as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents/mg of extract respectively. Among 25 crude extracts, Cynara scolymus extract showed the best activity, IC50 value 356.62 μg/mL. ACE inhibition resulting from protein precipitation was highest in Coscinium fenestratum. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed a competitive mode of inhibition for Punica granatum ethyl acetate fraction. Fractions of Cassia occidentalis, Cynara scolymus and Embelia ribes were found to be non-specific inhibitors of ACE. Embelia ribes, Cassia occidentalis and Coscinium fenestratum fractions inhibited the ACE by Zn2+ ion chelation. Research revealed the potential of tested plants fractions as ACE inhibitors along with their inhibition kinetics and mechanism of inhibition. These active plant fractions might find importance in the development of potential antihypertensive agents after further investigations using preclinical and clinical trials.

Effect of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum extracts on bile production in pigs

ABSTRACTMany of the beneficial effects on productive performance observed when vegetable extracts are incorporated as feed additives in intensive farming can be explained by an increase in bile production. An experiment was conducted to study choleretic and cholagogue effect of a Cynara scolymus extract formulation and of silymarin in pigs. Pigs were cannulated with a T-tube catheter in the bile duct. Bile production was continuously measured and re-infused to the duodenum through Oddi’s sphincter at the same production rate. Treatments: Group A (n = 6), commercial feed; Group B (n = 6), C. scolymus extract (300 g/tonne) and Group C (n = 6), silymarin (300 g/tonne). Bile production was recorded hourly for each animal during 24 h. Total bile acids’ concentrations in bile, just before and one hour after meals were evaluated. Average daily bile production for pigs in group B was 66% higher than for pigs in groups A or C (P < .05). When bile acids’ concentrations before and after meals were compared, only pigs from group B exhibited an increase (P = .0023). From this study, it was concluded that neither choleretic nor cholagogue effects are attained with silymarin supplementation. On the contrary, C. scolymus extract increases bile production and secretion in pigs.

Evaluation of lipid-lowering effect of Cynara scolymus extract-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on ultra-lipid-fed mice

In current investigation, twenty mice were divided into 4 different equal groups as follows: group CS which received 0.1 ml Cynara scolymus extract (diluted in distilled water) at dose of 600 mg kg−1 daily for 3 weeks, group A which received 0.1 ml Atorvastatin 40 (diluted in distilled water) at dose of 20 mg kg−1 daily for 21 days, group T which received 0.1 ml of Cynara scolymus extract at dose of 600 mg kg−1 daily in nonporous (diluted in distilled water) during experimental period, and control group (group C) which received the same volume of normal saline. The supplements were gavaged in all animals, during experiment period, and blood samples were obtained after 21 days. Results showed that total cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the control and CS groups (p < 0.05). It seems that mesoporous silica nanoparticles improve drug delivery and therefore Cynara scolymus extract-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles has more effective lipid-lowering action than Cynara scolymus extract.

Inhibition of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-Specific Phosphodiesterase by Various Food Plant-Derived Phytotherapeutic Agents.

Background: Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) play a major role in the regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated pathways. Their inhibitors exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects. Therefore, consumption of foods with PDE-inhibiting potential may possess beneficial influence on the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Four plant extracts (Arbutus unedo, Camellia sinensis, Cynara scolymus, Zingiber officinale) with promising ingredient profiles and physiological effects were tested for their ability to inhibit cAMP-specific PDE in vitro in a radioactive assay. Results: Strawberry tree fruit (Arbutus unedo) and tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts did not inhibit PDE markedly. Alternatively, artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract had a significant inhibitory influence on PDE activity (IC50 = 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/mL) as well as its flavone luteolin (IC50 = 41 ± 10 μM) and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (IC50 > 1.0 mM). Additionally, the ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract and one of its constituents, [6]-gingerol, significantly inhibited PDE (IC50 = 1.7 ± 0.2 mg/mL and IC50 > 1.7 mM, respectively). Crude fractionation of ginger extract showed that substances responsible for PDE inhibition were in the lipoid fraction (IC50 = 455 ± 19 μg/mL). Conclusions: A PDE-inhibitory effect was shown for artichoke and ginger extract. Whether PDE inhibition in vivo can be achieved through ingestion of artichoke or ginger extracts leading to physiological effects concerning cardiovascular health should be addressed in future research.

The hepatocurative effects of Cynara scolymus L. leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in rats.

Cynara scolymus is a pharmacologically important medicinal plant containing phenolic acids and flavonoids. Experimental studies indicate antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of C. scolymus but there have been no studies about therapeutic effects of liver diseases yet. In the present study, hepatocurative effects of C. scolymus leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury in rats were investigated by serum hepatic enzyme levels, oxidative stress indicator (malondialdehyde-MDA), endogenous antioxidants, DNA fragmentation, p53, caspase 3 and histopathology. Animals were divided into six groups: control, olive oil, CCl4, C. scolymus leaf extract, recovery and curative. CCl4 was administered at a dose of 0.2 mL/kg twice daily on CCl4, recovery and curative groups. Cynara scolymus extract was given orally for 2 weeks at a dose of 1.5 g/kg after CCl4 application on the curative group. Significant decrease of serum alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) levels were determined in the curative group. MDA levels were significantly lower in the curative group. Significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the curative group was determined. In the curative group, C. scolymus leaf extract application caused the DNA % fragmentation, p53 and caspase 3 levels of liver tissues towards the normal range. Our results indicated that C. scolymus leaf extract has hepatocurative effects of on CCl4-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury by reducing lipid peroxidation, providing affected antioxidant systems towards the normal range. It also had positive effects on the pathway of the regulatory mechanism allowing repair of DNA damage on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

The Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Background. Based on recent basic and clinical investigations, the extract of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf has been revealed to be used for hepatoprotective and cholesterol reducing purposes. We aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of artichoke on biochemical and liver biomarkers in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods. In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 60 consecutive patients suffering NASH were randomly assigned to receive Cynara scolymus extract (as 6 tablets per day consisting of 2700 mg extract of the herb) as the intervention group or placebo as the control group for two months. Results. Comparing changes in study markers following interventions showed improvement in liver enzymes. The levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced in the group treated with Cynara scolymus when compared to placebo group. To compare the role of Cynara scolymus use with placebo in changes in study parameters, multivariate linear regression models were employed indicating higher improvement in liver enzymes and also lipid profile particularly triglycerides and total cholesterol following administration of Cynara scolymus in comparison with placebo use. Conclusion. This study sheds light on the potential hepatoprotective activity and hypolipidemic effect of Cynara scolymus in management of NASH. This clinical trial is registered in the IRCT, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, by number IRCT2014070218321N1.

Hepatoprotective effects of Cynara extract and silymarin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cynara scolymus extract alone or in combination with silymarin on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg), or Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) combined with silymarin was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl4 and for 2 weeks thereafter. Liver damage was assessed by determining serum enzyme activities and hepatic histopathology. Cynara extract given at the above doses conferred significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of CCl4 in rats, reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 21 %, 24.3 %, and 35.8 %, respectively, compared to CCl4 control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 15.5 %, 39.6 %, and 44.3 %, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 21 % and 25 % by Cynara extract at 60 and 120 mg/kg, respectively. In rats treated with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), ALT decreased by 32.6 %, 34.5 %, and 51.6 %, and AST decreased by 20 %, 50.6 %, and 58.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, ALP decreased by 22.4 % and 29.7 % after treatment with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (60 or 120 mg/kg). On the other hand, the administration of silymarin alone reduced ALT, AST, and ALP levels by 55.3 %, 67.1 %, and 52.5 %, respectively. The administration of CCl4 resulted in marked increase in nitric oxide level in serum (the concentrations of nitrite/nitrate) as well as marked decrease in blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Treatment with Cynara extract resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood compared with CCl4 control group. Silymarin showed an additive effect resulting in further decrease in serum nitric oxide. Silymarin only treatment caused a marked reduction in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood. Histopathological studies also indicated that CCl4-induced liver injury was less severe in Cynara extract-treated groups. Metabolic perturbations caused by CCl4 in hepatocytes such as reduced protein and mucopolysaccharide content were markedly improved by the Cynara extract given at the dose of 120 mg/kg. Intracellular protein and mucopolysaccharide contents were normalized upon treatment with silymarin. The effect of Cynara–silymarin combination was, however, less than that of Cynara extract alone. These results suggest that treatment with Cynara extract protects against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats and might prove of value in treating chronic liver disease in man, although the combination of Cynara–silymarin is not superior to either Cynara extract or silymarin alone.

Reducing Effect of a Combination of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus Extracts on Operant Self‐Administration of a Chocolate‐Flavoured Beverage in Rats

Treatment with a rational combination of standardized extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus reduced food intake and glycemia in rats. The present study was designed to assess the effect of this extract combination and of each single extract in an experimental model of food craving, made up of rats displaying exaggerated seeking and taking behaviors for a chocolate-flavoured beverage. After training to lever-respond for the chocolate-flavoured beverage, rats were treated with vehicle, Phaseolus vulgaris extract alone (200 mg/kg), Cynara scolymus extract alone (400 mg/kg), or combination of Phaseolus vulgaris (200 mg/kg) and Cynara scolymus (400 mg/kg) extracts. The Phaseolus vulgaris extract and the extract combination exerted similar and substantial decrements in the number of lever-responses and amount of self-administered chocolate-flavoured beverage; conversely, the Cynara scolymus extract was totally ineffective. These results suggest that (i) the capacity of the extract combination to reduce the self-administration of the chocolate-flavoured beverage entirely relied on the Phaseolus vulgaris extract, (ii) Phaseolus vulgaris extract may interfere with the mechanisms regulating food-related addictive-like behaviors, and (iii) combinations of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cynara scolymus extracts may possess a broad spectrum of activities, from treatment of metabolic syndrome to overweight, obesity, and possibly food-related addictive disorders.

Investigation of nutrient role of cynara scolymus extract on the level of plasma homocysteine

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are some of the most prominent issues in the world nowadays.

Tabletted microspheres containing Cynara scolymus (var. Spinoso sardo) extract for the preparation of controlled release nutraceutical matrices

Controlled release dosage forms based on tabletted microspheres containing fresh artichoke Cynara scolymus extract were performed for the oral administration of a nutritional supplement. Microspheres were prepared using a spray-drying technique; lactose or hypromellose have been chosen as excipients. Microspheres were characterized in terms of encapsulated extract content, size and morphology. Qualitative and quantitative composition of the extract before and after the spray process was determined. Compressed matrices (tablets) were prepared by direct compression of the spray-dried microspheres. In vitro release tests of microparticles and tablets prepared were carried out in both acidic and neutral media. Spray-drying is a good method to prepare microspheres containing the artichoke extract. The microspheres encapsulate an amount of extract close to the theoretical value. Particle size analyses indicate that the microparticles have dvs of ∼6–7 µm. Electronic microscopy observations reveal that particles based on lactose have spherical shape and particles containing hypromellose are almost collapsed. The hydroalcoholic extract is stable to the microsphere production process: its polyphenolic composition (qualitative and quantitative) did not change after spraying. In vitro release studies show that microparticles characterized by a quick polyphenolic release both in acidic and neutral media due to the high water solubility of the carrier lactose. On the contrary, microspheres based hypromellose release only 20% of the loaded extract at pH 1.2 in 2 h and the total amount of polyphenols is released only after about further 6 h at pH 6.8. Matrices prepared tabletting lactose microspheres and hypromellose microparticles in the weight ratio 1:1 show a slow release rate, that lasts ∼24 h. This one-a-day sustained release formulation containing Cynara scolymus extract could be proposed as a nutraceutical controlled release dosage form for oral administration.