Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus, commonly known as the wild artichoke, is a botanical species highly valued for its diverse therapeutic potential. The plant's leaves serve as a primary source for various preparations, ranging from a 10% infusion of the dry plant to 20% extracts of the fresh plant. These extracts are chemically rich in bioactive compounds such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which contribute to significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Furthermore, the plant exhibits analgesic properties and plays a vital role in combating oxidative stress and conditions like atherosclerosis. Through its complex chemical profile, including essential minerals like calcium, this species offers a natural approach to managing several metabolic health challenges.
- Synonyms
- Cynara Cardunculus Var. Ferocissima · Cynara Scolymus Var. Minor · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is a versatile plant known by various regional names across different cultures. In many Spanish-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to as Alcachofa or Alcaucil. Moving into Central Europe, the plant is commonly identified as Artičok zeleninový. In its wilder forms, it is often called Carciofo selvatico, reflecting its natural origins. Finally, it is sometimes simply known by the shorthand name Card.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is a taxonomically complex plant that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. In various botanical records, it is commonly referred to by the synonym Carduus scolymus. This particular subspecies also appears under the designation Cynara carduncellus in certain collections. Furthermore, researchers may encounter it listed as Cynara cardunculus proles corsica or Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus. Finally, the plant is sometimes categorized as Cynara cardunculus var. altilis, reflecting the diverse nomenclature used to describe its different forms.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is a distinctive botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Asterales, which helps define its structural characteristics. Further refinement places the plant within the prominent family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its unique identity is solidified by its placement in the genus Cynara.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cynara |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is widely distributed across several diverse regions within the African continent and its surrounding islands. Its presence spans the Macaronesia archipelago, including the Canary Islands and Madeira, showcasing a significant maritime reach. Within mainland Africa, the plant is notably established in Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically in Ethiopia. The species also holds a strong foothold in Northern Africa, with documented populations in both Algeria and Libya. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to thrive across varied Mediterranean and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is recognized as a highly valuable medicinal plant due to its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress in various biological systems. Furthermore, it exhibits notable hepatoprotective effects, demonstrating its ability to protect and support liver health against injury. Studies also highlight its pharmacological potential through documented analgesic activities, making it useful for pain management. Together, these multifaceted relationships position the cardoon as a potent functional food and a significant resource for therapeutic applications.
Compounds
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is a pharmacologically significant medicinal plant known for its rich profile of bioactive compounds. It contains various beneficial elements, most notably the active principle cynarin. In addition to this, the plant is a source of chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid, both of which contribute to its complex chemical makeup. The presence of flavonoids further enhances its nutritional and therapeutic value. Finally, specific constituents such as luteolin-7-glucoside are also found within the plant, supporting its reputation for antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.
Conditions
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus treats oxidative stress by improving antioxidant protection and reducing malondialdehyde levels. This plant also treats CCl4 toxicity through the cytoprotective actions of its polyphenolic compounds, such as cynarin. Furthermore, it treats CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and enhancing apoptotic processes. The extract is also effective in treating dyspepsia, providing significant relief for patients with related gastrointestinal symptoms. Ultimately, these diverse therapeutic capabilities allow the plant to treat HCC induced by CCl4 through its potent anticancer and antioxidant properties.
Preparations
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus is prepared as various medicinal forms, including extracts and specific fractions. Scientific studies have utilized these extracts to identify key components like caffeoyl-quinic acids through electrospray mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the plant is processed into a 10% infusion using the dry plant and a 20% preparation using the fresh plant. These different preparations, such as hydroalcoholic crude extracts and fractions, have been evaluated for their ability to act as non-specific inhibitors of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Research also demonstrates that these plant preparations can be effective against the growth and adherence of certain bacteria.
Parts used
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus possesses a significant leaf component that has demonstrated notable therapeutic potential in recent medical research. Specifically, studies on related species show that leaf extracts can exert broad antitumoral effects against malignant pleural mesothelioma. These extracts appear to influence cell growth and migration while effectively restraining tumor invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, dietary administration of the leaf extract has been shown to reduce tumor growth with an efficacy comparable to common chemotherapeutic drugs. Consequently, these findings highlight the medicinal importance of the plant's leaf in addressing complex neoplastic conditions.