Cynarin is a phenolic acid compound found in the green leaves and seeds of artichokes (Cynara cardunculus). It has the chemical formula C25H24O11, a molecular weight of 516.45, and the official name 1,3-dicaffeoyl quinic acid. Green artichoke leaves contain about 2% cynarin but exact content varies with season, region, and extracting practices. Fennel (Foeniculum vugare) and echinacea species also contain at least trace amounts of cynarin.
Responsible for the sensation of sweetness that occurs after eating artichokes, it appears to suppress bitter tongue taste receptors while enhancing the sweet ones. After eating raw or steamed artichokes this sensation lingers and one may experience sweetness even when drinking water.
Pharmacological Properties of Cynarin
Artichokes are considered to have cholagogue and choleretic properties. They signal the liver to increase the production of bile and then stimulate the gallbladder to secrete this bile into the duodenum of the small intestine. These actions prevent the build up of sludge and stones in the gallbladder and help the body to absorb lipid-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Cynarin has the following properties:
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Anti inflammatory
- Bile stimulating (cholagogue and choleretic)
- Liver supportive & protective
- Hepato-regenerative
- Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
- Diuretic
- Kidney protective
- Sweetener
- Reduce blood sugar
In vitro and vivo studies involving human and animal models have substantiated the protective and regenerative effects of cynarin on the liver. Mixed reviews remain regarding its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Some studies show positive results while others allude that a fellow compound in artichokes called luteolin is more statin-like in its cholesterol lowering effects.
Digestive Support
Cynarin has been indicated anecdotally and in human trials as a gentle and effective treatment for bloating, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Use in Detoxification Strategies
Compounds that stimulate bile production and secretion are important in any detoxification strategy. When toxins enter the body from the environment they are either stored in tissues or transported to the liver. In the liver, a complex assortment of enzymes attempts to neutralize and excrete them as bile salts. Detoxification programs often stimulate the mobilization of stored toxins into the blood in which they are then transported to the liver. Bile-stimulating compounds like cynarin then facilitate a quicker elimination of toxin-laden bile into the digestive tract where it can be eliminated in the feces.
Effective Cynarin Dosage Recommendations
Substantiation exists for the following conditions:
- Choleretic properties: 200-250 mg three times a day.
- Cholesterol and triglycerides reduction: 60-1500 mg a day.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 320-1920 mg a day
Toxicity
No major adverse reactions or toxicity has been reported in animal or human models.
Additional Resources
I. Kewensis, “Cynarin and chlorogenic acid content in germinanting seeds of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.),” Journal of Genetic Breeding 46 (1992): 63-69.
H. Heckers et al., “Inefficiency of cynarin as therapeutic regimen in familial type II hyperlipoproteinaemia.,” Atherosclerosis 26, no. 2 (1977): 249.
Jan Fritsche et al., “Isolation, characterization and determination of minor artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extract compounds,” European Food Research and Technology 215, no. 2 (2002): 149-157, doi:10.1007/s00217-002-0507-0 .
M. Montini et al., “Controlled application of cynarin in the treatment of hyperlipemic syndrome. Observations in 60 cases,” Arzneimittel-Forschung 25, no. 8 (1975): 1311.
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