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Questions and Answers
Which part of the plant is primarily noted for having a higher content of A.C. compared to older leaves?
Which part of the plant is primarily noted for having a higher content of A.C. compared to older leaves?
The leaves described can be over 50 cm long.
The leaves described can be over 50 cm long.
False
What shape are the leaves that are described?
What shape are the leaves that are described?
Pinnatisect
The leaves have a dentate ______ along the margin.
The leaves have a dentate ______ along the margin.
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Match the following measurements with their respective description:
Match the following measurements with their respective description:
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Which of the following is a contraindication for using artichoke?
Which of the following is a contraindication for using artichoke?
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Sensitivity or allergy to plants from the family Asteraceae is a contraindication for using artichoke.
Sensitivity or allergy to plants from the family Asteraceae is a contraindication for using artichoke.
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Name one plant that can cause sensitivity or allergy related to artichoke use.
Name one plant that can cause sensitivity or allergy related to artichoke use.
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The presence of _____ in bile ducts is a contraindication for the use of artichoke.
The presence of _____ in bile ducts is a contraindication for the use of artichoke.
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Match the following plants with their related contraindications:
Match the following plants with their related contraindications:
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Study Notes
Artichoke Leaves (Folium Cynarae)
- Origin: Dried basal leaves of Cynara cardunculus L. (Asteraceae). An older name is Cynara scolymus.
- Pharmacopeia: The fresh lower part of the flower head is officially listed in African pharmacopoeias.
- Young Leaves: Top, young leaves have a higher content of A.C. (likely a shorthand for a specific compound) than older, basal leaves.
- Leaf Characteristics: Leaves are large, up to 50 cm in length and 25 cm in breadth, pinnatisect, and have a dentate margin.
Active Constituents (Artichoke Leaves)
- Phenolic Acids: Caffeoylquinic acids, including cynarin.
- Sesquiterpene Lactones: Cynaropicrin.
Uses (Artichoke Leaves)
- Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT): Treats dyspepsia, flatulence, and vomiting.
- Bile Production: Choleretic, increasing bile production and secretion.
- Hyperlipidemia/Atherosclerosis: Used in treating conditions related to lipid regulation and arterial blockage.
- Liver Protection: Hepatoprotective, protecting the liver from free radicals and pollutants, as well as preventing fatty liver disease (steatosis).
- Urinary Stones: Traditionally used as a diuretic to treat urinary stones.
Side Effects (Artichoke Leaves)
- Gastrointestinal: Discomfort, cramps, nausea, heartburn.
Contraindications (Artichoke Leaves)
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Avoid use if there's obstruction of the bile ducts (e.g., gallstones).
- Sensitivity/Allergy: Avoid use if there's sensitivity or allergy to artichoke or other plants in the Asteraceae family.
Moringa Leaves
- Origin: Fresh or dried leaves of Moringa oleifera. Family: Moringaceae.
- Other Parts Used: Seeds, roots, fruits, and stem bark are also medicinally used.
- Alternative Names: Also known as Drumstick tree (due to the pod shape) and Horseradish tree (due to the radish-like root).
- Dual Use: Regarded as both nutritious food and medicine (a miracle tree).
- Active Constituents: Vitamins B, K, E, C, D, A; Minerals (Mn, Cu, Mg, Zn, P, Fe, K, Na and Ca); Protein and amino acids.
- Nutritional Value: High in protein, vitamins, and minerals, potentially useful in malnutrition cases, although the nutritional benefit should not be overestimated due to limited daily intake amounts.
- Daily Intake: Up to 6 grams /day are typically recommended maximum.
Uses (Moringa Leaves)
- Food: Used in cooking (due to nutritional value).
- Health Benefits: Antioxidant properties, used in treating cardiovascular diseases (reduce cholesterol), and potentially slowing aging, and reducing risk of cancer. Liver protection – hepatoprotective.
- Supportive Treatment: Effective approach for multiple ailments, but a supportive and auxiliary treatment, rather than primary.
- Other Traditional Uses: Traditionally used as a lactagogue during breastfeeding (though not empirically proven).
Side Effects (Moringa Leaves)
- Nausea: Possible nausea if consumed in excessive amounts or on empty stomachs, reduce amounts and avoid mixing with water.
- Diarrhea: Possible cleansing and detoxifying effects.
- Heartburn: Possible heartburn, mix with yogurt or have food along with intake.
- Pregnancy: Prohibited as it can potentially cause abortion or miscarriage.
- Overconsumption: May have toxic effects (especially in roots). Limited daily dosage.
Uva Ursi (Bearberry)
- Origin/Name: Dried leaves of Arctostaphylos uva ursi (Fam. Ericaceae). Common names include bearberry and red bearberry.
- Active Constituents: Phenolic glycosides (e.g., arbutin, methyl arbutin, ericolin), tannins (high percentage), and flavonoids.
- Alternative plant: Buchu is often preferred over Uva ursi as it doesn't contain tannins.
Uses (Uva Ursi)
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating cystitis and urethritis.
- Diuretic: Promoting increased urination.
- Skin Whitening: Inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin formation, used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders.
Boldo
- Origin/Name: Dried leaves of Peumus boldus, from the Monimiaceae family.
- Active Constituents: Alkaloid (boldine), glycoside (boldoglucin), and volatile oil.
- Physical Characteristic: Stellate hairs.
Uses (Boldo)
- Liver Health: Hepatic stimulant or tonic, useful for conditions involving the liver, such as jaundice.
- Mild Diuretic: Promotes increased urination.
- Mild Laxative: Acts as a mild laxative.
General Chemical Tests
- Arbutin (Uva Ursi): Chemical tests for arbutin usually involve sublimation procedures, followed by reactions with ammonia.
- Phenolic/Tannins (general): Test involves using reactions with iron(III) chloride (iron salts) resulting in characteristic colored solutions.
Other Information (Examples)
- Coca Leaves: CNS stimulant, local anesthetic (contains cocaine).
- Ginkgo Biloba Leaves: Often used to improve blood circulation (and cognitive function), but research is ongoing on efficacy. Contains Flavonoids and biflavonoids.
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Description
Explore the various applications of artichoke leaves, particularly in treating gastrointestinal issues, enhancing bile production, and regulating lipids. Discover the key active constituents, including phenolic acids and sesquiterpene lactones, that contribute to their medicinal properties.
