Artichoke Leaves and Their Uses

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.