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This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different green extraction techniques (GETs) on targeted bioactive compounds from artichoke leaf by-products using deep eutectic solvent extraction (DESE), supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2E), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Moreover, (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS and HPLC-PDA analyses were used to perform qualitative–quantitative analysis on the extracts, enabling the detection of several bioactive compounds, including luteolin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, apigenin rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, and cynaropicrin as the most representative ones. SWE showed better results than the other GETs (TPC: 23.39 ± 1.87 mg/g of dry plant, dp) and appeared to be the best choice. Regarding UAE, the highest total phenols content (TPC) was obtained with 50:50% v/v ethanol: water (7.22 ± 0.58 mg/g dp). The DES obtained with choline chloride:levulinic acid showed the highest TPC (9.69 ± 0.87 mg/g dp). Meanwhile, SCO2E was a selective technique for the recovery of cynaropicrin (48.33 ± 2.42 mg/g dp). Furthermore, the study examined the antioxidant activity (1.10–8.82 mmol Fe2+/g dp and 3.37–31.12 mmol TEAC/g dp for DPPH• and FRAP, respectively) and total phenols content via Folin–Ciocalteu's assay (198.32–1433.32 mg GAE/g dp), of which the highest values were detected in the SWE extracts. The relationship among the GETs, antioxidant assays, and compounds detected was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA confirmed the strong antioxidant activity of SWE and showed comparable extraction yields for the antioxidant compounds between UAE and DESE. Consequently, GETs selection and extraction parameters optimization can be employed to enrich artichoke leaf by-products' extracts with targeted bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of ecological compounds using polylactic acid (PLA) and artichoke flour with the aim of obtaining materials with properties like commercial PLA. PLA biocomposites with different concentrations of green artichoke (HV) and boiled artichoke (HH) (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20% by weight) were manufactured through an extrusion and injection process. Structural, mechanical, physical and color tests were carried out to analyze the effect of lignocellulosic particles on the biopolymeric matrix. The Shore D hardness, elongation at break and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PLA/HV and PLA/HH samples showed similar values to pure PLA, indicating that high concentrations of both fillers did not severely compromise these properties. However, reductions in the tensile strength, impact strength and Young's modulus were observed, and both flours had increased water absorption capacity. FTIR analysis identified the characteristic peaks of the biocomposites and the ratio of the groups regarding the amount of added filler. The SEM revealed low interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler. This study represents a significant advance in the valorization and application of circular economy principles to agricultural waste, such as artichoke waste. PLA/HV biocomposites make a substantial contribution to sustainable materials technology, aligning with the goals of the 2030 agenda to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractNeuropathic pain, a nerve damage consequence, presents symptoms such as dysesthesia, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating potential of artichoke leaf extract in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male rats. The hydroethanolic extract of artichoke leaf was administered via gavage at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioural tests were conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 post-surgeries. Only the dose of 800 mg/kg significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia from day 14 and mechanical allodynia from day 7, and the other doses did not affect behaviours. Biochemical analysis showed that artichoke extract decreased lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPx) in the sciatic nerve tissue. In conclusion, artichoke leaf extract administration diminishes neuropathic pain-related behaviours by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in the rats’ sciatic nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been conducted with the purpose of determining the energy usage (EU) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of artichoke production. It has been conducted in Efeler district of Aydın province of Türkiye during the 2022 production period. According to the results of the study, total input energy (EI) was calculated to be 32 211.48 MJ/ha and output energy (OE) was calculated to be 5 460 MJ/ha. EI in artichoke production were 15 718.20 MJ/ha (48.80%) chemical fertilizers energy, 8 896.98 (27.62%) diesel fuel energy, 3 832.27 (11.90%) machinery energy, 1 958.40 (6.08%) electricity energy, 1 036.35 (3.22%) irrigation water energy, 329.55 (1.02%) human labour energy, 294 MJ/ha (0.91%) plant energy and 145.73 (0.45%) chemicals energy, respectively. Energy use efficiency (EUE), specific energy (SE), energy productivity (EP) and net energy (NE) values were found as 0.17, 4.72 MJ/kg, 0.21 kg/MJ and -26 751.48 MJ/ha, respectively. The total energy inputs that were involved in artichoke production were classified as: 37.94% (12 221.28 MJ/ha) direct (IE), 62.06% (19 990.20 MJ/ha) indirect (IDE), 5.15% (1 659.90 MJ/ha) renewable (RE) and 94.85% (30 551.58 MJ/ha) non-renewable (NRE). Total GHG emission was calculated as 1 401.64 kgCO2eq/hafor artichoke production with the greatest share for diesel fuel (31.11%). GHG ratio value was calculated as 0.21 kgCO2eq/kg in artichoke production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilization is gaining importance as an alternative to chemical fertilization. However, the effects of organic products on crop quality need to be characterized, especially in biochar and derived products. Therefore, the effect of enriched biochar supplied with an organic fertilizer (biochar) on the yield and nutritional compounds of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus) heads was analyzed and compared to inorganic conventional fertilization (control). For this purpose, the number of fruits and their weights were determined, along with the nutritional properties of artichoke heads, such as mineral content, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. The results showed that biochar increased crop yield, as registered by the higher number of marketable or commercial artichokes compared to the control. Additionally, biochar-treated plants exhibited significantly higher contents of Ca, Mg, and S in the artichoke heads, but they had a decreased content of Co, Cu, and Zn. The fatty acid content in the biochar-treated artichokes was also significantly higher, primarily due to the presence of palmitic acid. Conversely, the contents of phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids) were negatively and significantly affected by the application of biochar. In conclusion, the application of biochar as a soil amendment in combination with organic matter for growing artichokes in the semiarid Mediterranean area (e.g., Murcia Region) favored an increase in yield without compromising its nutritional composition. Further developments to establish protocols for the extended use of biochar in this agri-food production area are guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim. Artichoke plants are increasingly cultivated in Uzbekistan, where there is growing interest in their raw materials for potential applications within the pharmaceutical industry. This exploration aims to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of integrating components derived from artichokes into pharmaceutical formulations, focusing on their recognized medicinal properties and the possible economic benefits that could arise from such innovations. Materials and methods. For the creation of highly effective preparations on the basis of artichoke raw material (Cynara scolymus L.) cultivated in Uzbekistan, qualitative and quantitative analysis of some biologically active substances contained in the raw material was carried out, as well as a comparative assessment of their accumulation in the plant growing in different climatic conditions. During qualitative analysis of artichoke prickly raw material cultivated in Uzbekistan, identified important biologically active substances such as phenolic compounds, oxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, and ascorbic acid. Results. The quantitative analysis conducted on artichoke raw material revealed a notably high concentration of several biologically active compounds. Specifically, the study identified significant levels of chlorogenic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties; cynaroside, recognized for its potential health benefits; riboflavin, an essential vitamin; caffeine, a stimulant; and caffeic acid, another potent antioxidant. These findings underscore the nutritional value and potential therapeutic applications of artichoke. Conclusions. The artichoke prickly (Cynara cardunculus) is notable for its significant accumulation of essential bioelements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are present in high concentrations within the plant's raw material, suggesting that it possesses valuable medicinal properties. The therapeutic potential of these elements enhances the appeal of an artichoke prickly as a promising source for medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an important crop of the Mediterranean basin characterized by many properties, like hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and beneficial to human health. The high bioactive compounds (BACs) content, as polyphenols, has attracted the research interest in artichoke extracts. We analysed the changes in polyphenol transcriptome profile between sanitized (S) virus-free and non-sanitized (NS) artichoke plants, focusing on genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway and flavonoid biosynthesis. A total of 2458 upregulated and 2154 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally characterized. Among them, 31 and 35 KEGG orthology entries characterized by upregulated and downregulated DEGs, respectively, were involved in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. A downregulation of PAL, C4H, 4CL, HST/HQT, C3′H, CCoAMT, CCR1, and F5H, was observed in S artichoke compared to NS one, whereas the CSE, CHS, and CHI genes were upregulated in S samples. Transcriptome results were compared to the polyphenols accumulation in S and NS artichoke leaves. A higher content of total polyphenols was observed in older leaves of NS samples, compared to extracts obtained from young leaves or from S plants, and this result was associated with the presence of viral infections in NS plants. In all the conditions tested, the most represented compound was chlorogenic acid, followed by luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The different composition of each extract was evaluated by a polyphenol dose–response treatment on the rodent hepatoma FaO cell line to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A significant reduction in ROS content ranging between −40% and −48% was observed when 10–20 mg/L of polyphenols from NS or S plants were used, characterized by a specific profile of compounds. To reduce MetOH residues in polyphenol extracts, a supercritical fluid CO2 extraction was evaluated to propose a sustainable green extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) has the potential to treat diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. However, the evidence from previous studies is not consistent. Objectives: This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of products derived from artichokes on blood glucose, lipid level, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters. Methodology: The literature was reviewed via international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus). A total of 21 RCTs with high quality, assessed by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, were included. Results: Artichoke was linked to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: −3.76 mg/dL: 95%CI −7.31, −0.22), insulin level (WMD: −1.35 mIU/L: 95%CI −2.29, −0.41), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −1.00: 95%CI −1.95, −0.06). Similar results were observed for LDL-c (WMD: −12.94 mg/dL: 95%CI −18.02, −7.87), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −19.64 mg/dL: 95%CI −23.94, −15.35), and triglyceride (TG) (WMD: −13.36 mg/dL: 95%CI −19.06, −7.66). Moreover, participants who administered artichoke experienced a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: −1.59 mmHg: 95%CI −3.02, −0.16), body weight (BW) (WMD: −1.17 kg: 95%CI −1.75, −0.60), and BMI (WMD: −0.30 kg/m2: 95%CI −3.02, −0.16). Conclusion: Artichoke may improve blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters. A large, well-designed RCT and head-to-head comparison using a standardized preparation of artichoke will provide definitive data on specific participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynara scolymus L. is an herbaceous plant originally from the western Mediterranean area, with Italy, Spain and France the main being producers. Both the edible flowering head and the by-products generated during processing (outer bracts, leaves and stem) are characterized by a high content of essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. In particular, the leaves represent a great source of phenolic acids derived from caffeoylquinic acid or flavonoids such as luteonin and apigenin, while the head and stem contain a high content of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, especially inulin and pectins. Its high content of bioactive compounds provides artichoke a high antioxidant power due to the modulation effect of the transcription factor Nrf2, which may lead to protection against cardiovascular, hepatic and neurological disorders. The potential use of artichoke as a functional ingredient in the food industry may be promising in terms of improving the nutritional value of products, as well as preventing oxidation and extending the shelf-life of processed foods due to its antimicrobial activity. This review aims to provide an overview of the nutritional qualities of Cynara scolymus L. and its by-products, focusing on the possible health effects and potential applications in food products as a higher-value-added alternative ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke—both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions—could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as the artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds represent a promising approach to influence physiological processes and enhance longevity and overall health. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus serves as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offers various health-promoting benefits. Several chronic diseases have metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory origins, which are frequently interconnected. Pharmacological treatments, although effective, often result in undesirable side effects. In this context, preventive approaches are gaining increased attention. Recent literature indicates that the consumption of bioactive compounds in the diet can positively influence the organism's biological functions. Polyphenols, well-known for their health benefits, are widely recognized as valuable compounds in preventing/combating various pathologies related to lifestyle, metabolism, and aging. The C. scolymus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is widely used in the food and herbal medicine fields for its beneficial properties. Although the inflorescences (capitula) of the artichoke are used for food and culinary purposes, preparations based on artichoke leaves can be used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. Cynara scolymus shows potential benefits in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for improving overall well-being. C. scolymus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-expelling, antimicrobial, and lipid-lowering neuroprotective properties. Different studies demonstrate that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. The large amount of polyphenol found in C. scolymus has an antioxidant activity, enabling it to neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties. As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies. The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cynara scolymus, also known as the globe artichoke or artichoke, is grown as a food, mainly in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Egypt, as well as in Asia and South America. It has also been associated with various health benefits and is used in plant-based dietary supplements and herbal infusions. Its edible parts, consisting of the head or capitula, flower, and leaves, have shown various biological activities, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial potential. The leaves are mainly used in infusions and extracts for their health-promoting properties, although all their edible parts may also be consumed as fresh, frozen, or canned foods. However, its primary health-promoting activity is associated with its antioxidant potential, which has been linked to its chemical composition, particularly its phenolic compounds (representing 96 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of raw plant material) and dietary fiber. The main phenolic compounds in the heads and leaves are caffeic acid derivatives, while the flavonoids luteolin and apigenin (both present as glucosides and rutinosides) have also been identified. In addition, heat-treated artichokes (i.e., boiled, steamed or fried), their extracts, and waste from artichoke processing also have antioxidant activity. The present paper reviews the current literature concerning the biological properties of different parts of C. scolymus, its by-products and dietary supplements, as well as their chemical content and toxicity. The literature was obtained by a search of PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, with extra papers being identified by manually reviewing the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a typical element of a traditional Mediterranean diet and has potential health advantages for insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of artichoke water extract (AWE) on palmitate (PA)-induced IR in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Methods The effect of AWE on cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. Cellular glucose uptake, glucose consumption, glucose production, and glycogen content were assessed after AWE treatment. The gene expression and protein levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results The results showed that AWE dose-dependently increased cell viability in IR HepG2 cells (P

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different green extraction techniques (GETs) on targeted bioactive compounds from artichoke leaf by-products using deep eutectic solvent extraction (DESE), supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2E), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Moreover, (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS and HPLC-PDA analyses were used to perform qualitative–quantitative analysis on the extracts, enabling the detection of several bioactive compounds, including luteolin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, apigenin rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, and cynaropicrin as the most representative ones. SWE showed better results than the other GETs (TPC: 23.39 ± 1.87 mg/g of dry plant, dp) and appeared to be the best choice. Regarding UAE, the highest total phenols content (TPC) was obtained with 50:50% v/v ethanol: water (7.22 ± 0.58 mg/g dp). The DES obtained with choline chloride:levulinic acid showed the highest TPC (9.69 ± 0.87 mg/g dp). Meanwhile, SCO2E was a selective technique for the recovery of cynaropicrin (48.33 ± 2.42 mg/g dp). Furthermore, the study examined the antioxidant activity (1.10–8.82 mmol Fe2+/g dp and 3.37–31.12 mmol TEAC/g dp for DPPH• and FRAP, respectively) and total phenols content via Folin–Ciocalteu’s assay (198.32–1433.32 mg GAE/g dp), of which the highest values were detected in the SWE extracts. The relationship among the GETs, antioxidant assays, and compounds detected was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA confirmed the strong antioxidant activity of SWE and showed comparable extraction yields for the antioxidant compounds between UAE and DESE. Consequently, GETs selection and extraction parameters optimization can be employed to enrich artichoke leaf by-products’ extracts with targeted bioactive compounds.

This study presents the development of ecological compounds using polylactic acid (PLA) and artichoke flour with the aim of obtaining materials with properties like commercial PLA. PLA biocomposites with different concentrations of green artichoke (HV) and boiled artichoke (HH) (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 20% by weight) were manufactured through an extrusion and injection process. Structural, mechanical, physical and color tests were carried out to analyze the effect of lignocellulosic particles on the biopolymeric matrix. The Shore D hardness, elongation at break and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PLA/HV and PLA/HH samples showed similar values to pure PLA, indicating that high concentrations of both fillers did not severely compromise these properties. However, reductions in the tensile strength, impact strength and Young’s modulus were observed, and both flours had increased water absorption capacity. FTIR analysis identified the characteristic peaks of the biocomposites and the ratio of the groups regarding the amount of added filler. The SEM revealed low interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler. This study represents a significant advance in the valorization and application of circular economy principles to agricultural waste, such as artichoke waste. PLA/HV biocomposites make a substantial contribution to sustainable materials technology, aligning with the goals of the 2030 agenda to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development.

Background: Herbs possess a large amount of antioxidants; thus, using them in the poultry diet can improve the quality of final products. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of artichoke, Silybum marianum, and their mixture on Japanese quail's carcass characteristics, oxidative stability, and breast meat quality. Methods: A total of 120 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental treatments (0%, 1.5% artichoke, 1.5% S. marianum, 1.5% mixture of artichoke and S. marianum). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 10 birds. At the end of the experiment (day 42), the carcass characteristics of the birds were recorded, and the physical characteristics, chemical composition, color, and oxidative stability of breast meat were evaluated. Results: The results showed no significant difference among the experimental groups regarding pH, dry matter, ash, drip loss, and cooking loss. Dietary enrichment with artichoke and S. marianum caused a decrease in the mean body weight in the experimental treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with herbal powders increased the crude protein and fat content of breast meat, and group 4 (artichoke+S. marianum) had a higher mean than other groups (P<0.05). The hardness of breast meat in the treatment groups has decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the amount of lightness in the treatments has reduced, and redness and yellowness have increased. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index showed a significant decrease in the investigated treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of S. marianum and artichoke improved nutritional value and increased oxidative stability of breast meat in Japanese quail. However, they adversely affected birds' weight gain and feed consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a typical element of a traditional Mediterranean diet and has potential health advantages for insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of artichoke water extract (AWE) on palmitate (PA)-induced IR in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Methods: The effect of AWE on cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. Cellular glucose uptake, glucose consumption, glucose production, and glycogen content were assessed after AWE treatment. The gene expression and protein levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results: The results showed that AWE dose-dependently increased cell viability in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). AWE treatment significantly promoted glucose uptake and consumption, decreased glucose production, and increased the cellular glycogen content in IR HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, AWE elevated the phosphorylation and total protein levels of major insulin signaling molecules in IR HepG2 cells, which resulted in a decrease in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and the inhibition of glycogen synthase (GS) phosphorylation in IR HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of AWE on IR HepG2 cells might be ascribed to the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Conclusion: We conclude that AWE may improve glucose metabolism by regulating IRS1/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and GSK-3β signaling associated with the inhibition of ER stress in IR HepG2 cells induced by PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercialisation of fresh-cut artichokes with optimal quality and appearance and a maximum shelf-life is a great challenge for the artichoke market. The use of different anti-browning agents has been previously studied; however, their effect is still limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is the evaluation of the effect of L-cysteine and, in combination with a mixture of essential oils components (eugenol, thymol and carvacrol) on browning, quality and bioactive compounds of fresh-cut artichokes stored for 9 days at 2 °C. Four different treatments were applied to 'Blanca de Tudela' fresh-cut artichokes: cysteine and cysteine with 75, 150 and 300 µL of the essential oils components (EOs) mixture. After 2, 4 and 9 days of storage, physicochemical parameters (weight loss, colour, respiration rate) and functional (total phenolic content, antioxidant activity) were studied. A descriptive sensorial analysis was also carried out to evaluate sensory attributes. Results showed that the application of cysteine and 150 µL of EOs displayed the lowest browning and highest antioxidant properties, as well as the best quality and sensory parameters. The use of this post-harvest treatment on fresh-cut artichokes would result in a natural and eco-friendly solution to improve artichoke quality and shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Phytogenic feed additives are renowned for their growth promotion, gut health enhancement, and disease prevention properties, which is important factors for sustaining prolonged poultry rearing. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal mixture (mixture of ginseng and artichoke) or guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, cecal microbiota, excretal gas emission, blood profile, and meat quality in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chickens (half males and half females) were allocated into one of 3 dietary treatments (12 replicate cages/treatment; 10 broilers/replicate cage) for 100 d of age. Experimental diets were CON: basal diet; TRT1: basal diet combined with 0.05% herbal mixture; and TRT2: basal diet combined with 0.06% GAA. All birds received a basal diet during the first 30 d, but from d 31 to 100, an experimental diet was supplied. The addition of 0.05% herbal mixture improved the average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio from d 31 to 100 as well as the overall experimental period. The cecal Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella count remained consistent across all dietary treatments. Blood albumin and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels increased in the herbal mixture supplemented diet. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in excretal NH3 and H2S emissions in the herbal mixture group. Furthermore, the herbal mixture group exhibited increased breast muscle weight, improved breast muscle color, improved water holding capacity, and a decrease in abdominal fat compared to the control group. Additionally, the supplementation of 0.06% GAA did not demonstrate any statistically significant impact on any evaluated parameter throughout the experiment. The results from the present investigation underscore the potential of ginseng together with artichoke extract supplementation as a viable feed additive, conferring improvements in growth performance, feed efficiency, excreta gas emission, meat quality parameters, and defense mechanism against oxidative stress in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken.

Organic fertilization is gaining importance as an alternative to chemical fertilization. However, the effects of organic products on crop quality need to be characterized, especially in biochar and derived products. Therefore, the effect of enriched biochar supplied with an organic fertilizer (biochar) on the yield and nutritional compounds of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus) heads was analyzed and compared to inorganic conventional fertilization (control). For this purpose, the number of fruits and their weights were determined, along with the nutritional properties of artichoke heads, such as mineral content, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. The results showed that biochar increased crop yield, as registered by the higher number of marketable or commercial artichokes compared to the control. Additionally, biochar-treated plants exhibited significantly higher contents of Ca, Mg, and S in the artichoke heads, but they had a decreased content of Co, Cu, and Zn. The fatty acid content in the biochar-treated artichokes was also significantly higher, primarily due to the presence of palmitic acid. Conversely, the contents of phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids) were negatively and significantly affected by the application of biochar. In conclusion, the application of biochar as a soil amendment in combination with organic matter for growing artichokes in the semiarid Mediterranean area (e.g., Murcia Region) favored an increase in yield without compromising its nutritional composition. Further developments to establish protocols for the extended use of biochar in this agri-food production area are guaranteed.

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an important crop of the Mediterranean basin characterized by many properties, like hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and beneficial to human health. The high bioactive compounds (BACs) content, as polyphenols, has attracted the research interest in artichoke extracts. We analysed the changes in polyphenol transcriptome profile between sanitized (S) virus-free and non-sanitized (NS) artichoke plants, focusing on genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway and flavonoid biosynthesis. A total of 2458 upregulated and 2154 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally characterized. Among them, 31 and 35 KEGG orthology entries characterized by upregulated and downregulated DEGs, respectively, were involved in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. A downregulation of PAL, C4H, 4CL, HST/HQT, C3′H, CCoAMT, CCR1, and F5H, was observed in S artichoke compared to NS one, whereas the CSE, CHS, and CHI genes were upregulated in S samples. Transcriptome results were compared to the polyphenols accumulation in S and NS artichoke leaves. A higher content of total polyphenols was observed in older leaves of NS samples, compared to extracts obtained from young leaves or from S plants, and this result was associated with the presence of viral infections in NS plants. In all the conditions tested, the most represented compound was chlorogenic acid, followed by luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The different composition of each extract was evaluated by a polyphenol dose–response treatment on the rodent hepatoma FaO cell line to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A significant reduction in ROS content ranging between −40% and −48% was observed when 10–20 mg/L of polyphenols from NS or S plants were used, characterized by a specific profile of compounds. To reduce MetOH residues in polyphenol extracts, a supercritical fluid CO2 extraction was evaluated to propose a sustainable green extraction.

Cynara scolymus L. is an herbaceous plant originally from the western Mediterranean area, with Italy, Spain and France the main being producers. Both the edible flowering head and the by-products generated during processing (outer bracts, leaves and stem) are characterized by a high content of essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. In particular, the leaves represent a great source of phenolic acids derived from caffeoylquinic acid or flavonoids such as luteonin and apigenin, while the head and stem contain a high content of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, especially inulin and pectins. Its high content of bioactive compounds provides artichoke a high antioxidant power due to the modulation effect of the transcription factor Nrf2, which may lead to protection against cardiovascular, hepatic and neurological disorders. The potential use of artichoke as a functional ingredient in the food industry may be promising in terms of improving the nutritional value of products, as well as preventing oxidation and extending the shelf-life of processed foods due to its antimicrobial activity. This review aims to provide an overview of the nutritional qualities of Cynara scolymus L. and its by-products, focusing on the possible health effects and potential applications in food products as a higher-value-added alternative ingredient.

Introduction There is growing interest in head-to-head comparison between different lipid-lowering nutraceuticals. The aim of our study was to test the lipid-lowering effect of dietary supplementation with low-dose monacolins from red yeast rice (2.8 mg per daily dose) combined with berberine (Armolipid Plus®) or highly standardized artichoke extract versus placebo. Material and methods 60 overall healthy adult volunteers with polygenic hypercholesterolemia (baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) = 160.2 ±9.2 mg/dl) were enrolled in a 3-arm, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. After 4-week diet standardization, enrolled individuals were randomized to be treated for 8 weeks with red yeast rice and highly standardized artichoke extracts (ATC group), Armolipid Plus®, or placebo. Results At the enrolment visit, LDL-C values were similar in the compared groups. After 8 weeks, all actively treated subjects experienced significant improvements in baseline total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) (all p < 0.01) (ATC group: TC = –18.9%, LDL-C = –26.7% (placebo-corrected: –12.4%), Apo-B = –19.6%; Armolipid Plus®: TC = –18.4%, LDL-C = –25.8% (placebo-corrected: –12.1%), Apo-B = –23.2%; placebo: TC = –6.2%, LDL-C = –8%, Apo-B = –8.4%). Participants in the ATC group attained significantly lower body mass index (BMI) values (–2.1%), while individuals treated with Armolipid Plus® showed improvements in baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (+8.7%) and triglyceride (TG) (+17.5%) levels. Finally, baseline hepatic steatosis index (HSI) values significantly decreased in both actively treated groups (by –2.4% and –2.4% in ATC and in Armolipid Plus®, respectively). Conclusions Patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia experienced a significant improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors in both ATC and Armolipid Plus® groups.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB1 vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg–1 bw, (iv) AFB1 of 72 µg kg–1 bw, and (v) AFB1 plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB1 resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB1 clearly reduced AFB1-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB1 exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2018-2021, an experiment with artichoke, variety Violet de provence, (Poland) was conducted in the experimental field of Maritsa VCRI, according to two cultivation schemes 80/70 cm and 120+60/90 cm. Phenological observations were made for the beginning and end of the vegetation, beginning and end of harvesting. The following indicators were reported: weight (g); length (cm) and mean diameter (mm) of an immature flower bud. The yield (kg/ha) for the first four years of the establishment of the plantation according to the cultivation scheme was recorded. Artichoke harvesting starts from the second year of planting of plants. A double number of immature flower buds were found on one plant grown according to the scheme 120+60/90 cm (14 numbers) and according to the scheme 80/70 cm – 7 numbers. The weight of an immature flower bud is 0.180 and 0.160 kg, respectively. In the third year, a plant on average forms 6 central and 9 lateral immature flower buds (80/70 cm) and 4 central and 6 lateral (120+60/90 cm) with a weight of 0,130 kg for the central ones and 0,060 kg for the lateral ones, respectively. Plant density per hectare influenced yield structure. On average for the period of the experiment in the single-row cultivation (80/70 cm) plants form 31140 number flower buds more than to two-row cultivation (120+60/90 cm). It was observed that the highest productivity (13590 kg/ha) was reached in the second year of harvesting under growing in the same scheme, and on average for the period of the experiment, this indicator was higher by 4180 kg/ha compared to the two-row scheme. The total yield of central and lateral flower buds of the experimental schemes was 12890 and 11380 kg/ha. A better result was reported with the 80/70 cm growing scheme, where the yield exceeded the second scheme by 1510 kg/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms' degradation of agro-industrial waste produces bad odors and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Consequently, eco-friendly, sustainable biotechnological alternatives to this waste are sought to provide additional value, which is why this study's objective was to develop a method of producing unicellular proteins from artichoke and asparagus agro-industrial waste using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa as a producer organism. Agricultural soil was collected from the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (Peru), and R. mucilaginosa was isolated and identified using biochemical tests. Proteins and carotenoids were produced from artichokes and asparagus residues using the R. mucilaginosa yeast. Four substrate concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40%) and a pH range (5–8.1) were used. They were incubated at 30 °C for 72 h. The results showed that protein and carotenoid yield varied according to pH and substrate concentration. Artichoke residues reached a maximum protein yield of 25.98 mg/g and carotenoids of 159.26 μg/g at pH 5–6.6, respectively. Likewise, the asparagus residue showed a maximum protein yield of 20.22 mg/g and a carotenoid yield of 358.05 μg/g at a pH of 7.1 and 6.6, respectively. This study demonstrated the potential of artichoke and asparagus agro-industrial residues for the production of unicellular proteins and carotenoids using R. mucilaginosa. Further, it represents an appropriate alternative to properly managing agro-industrial waste, giving it an economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving gene resources is important for sustainable agriculture. It is also essential to determine the fruit and vegetable content of flavonoids and phenolics that are beneficial for health. In future breeding studies, local varieties, wild types, and their content of flavonoid and phenolic compounds may gain prominence. This study focused on the properties of the artichoke, a plant which originates from Turkey and Cyprus. A collection of local and wild artichokes composing a Cynara gene pool was submitted to analysis in order to determine the morphological features, as well as the total flavonoid and phenolic content in accordance with the UPOV criteria. The total phenolic content was calculated as 4.97 mg GAE g-1 in Sakızvariety, 6.41 mg GAE g-1 in early Cyprus variety and 5.22 mg GAE g-1 t in Hasanağa. Total flavonoid content was 1.05 mg CE g-1 in Sakız, 3.77 mg CE g-1 in early Cyprus, 1.45 mg CE g-1 in Hasanağa (Bayrampaşa) type, 2.70 mg CE g-1 and 2.10 mg in Cynara cornigera. All local and wild varieties showed 97.89% variation in morphological characters. As a result of the research, morphological features were determined in accordance with the UPOV criteria, and total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were also assayed. The values obtained from the determination of the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the collected local and wild varieties, and relationships between the content of phenolics and flavonoids were examined. Following this study, some varieties were chosen for a future breeding program. Thus, it is thought that an innovation can be brought to research on artichoke by evaluating the above features and their mutual relationships for the purpose of future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Water shortage, low quality soils, and insufficient supply of feed are the main limitations for livestock production in arid and semiarid regions of the word. Therefore, there is a demand to cultivate new crops for these areas as an alternative to crops, which are hypersensitive to low fertile situation. Cultivation of acceptable-quality unusual plants, which are resistant to harsh environmental conditions is a proper way to overcome these challenges. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a highly productive crop and produce a large amount of forage per unit of area. Artichoke forage has good nutritional value for ruminant animals. In other hand, artichoke as a medicinal plant contains many secondary compounds including polyphenols, cynarin, chlorogenic acid, carotenoids and natural antioxidants. Lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride and carcass fat have been reported by these compounds in animals fed artichoke products. Therefore, we hypothesized that addition of artichoke forage to diet of fattening lambs may has beneficial effects on their carcass quality traits. Material and methods: In order to evaluate the effects of dietary artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) level instead of alfalfa on meat fatty acids profile and carcass quality traits of fattening lambs, this experiment was conducted using 24 Kurdish male lambs (initial body weight of 30.2 ± 2.35 kg) in a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replications. Experimental treatments included: 1) control (diet without artichoke hay), 2) diet containing 10% artichoke hay, and 3) diet containing 20% artichoke hay. The experiment was lasted for 100 days including 20 d of adaptation period and 80 d of data recording and samples collection. At the end of experiment, all lambs were weighed after an overnight fast (16 h). All lambs were slaughtered, and hot carcass were weighed. The carcass was split into two equal halves (left and right). The right half of carcass was cut into six primal cuts including neck, shoulder, breast-flank, loin, leg and tail. Meat chemical composition, color parameters and fatty acids profile were measured. Results and Discussion: The results showed that incorporation of artichoke to the diet improved the daily weight gain of lambs (P<0.05). Also, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage increased linearly with increasing artichoke level in the diet (P<0.05). Dietary artichoke level had no effect on carcass cuts percentage (neck, shoulder, breast flank, loin, leg, and tail), meat chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash) and color parameters (lightness, redness, yellowness). Meat fatty acids profile (including saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids) were not affected by artichoke level in the diets. Conclusion: According to the results, feeding fattening lambs a diet contained artichoke (up to 20% of total mixed ration) has no detrimental effects on meat quality and improve their dressing percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is renowned for its cholesterol-lowering, diuretic, liverprotective, and antioxidant attributes, primarily attributed to its abundance of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoids. However, a deficiency remains in the quality control of bioactive ingredients within artichoke. This study's core objective was to establish and validate a ultra-highperformance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) method capable of quantifying 12 specific polyphenol compounds as 1-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid or 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, cynarine or 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5- dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, scolymoside and cynaroside present in both artichoke extracts and supplements. The method demonstrated commendable system suitability, specificity, and a linear range spanning 1-500 µg/mL (R2 = 0.99). Furthermore, we effectively applied this developed method to assess the polyphenol content in 19 distinct artichoke supplements. This concurrent quantification strategy offers a reliable avenue for evaluating the polyphenolic constituents across various artichoke preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular damage by the harmful effects of xenobiotics, which increase the production of free radicals, is a widespread phenomenon. The extract from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L. available as an artichoke preparation (natural source) of antioxidants may serve as a potential hepatoprotective factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the protective and regenerative properties of artichoke preparation on the liver in three extract doses: 0.5; 1.0; and 1.5 g/kg bw/day. The evaluation was conducted by measuring the levels of oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GST), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), SH- group, nitrosylated protein (RSNO), as well as such liver enzymes as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the plasma and liver homogenate of rats with liver damage induced by CCl4 (1 mL/kg bw). Measurements were taken in plasma and liver homogenate. The results have demonstrated that the artichoke preparation, owing to its high antioxidative potential, exhibits protective and regenerative effects on the liver. This is supported by the observation of higher GSH levels in the plasma of rats treated with artichoke extract for two weeks before CCl4 exposure. Furthermore, the artichoke extract has shown regenerative properties, as evidenced by lower ALT, AST, and SOD activity in the group treated with artichoke extract after CCl4 exposure. These findings suggest that the in vivo administration of artichoke preparation may be beneficial for the protection and regeneration of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is growing interest in head-to-head comparison between different lipid-lowering nutraceuticals. The aim of our study was to test the lipid-lowering effect of dietary supplementation with low-dose monacolins from red yeast rice (2.8 mg per daily dose) combined with berberine (Armolipid Plus®) or highly standardized artichoke extract versus placebo. Material and methods: 60 overall healthy adult volunteers with polygenic hypercholesterolemia (baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) = 160.2 ±9.2 mg/dl) were enrolled in a 3-arm, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. After 4-week diet standardization, enrolled individuals were randomized to be treated for 8 weeks with red yeast rice and highly standardized artichoke extracts (ATC group), Armolipid Plus®, or placebo. Results: At the enrolment visit, LDL-C values were similar in the compared groups. After 8 weeks, all actively treated subjects experienced significant improvements in baseline total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) (all p < 0.01) (ATC group: TC = -18.9%, LDL-C = -26.7% (placebo-corrected: -12.4%), Apo-B = -19.6%; Armolipid Plus®: TC = -18.4%, LDL-C = -25.8% (placebo-corrected: -12.1%), Apo-B = -23.2%; placebo: TC = -6.2%, LDL-C = -8%, Apo-B = -8.4%). Participants in the ATC group attained significantly lower body mass index (BMI) values (-2.1%), while individuals treated with Armolipid Plus® showed improvements in baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (+8.7%) and triglyceride (TG) (+17.5%) levels. Finally, baseline hepatic steatosis index (HSI) values significantly decreased in both actively treated groups (by -2.4% and -2.4% in ATC and in Armolipid Plus®, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia experienced a significant improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors in both ATC and Armolipid Plus® groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is the most lethal malignancy in skin cancers. About 97,610 new cases of melanoma are projected to occur in the United States (US) in 2023. Artichoke is a very popular plant widely consumed in the US due to its nutrition. In recent years, it has been shown that artichoke shows powerful anti-cancer effects on cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. However, there is little known about its effect on melanoma. This study was designed to investigate if artichoke extract (AE) has any direct effect on the growth of melanoma. Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects AE has on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of the widely studied melanoma cell line HTB-72. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The percentage of colonies of HTB-72 melanoma cells decreased significantly after treated with AE. This was paralleled with the decrease in the optic density (OD) value of cancer cells after treatment with AE. This was further supported by the decreased expression of PCNA mRNA after treated with AE. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 activity increased after treated with AE. The anti-proliferative effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with increased p21, p27, and decreased CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with decreased survivin. Artichoke inhibits growth of melanoma by inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Such a study might be helpful to develop a new promising treatment for melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus) is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. Artichoke represents an important component of a traditional Mediterranean diet and its edible parts are a good source of many high added value compounds such as inulin, a polymer showing relevant prebiotic properties. Compared to the cultivated varieties, the wild cardoon (C. cardunculus var. sylvestris) growing naturally under harsh conditions and well-adapted to many marginal areas, could have a good potential for use in sustainable production in stressed lands. Here, we evaluated by enzymatic assay, the amount of inulin-type fructans both in artichoke and wild cardoon in the two different organs, heads and rhizomes. The expression pattern of the genes encoding the two key enzymes sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase and fructan 1-fructosyltransferase, involved in fructan biosynthesis, have been also evaluated. Our results showed that the amount of inulin-type fructans was higher in the wild cardoon than in the artichoke heads, together with a higher expression of the two key genes involved in the fructan biosynthetic pathway. A conspicuous content of inulin-type fructans was found also in the rhizome, supporting the significant role of these compounds in the storage and in protection from cold and/or winter stresses.

The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke—both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions—could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as the artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world.

Dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds represent a promising approach to influence physiological processes and enhance longevity and overall health. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus serves as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offers various health-promoting benefits. Several chronic diseases have metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory origins, which are frequently interconnected. Pharmacological treatments, although effective, often result in undesirable side effects. In this context, preventive approaches are gaining increased attention. Recent literature indicates that the consumption of bioactive compounds in the diet can positively influence the organism’s biological functions. Polyphenols, well-known for their health benefits, are widely recognized as valuable compounds in preventing/combating various pathologies related to lifestyle, metabolism, and aging. The C. scolymus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is widely used in the food and herbal medicine fields for its beneficial properties. Although the inflorescences (capitula) of the artichoke are used for food and culinary purposes, preparations based on artichoke leaves can be used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. Cynara scolymus shows potential benefits in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for improving overall well-being. C. scolymus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-expelling, antimicrobial, and lipid-lowering neuroprotective properties. Different studies demonstrate that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. The large amount of polyphenol found in C. scolymus has an antioxidant activity, enabling it to neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties. As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies. The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus.

Artichoke is well known for its various medicinal properties i.e., lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of artichoke is mainly caused by the presence of various biologically active compounds, especially polyphenols. These polyphenols are being affected by a variety of environmental and cultivation factors including the application weedicides. The current study was aimed at clarifying the effects of various commonly used post-emergence weedicides (Phenmedipham, Pyridate, Quizalofop-p-ethyl, Prosulfocarb, Carfentrazone-ethyl, Rimsulfuron, Aclonifen, and Clomazone) on the production of polyphenolic compounds, including the flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. Weedicides were applied during the cultivation of artichoke in two growth phases. Polyphenols were analyzed in leaf extracts of artichoke using the HPLC method. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the leaf samples was determined. Results revealed minimum production of dry matter in the treatment with aclonifen (2.61 t ha-1). While different weedicide showed variable effects after each week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of application. Significant difference among the various treatments of weedicide during both growth phases i.e., concentration of polyphenolics is being remarkably affecting by treatments with various weedicide. A positive correlation CQA (caffeoylquinic acid) with flavonoids on one hand and with ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) on the other showed the synergism among these. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of artichoke leaf extracts is influenced by the content of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoid in addition to some other antioxidants (carotenoids, terpenoids etc.). Weedicide application can lead to a reduction in phenolic constituents of artichoke leaf samples; however, this negative impact is quickly compensated during further growth and development of plant under moderate climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The “multiple-hit” hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted theory for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of artichoke (WEA) on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism. Methods Rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and then treated with WEA at three doses (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight, BW) for 8 weeks. At the end of the intervention, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histopathology, hepatic inflammatory gene and lipid metabolism gene expression, and Akt and p-Akt (S473) protein levels were determined. Results The body weight, liver weight, liver triglyceride (TG) and serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, and insulin were all significantly reduced in the WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared with the HFD group (P

Fourth-range products are those types of fresh fruit and vegetables that are ready for raw consumption or after cooking, and belong to organic or integrated cultivations. These products are subject to mild post-harvesting processing procedures (selection, sorting, husking, cutting, and washing), and are afterwards packaged in packets or closed food plates, with an average shelf life of 5–10 days. Artichokes are stripped of the leaves, stems and outer bracts, and the remaining heads are washed with acidifying solutions. The A LC-MS/MS analytical method was developed and validated following SANTE guidelines for the detection of 220 pesticides. This work evaluated the distribution of pesticide residues among the fraction of artichokes obtained during the industrial processing, and the residues of their wastes left on the field were also investigated. The results showed quantifiable residues of one herbicide (pendimethalin) and four fungicides (azoxystrobin, propyzamide, tebuconazole, and pyraclostrobin). Pendimethalin was found in all samples, with the higher values in leaves 0.046 ± 8.2 mg/kg and in field waste 0.30 ± 6.7 mg/kg. Azoxystrobin was the most concentrated in the outer bracts (0.18 ± 2.9 mg/kg). The outer bracts showed the highest number of residues. The industrial waste showed a significant decrease in the number of residues and their concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass is accepted to be one of the best sustainable alternatives for overcoming fossil fuel dependence and to reduce environmental pollution. Intensive research studies have been carried out on conversion of this big potential source via chemical and biochemical processes to miscellaneous chemicals. According to one of the present methods of chemical conversion, cellulose and hemicellulose parts of the plant biomass can be converted to platform chemicals by hydrolysis, dehydration and rehydration reactions in the presence of acidic medium. In this study, the efficient conversion conditions of the Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) leaves and stalks to the valuable chemicals (formic acid, acetic acid and 5- hydroxymetilfurfural) were investigated using acid (HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) catalyzed hydrothermal reaction. Experiments were performed in the temperature range of 150°C - 300°C and at the pH values 2.0 - 3.0 with a reaction time of 1 hour. Evolution of liquid parts and their variations with respect to reaction parameters were determined using HPLC via related analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carotenoids have vast medical, industrial, dietary, and pharmaceutical importance due to their provitamin A precursor, immunomodulator, antioxidant and photoprotective activity. The purpose of the research was to optimize the production of carotenoids using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from artichoke agroindustrial waste as a low-cost substrate. The artichokes bracts waste was bleached by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO 2%) and was characterized through whiteness index and FTIR. The bleached artichoke waste (BABW) used in the fermentation went through acid hydrolysis, applying 8% of the bleached artichokes residue and sulfuric acid (2.5%) for 1 h at 90°C, obtaining a greater reduced sugars content at 3.1 g/L. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was isolated and molecularly identified. The production of carotenoids from a culture media based on hydrolyzed BABW, peptone (0.5%), yeast extract (0.1%) and sodium chloride (0.5%) was evaluated at different conditions of pH (5-8) and agitation speed (80-160 rpm) applying the surface response methodology by a rotational central compound design. The best carotenoids performance obtained had 2968.95 µg/L VVC and 1228.53 µg/g TFC at pH 5, 120 rpm and 30°C for 72 h. The chemical characterization of the extracted carotenoids was confirmed by UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopy methods. The results suggest that Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is capable of producing carotenoids from artichoke waste fermentation, providing a low-cost and sustainable alternative route for use in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high nutritional value and broad beneficial effects, the artichoke plant (Cynara cardunculus L.) is an excellent healthy food candidate. Additionally, the artichoke by-products are usually discarded even though they still contain a huge concentration of dietary fibers, phenolic acids, and other micronutrients. The present work aimed to characterize a laboratory-made gluten-free bread (B) using rice flour supplemented with a powdered extract from artichoke leaves (AEs). The AE, accounting for the 5% of titratable chlorogenic acid, was added to the experimental gluten-free bread. Accounting for different combinations, four different bread batches were prepared. To evaluate the differences, a gluten-free type-II sourdough (tII-SD) was added in two doughs (SB and SB-AE), while the related controls (YB and YB-AE) did not contain the tII-SD. Profiling the digested bread samples, SB showed the lowest glycemic index, while SB-AE showed the highest antioxidant properties. The digested samples were also fermented in fecal batches containing viable cells from fecal microbiota samples obtained from healthy donors. Based on plate counts, no clear tendencies emerged concerning the analyzed microbial patterns; by contrast, when profiling volatile organic compounds, significant differences were observed in SB-AE, exhibiting the highest scores of hydrocinnamic and cyclohexanecarboxylic acids. The fecal fermented supernatants were recovered and assayed for healthy properties on human keratinocyte cell lines against oxidative stress and for effectiveness in modulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in Caco-2 cells. While the first assay emphasized the contribution of AE to protect against stressor agents, the latter enlightened how the combination of SB with AE decreased the cellular TNF-α and IL1-β expression. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the combination of AE with sourdough biotechnology could be a promising tool to increase the nutritional and healthy features of gluten-free bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a nutritious vegetable that grown all over the world. It is a promising herbal plant, rich in bioactive components. It is considered as medicinal plant due to its nutritional and phytochemical composition, especially high proportion of phenolic compounds. The primary aim of this study was to achieve chemical profile analyses of artichoke for different phytochemcials, especially Scolymoside and Cynaroside. Methanolic crude was extracted from Artichoke leaves by rotary evaporator and separated by column chromatography. The fractions monitored by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and identified in High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Two important compounds, Scolymoside and Cynaroside were separated and identified. In overall, Artichoke could be regarded as a rich source of biologically active compounds and considered as bio-functional with putative antioxidant effect [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of superfine grinding (SG) and microwave treatment (MT) on the structure and physicochemical properties of artichoke soluble dietary fiber (ASDF) and its protective effects on mice with alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) were studied. We compared the changes in structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of ASDF, SG-ASDF (ASDF treated by SG), MT-ASDF (ASDF treated by MT), and CM-ASDF (ASDF treated by SG and MT). Moreover, we evaluated the effects of the obtained ASDF on the growth characteristics, blood lipid levels, and liver of mice with AFL. Our results of the study showed that CM-ASDF had a more concentrated and uniform particle size, a higher extraction rate of ASDF and significantly improved water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC) and water swelling capacity (WSC) of ASDF (p