Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits of Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus).

GERSCHENSON L.N.; FISSORE E. N.; ROJAS A.M.; BERNHARDT, D.C.; SANTO DOMINGO, C.

Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Vegetables.

Elsevier Ltd

Lugar: San Diego CA; Año: 2019; p. 72 - 108

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus) is a species of thistle cultivated as a food. The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. It is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus is a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds, and also inulin, other fibers, and minerals. For this reason, it is considered a functional food. Several studies described numerous pharmacological activities associated with the artichoke, such as hepatoprotective, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antibacterial, anti-HIV, bile-expelling, and urinative effects. Moreover, the biological activities of the artichoke have been reported in various studies, mainly the strong antioxidative effects, which are attributed to caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, and flavonoids such as luteolin glycosides.The present chapter reviews some selected bibliography published in the last years about globe artichoke, its chemical composition, nutritional and functional properties with the purpose of contributing to the systematization of the information concerning the relation between chemical composition and health benefits.