Constitution of cynarine, the active principle of the artichoke

Abstract

IT has been known for some time that the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) contains some hitherto unidentified substances which stimulate biliary secretion and cholesterinic metabolism1. The extraction of these substances can be carried out by infusion or decoction. We have been able to isolate from cauline leaves of Cynara scolymus a crystalline substance which we have also found in Cynara cardunculus. Because of its physiological activity, we have used the word 'cynarine', which has been generally used for the chemical principle of the artichoke with the same activity2. © 1954 Nature Publishing Group.