Artichoke leaf powder – Cynara scolymus

An emblematic plant of the Mediterranean region, the cultivated artichoke produces leaves rich in bitter compounds. Dried and then ground into powder, they are easy to incorporate into infusions, capsules, or homemade skincare recipes. Their use remains subject to current regulations.

Description

Olive green to light brown plant-based powder with a herbaceous fragrance and intense bitter flavor. Fine and homogeneous, it mixes easily into hot or cold liquids or is incorporated into solid formulations.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Artichoke, cultivated artichoke
• Latin name: Cynara scolymus
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Leaf
• Form: Powder
• Origin: Mediterranean culture
• English name: Globe artichoke leaf powder
• German name: Artischockenblattpulver
• Name in Spanish: Polvo de hoja de alcachofa
• Name in Italian: Polvere di foglia di carciofo
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق ورق الخرشوف (Mas'houq Waraq al-Kharshouf)

Main virtues

Known for its bitterness, artichoke leaf powder is used in artisanal preparations as infusions, capsules, and cosmetics. It is sometimes mixed with other plant powders for skin or hair care.

Main constituents

Cynarin, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids (luteolin), tannins, plant fibers.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1/2 teaspoon in 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Encapsulation: 300 to 500 mg per vegetable capsule, up to 3 times per day according to traditional use.
• Cosmetic: incorporated into a mask or plant poultice, mixed with clay or honey.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated use: reserved for healthcare professionals or under their supervision.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
• Avoid if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.

History and origin

The artichoke has been cultivated since ancient times for both its edible heart and its bitter leaves. Already known to the Greeks and Romans, its leaf remained present in herbal traditions until its modern use. It appears in many European pharmacopoeias.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: opaque airtight jar, away from humidity and heat.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box, tinted jar.
• Appearance: Fine green to light brown powder.
• Odor: herbaceous, bitter, slightly balsamic.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European historical pharmacopoeias
• ANSM / EMA References – Regulated Plants
• Texts on Mediterranean ethnobotany

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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