Page 14 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

5. Medicinal leaves used for liver complaints:

ARTICHOKE

It is the dried leaves of Cynara scolymus family Asteraceae.

Constituents:
It consists of bitter sesquiterpene lactone (cynaropicrin),
flavonoids and derivatives of caffeoylquinic acid including
cynarin.

Uses:
1. It is used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder complaints.
2. Artichoke leaf extract exhibits hepatoprotective effect and
cholagogue activity.
3. Reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels due to inhibition
of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Precautions:
-Because of the stimulating effect of the drug upon the biliary tract,
it should not be administered if there is a bile duct blockage.
-Colic can occur where the patient suffers from gallstones.

6. Medicinal leaves used for dyspeptic complaints:

BOLDO LEAVES
The dried leaves of Peumus boldus family Monimiaceae. It contains
at least 0.1% alkaloids, calculated as boldine.
Constituents:

1. Isoquinoline alkaloids; mainly boldine.
2. Volatile oil composed of p-cymene, cineol, ascaridiole (toxic

constituent).
3. Flavonol glycosides (e.g., rhamnetin and isorhamnetin

derivatives)

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