Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is probably best known for its edible ‘heart’ - the mass of immature florets in the centre of the bud that is called the choke or beard.

As well as being an enjoyable food, artichoke can also by made into a tea or a herbal tincture. The Italians took one step further and use it as the primary flavour of a tasty liqueur!  

One of the plant chemicals found in cynara, known as cynarin, is thought to be responsible for its healthcare qualities. The majority of cynarin found in artichoke is in the pulp of the leaves, which is why Alfred Vogel used this part of the plant for his tincture of Cynara scolymus. 

Cynara can still be found in the wild in some parts of the world such as North Africa. From around the 9th Century cynara was cultivated in Naples and can now be found in many other parts of the world. In the 16th Century, the Dutch introduced cynara to the English who gave it the name artichoke. Nowadays the cultivation of cynara is concentrated mainly in countries round the Mediterranean.

Active Ingredient

Each 540mcL dose (20 drops) contains herbal extracts equivalent to:

• Taraxacum officinale* (Dandelion) fresh whole plant 94.5 mg
• Cynara scolymus* (Globe artichoke) fresh leaf 72.9 mg
• Mentha X piperita* (Peppermint) fresh herb 5.1mg
• Peumus boldus (Boldo tree) dried leaf 3.4mg            

Contains: Ethanol

Adults and children 12 years and over:
Take 540mcL dose (20 drops) in 50mL of water, 3 times daily, after meals, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Children 6 to 11 years:
Only as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Dispensing dropper insert for accurate measurement and preventing contamination.
Store below 25°C, in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
If ring at bottom of cap is missing, broken or separated, do not use.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. (1-3)
Not recommended for people taking medication prescribed by their doctor.
Not recommended for people with allergies to Boldo, Cynare, Dandelion & relates species.
Bioforce Policy 
Not recommended for Gall-badder conditions, gall stones & obstruction of the bile duct (1-3) 

Boldo Leaf  page 52-56   (1)
Cynare leaf page 118-125 (2)
Dandelion Leaf & root page 499-505 (3) 
in ESCOP Monograph 2nd Edition (2003)

Warnings

Always read the label. 
Use as directed. 
Keep out reach of children.
Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007

If ring at the bottom of cap is missing, broken or separate do not use.
Code of Practice for the Temper Evident Packing of Therapeutic Goods 2003

Contains Ethanol (Alcohol)
Not to be used in children under two years of age without medical advice.
If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare practitioner. 
TGA mandatory warnings

Interactions

Warfarin
Immunosuppressant medications
Bioforce Policy

Undesirable Effects

Mild gastro-intestinal disturbances may occur in rare cases.
Dandelion Leaf & root in ESCOP Monograph 2nd Edition page 499-505(2003)