[Phytotherapy with a mixture of dry extracts with hepato-protective effects containing artichoke leaves in the management of functional dyspepsia symptoms]

Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2010 Jun;56(2):93-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the potential of phytotherapy with artichoke leaf extract in the management of functional dyspepsia symptoms, a disorder notoriously recalcitrant to pharmacotherapy.

Methods: A cohort of outpatients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspepsia and deemed suitable candidates for non-pharmacologic treatment was prospectively observed for 60 days by 33 physicians. Treatment consisted of Cinarepa, a commercial mixture of dry extracts of artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) 15% of chlorogenic acid (150 mg per capsule), dandelion radix (Taraxacum officinalis) 2% of inulin, turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) 95% of curcumin and rosemary bud essential oil microencapsulated (Rosmarinum officinalis). The severity of 8 dyspepsia symptoms was self-evaluated on a 10-point scale. Blood chemistry testing of lipid profile and liver function was discretionary.

Results: Of the 311 patients in the cohort, the data from 305 (98%) were included in the analysis of dyspepsia symptoms and the data from 50-73 (16-23%) were entered into the analysis of blood chemistry results. A statistically significant gradual reduction in symptom severity was noted at day 30 and further improvement was observed at day 60. Global clinical response, defined as a 50% reduction in the total scores of all symptoms, was recorded in 38% of patients at 30 days and in 79% at 60 days. At 60 days, total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels had decreased by 6-8% over baseline values (P < or = 0.001); transaminase (AST, ALT), and gamma GT concentrations had diminished by 13-20 U/L (P<0.01) in patients with relatively elevated baseline values.

Conclusion: Phytotherapy with Cinarepa holds promise as an alternative option in the relief of functional dyspepsia symptoms and merits further investigation in controlled studies.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics / therapeutic use
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects
  • Cinnamates / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cynara scolymus*
  • Dyspepsia / blood*
  • Dyspepsia / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Leaves
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Transaminases / blood
  • Transaminases / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Cinnamates
  • Plant Extracts
  • Triglycerides
  • cynarine
  • Cholesterol
  • Transaminases