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


CONCLUSIONS
Phytotherapy with Cinarepa holds promise as an alternative option in the relief of functional dyspepsia symptoms and merits further investigation in controlled studies.
Sannia
A
A
Società Italiana di Medicina Naturale (SIMN), Milano, Italia. antosannia@libero.it
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D031943:Cynara scolymus; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D015415:Biomarkers; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D002934:Cinnamates; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014280:Triglycerides; C100257:cynarine; D002784:Cholesterol; D000637:Transaminases