[Study on literature of artichoke and properties of traditional Chinese medicine]

In this article, the foreign and domestic literature on alien plant medicine Cynara scolymus was reviewed to explore its properties and functions in traditional Chinese medicine theory, and provide theoretical basis for clinical application and reasonable compatibility. Based on the literature databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Sinomed, the articles with high reliability related to C. scolymus were screened out and the obtained articles were systematically classified according to clinical application, chemical compositions, pharmacological action, toxic and side effects, etc. In the analysis with traditional Chinese medicine theory, it is concluded that: C. scolymus tastes bitter and slightly cold, attributing to spleen, stomach, liver and gall meridians. It has the functions of eliminating accumulation and guiding stagnation, regulating Qi-flowing for harmonizing stomach, clearing away dampness and heat, resolving turbidity and lowering blood lipids. It can be used for the treatment of dyspepsia, diet reduction, vomiting, nausea, abdominal distention, hypochondriac pain, jaundice, hyperlipidemia, etc. Through the analysis and research of the relevant literature on C. scolymus, the properties and functions of the drug were clarified, which could provide a theoretical basis for further animal experiments and clinical research. The research model of "traditional Chinese medicine theory" for alien plant medicines can provide reference for the introduction and research of botanical drugs around the world, which can greatly enrich Chinese medicine resources and is of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Keywords: Cynara scolymus; clinical application; efficacy; property of traditional Chinese medicine.