1. Introduction
Cynara scolymus L. is a plant species which belongs to the family Asteraceae (IPNI, 2023). This perennial plant, commonly known as artichoke or globe artichoke, is grown worldwide. Artichoke is endemic to the Mediterranean region and has probably been tamed in southern Italy. The Arabs brought it to other parts of the Mediterranean in medieval times (Pignone and Sonnante, 2004). Ancient populations did know artichoke for its nutritional and health-promoting properties (Sonnante et al., 2007). The scientific name comes from the Latin word "cinis" and the Greek word "skolymos", which mean "ash" and "cardoon", respectively (Verotta et al., 2015).
Artichoke is a herbaceous plant that can reach about 1.80 metres in height. The flower head is globe-shaped with green and violet external bracts. The receptacle is located in the lower part of the artichoke head and the "choke" made up of bristles is found above it. Many blue-purple flowers are arranged in the centre of the head (Fig.1). Artichoke buds are cut before blooming and the edible part includes the receptacle and the inner bracts (Basay, 2022; Grieve, 1931). This plant is a common ingredient of the Mediterranean diet and is widely utilised for health purposes. Artichoke leaves are mainly used in infusions and extracts for their health-promoting properties (Mulinacci et al., 2004; Pereira et al., 2015).