A Pharmacognostial study of cynara cardunculus L family compositae grown in egypt

Cynara is a small genus of 11 species of tall thistle like perennials of the family composite.Cynara cardunculus L. is cultivated for its edible roots and thickened leaf. Stalks, also sometimes for ornament. It is a popular medicinal plant used in therapy for its strong choleretic activity, it is also used in treatment of hepatic insufficiency.The present study comprises three parts:I. Abotanical study of the plant in both entire and powdered forms to facilitate its identification.II. A phytochemical investigation of the plant isolation and identification of its main constituents.III. Biological activities:1- Some pharmacological activities.2- Antimicrobial activities.I. Botanical study:The botanical study includes the macro- and micro-morphological characteristics of the plant in order to ease its identification either in entire or powdered forms.II. Phytochemical investigation:The phytochemical study of Cynara cardunculus L. includes preliminary phytochemical screening, determination of some pharmacopoeial constants, isolation and identification of the major compounds using several chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic analysis.III. Biological activities:The biological activities of the plant includes:1- Pharmacological activities.2- Antimicrobial activities.