Phytochemicals from Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.) By-Products

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.) belongs to the Asteraceae family and represents one of the most diffused vegetables worldwide. Its high production leads to a high amount (almost 60%) of by-products, mainly external bracts, leaves, and stems. Over twenty years ago, artichoke by-products were used primarily as animal feedstuff or compost. Then, the research has focused on extracting nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as carbohydrates (fructooligo-saccharides and inulin), vitamins, polyphenols, and terpenes. Over the years, these bioactive compounds received considerable attention for their important role in the reduction of the risk of developing different diseases thanks to their many potential bioactivities: antioxidant, dyspeptic, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, anticarcino genic, and anti-glycative. Therefore, artichoke by-product extracts represent promising ingredients for healthy purposes in foodstuffs, food supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations because of their biological and/or functional properties. In addition, globe artichoke wastes can be helpful for non-health applications to produce biofuels, polymers, and paper pulps. This chapter discusses all the economic and environmental aspects of the recovery of arti choke by-products, considering their chemical composition and valorization in food and non-food applications.