Abstract
The pharmacologic and therapeutic actions of the artichoke, Cynara scolymus L. are related to a group of constituents called polyphenols. Some analytical methods are cited in literature to quantify the cinarine or chlorogenic acid content in the leaves of artichoke or in pharmaceutical preparations. In this work two official methodologies have been used: that from the European Pharmacopeia 5th edition and that from Brazilian Pharmacopeia 3rd edition. A third methodology was developed and validated, using as complexant reactive the Arnow agent for the total polyphenols. The proposal method was considered linear, accurate, affording good reproducibility; and moreover less costing, and more rapid and practical, when compared with Brazilian Pharmacopoeia method.