Cynarine (Cyn)

Cynarine is a hydroxycinnamic acid and a biologically active chemical constituent of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus). Chemically, it is an ester formed from quinic acid and two units of caffeic acid. It inhibits taste receptors, making water (and other foods and drinks) seem sweet. It is an ingredient of the drug Sulfad.

Cynarin, a potential immunosuppressant that blocks the interaction between the CD28 of T-cell receptor and CD80 of antigen presenting cells, was found in Echinacea purpurea by a new pharmaceutical screening method: After Flowing Through Immobilized Receptor. This Echinacea component is the first small molecule that is able to specifically block "signal 2" of T-cell activation.