The present invention relates to the preparation of a Cynara scolymus extract obtainable by fractioning on a resin. The process of the invention allows to obtain an extract, starting from the aerial parts of the plant Cynara scolymus, containing three classes of active principles, namely dicaffeoylquinic acids, luteolin and cynaropicrin glycosides, in a constant ratio. Cynaropicrin is stabilized by addition of precise amounts of sulfated amino acids or suitable thio-derivatives. These extracts have hypolipemizing, anti-dyspeptic and vascular anti-inflammatory activities. The extracts are mainly formulated in Enothera biennis oil or in oils rich in .omega.-3 and .omega.-6 acids which enhance the vascular activity.