The artichoke leaves contain a number of phenolic acids, flavonoids (rutin, luteolin), cynarin and sesquiterpenes (especially caryophyllene and beta-selinene).
It also contains tannins, sugar substances, inulin, mucus substances, phytosterols (taraxasterol), essential oil, provitamin A and several enzymes.
The herb is used internally as a tea or in tablet or capsule form to treat liver and gallbladder diseases such as liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and jaundice.
The bile driving and liver protective properties of artichoke are associated with substances cynarine and the chlorogenic and neo chlorogenic acids found in the plant. These substances are believed to protect the liver cells from damage caused by free radicals, heavy alcohol consumption, and other toxins. 1
Artichokes can also help prevent gallstones, and the German Commission E. recommends the use of artichoke in the prevention of recurrent gallstone problems.
It has also been used as an herbal remedy for indigestion, loss of appetite and dyspepsia with bloated feeling, intestinal gas, belching, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol and obesity. 2
Clinical studies have indicated that artichoke can lower the values of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, which explains why the herb is commonly used to treat atherosclerosis. 3
Scientific studies also prove that artichoke prevents the oxidation of harmful LDL cholesterol, which is believed to play an important role in the development of arteriosclerosis.
Several clinical trials have shown that an artichoke extract can lower the amount of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and some recent studies suggest that the herb may help improve relations between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. 4 5
It strengthens the absorption of nutrients from food and digestion of fat and can be used for constipation caused by poor liver function.
Also, the plant has a weak diuretic property and may lower elevated uric acid in the blood. Therefore it could be a helpful medicinal herb in treating rheumatic disorders such as osteoarthritis and gout. 6
Artichoke has been considered a good herbal supplement in the treatment of diabetes, since the herb may have a significant blood glucose lowering effect.
Herbal Resource
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