Artichoke Cynara scolymus

Medicinal Uses of Artichoke leaves Teas and extracts made from the leaves of the artichoke plant are a traditional tonic for the liver and gallbladder.^1,2 Both laboratory and clinical studies strongly suggest artichoke leaf extract to be a good therapeutic option in dyspeptic syndrome. (irritable stomach, nervous gastropathy, flatulence, irritable colon, functional biliary tract disease) ² In Europe the plant is widely used to treat arteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol. Several studies have hinted at the ability of artichoke extract to lower lipid levels. It works by affecting cholesterol synthesis in the liver at several points in the synthetic pathway and by increasing the elimination of cholesterol. ¹

The plant chemical constiutent cynarin acts as lipolysis-inhibitor in much the same manner as nicotinic acid (niacin), without the gastric upset and flushing that niacin supplents can cause. It may well be that the artichoke, having no such side effects could fill in a gap here. ^{(Weiss, Rudolf Fritz M.D.)}

The diuretic properties of the artichoke are also useful in kidney disease.^{(Mabey,Richard)}

Artichoke hearts are a healthy source of fiber, low in calories and and contain potassium, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.