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What is Artichoke Artichoke is one of the worlds oldest vegetable prepared as food and used in herbal medicine...(more) Artichoke Herbal Preparation is taken as food , as capsulated supplement and prepared as an infusion and taken as tea...(more)

Artichoke used in medicine. Used to increase bile flow, lower cholesterol, anti-dyspepsia and a potent antioxidant...(more)

Artichoke use warning and cautions. Artichoke may cause allergy to sensitive individuals...(more)

 

Scientific Name: Cynara scolymus L., C. Cardunculus ,Family Compositae or Asteraceae

Common Names: Globe artichoke, garden artichoke, alcachofra

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is one of the worlds oldest vegetable prepared as food and used in herbal medicine. Artichoke is a perennial herb, nativeto southern Europe and widely cultivated in the Mediterranean regions and central Europe.

Artichoke has been traditionally used as diuretic and as liver tonic. Artichoke is used to treat various medical conditions including jaundice, dyspepsia, and chronic albuminuria.

Artichoke grows up to 6 feet in height with strong and erect stem. Artichoke leaves are silvery greenin color, arching and deeply lobed about 20 to 32 inches long. Artichoke grows green large buds that are edible. The buds have numerous triangular scales or bracts with purple florets, the buds grow to about 5 to six inches in diameter. Large artichoke flowers sprout from the head of the buds The artichoke plant blooms form July to August.

 

Artichoke has the following health benefits

• Artichoke is a highly nutritious vegetable, rich in fibers, vitamins and minerals. Artichoke is a good source of Vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, biotin, manganese, potassium, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin,
•  Artichoke promotes weight loss. Cynarin an active chemical compound found in artichoke leaf is known to break down fats and improve bile flow.
• Artichoke flower is known as a potent antioxidant
• Artichoke helps the liver and the gall bladder to function efficiently.
• Extracts from artichoke leaves can reduce blood cholesterol level in the body by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA-reductase activity. Improving HDL to LDL ratio.
• Artichoke can prevent arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease
• Artichoke leaf extract used to treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
• Artichoke is used to treat eczema and other dermatologic problems,
• Artichoke is also used to treat stomach acidity (indigestion) and dyspepsia
• Artichoke contains inulin and fructans that has minimal impact in increasing blood sugar level making it beneficial for diabetics
• Artichoke contains bioactive agents such as epigenin and luteolin (probiotics) that promotes the growth of good bacteria in the colon and gut.
• Artichoke have cytoprotective actions in the liver, by strengthening the liver and protecting it from damage due to harmful chemicals
• Artichoke is a diuretic and can reduce swelling due to excess fluid accumulation.

Vegetable

Artichoke flower head is a vegetable usually available in groceries and markets. The globe artichoke is cooked and eaten as a delicacy.

Tea

Artichokes can also be made into a herbal tea.

Liquor

Artichoke is the primary flavor of the 33 proof (16.5% alcohol) Italian liqueur Cynar produced exclusively by the Campari Group.

Capsules and tinctures

Commercially prepared artichoke capsules and tinctures are also available in most health stores.

 

Artichoke intake during pregnancy and lactation should be limited.

Artichoke can cause allergic reactions, to sensitive individuals.

Drug interactions

Artichoke may increase the effect of cholesterol-lowering drugs

 

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