Artichoke Extract
Main Actions (in order):liver and gallbladder bile stimulant, hepatoprotective (liver protector), antihepatotoxic (liver detoxifier), hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol).
Main Uses:
- For gallstones and as a liver and gallbladder bile stimulant.
- For high cholesterol.
- For digestive disorders.
- For irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and other bowel problems.
- To support liver function.
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: antihepatotoxic (clears toxins in liver), antioxidant, liver and gallbladder bile stimulator, hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol).
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:astringent, blood cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), detoxifier, digestive stimulant, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens).
Cautions:None.
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ARTICHOKE
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HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
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Main Actions
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Other Actions
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Standard Dosage
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· reduces cholesterol
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· dries secretions
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Leaves
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· lowers blood pressure
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· supports heart
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Infusion: 1-3 cups daily
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· stimulates bile
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· cleanses blood
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Liquid Extract: 2-3 ml with
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· supports liver
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· increases urination
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each meal
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· supports gallbladder
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Capsules: 2-3 g 3 times daily
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· enhances digestion
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Standardized Extracts:
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· fights free radicals
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follow label directions
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· detoxifies
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Family: Asteraceae
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Genus : Cynara
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Species: scolymus
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Synonyms: None
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Common Names: Globe artichoke, alcachofra, alcachofera, artichaut, tyosen-azam
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Part Used: Leaves, flowers
Alcachofra is the Brazilian name for the globe artichoke. A member of the milk thistle family, it grows to a height of about 2 m and produces a large, violet-green flower head. The flower petals and fleshy flower bottoms are eaten as a vegetable throughout the world, which has led to its commercial cultivation in many parts of South and North America (chiefly California) as well as in Europe. The artichoke was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans; in Rome, the artichoke was an important menu item at feasts. It wasn't until the fifteenth century, however, that it made its appearance throughout Europe.
Tribal & Herbal Medicine Uses
Artichoke has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a specific liver and gallbladder remedy. In Brazilian herbal medicine systems, leaf preparations are used for liver and gallbladder problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, anemia, diarrhea (and elimination in general), fevers, ulcers, and gout. In Europe, it is also used for liver and gallbladder disorders; in several countries, standardized herbal drugs are manufactured and sold as prescription drugs for high cholesterol and digestive and liver disorders. Other uses around the world include treatment for dyspepsia and chronic albuminuria. In France, a patent has been filed that describes an artichoke extract for treating liver disease, high cholesterol levels, and kidney insufficiency. In all herbal medicine systems where it is employed, artichoke is used to increase bile production in the liver, increase the flow of bile from the gallbladder, and to increases the contractive power of the bile duct. These bile actions are beneficial in many digestive, gallbladder, and liver disorders. Artichoke is also often used to mobilize fatty stores in the liver and detoxify it, and as a natural aid to lower cholesterol.
Plant Chemicals
The artichoke is popular for its pleasant bitter taste, which is attributed mostly to a plant chemical called cynarin found in the green parts of the plant. Cynarin is considered one of artichoke's main biologically active chemicals. It occurs in the highest concentration in the leaves of the plant, which is why leaf extracts are most commonly employed in herbal medicine. Other documented "active" chemicals include flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, polyphenols and caffeoylquinic acids.
In the 1970s, European scientists first documented cynarin's ability to lower cholesterol in humans. Over the years, other researchers have continued to document artichoke's or cynarin's effect in this area. One of the more recent studies, published in 2000, was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that used an artichoke leaf extract that was standardized to its cynarin content. For six weeks, 143 patients with high cholesterol were given the extract; at the end of the test, results showed a decrease of 10%-15% in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and ratio of LDL to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Scientists now report that the cholesterol-lowering effect of artichoke can be attributed to chemicals other than just cynarin, including several newly discovered ones.
The liver detoxifying and protective properties of artichoke first came to the attention of researchers in 1966 (in a study that supported its effect on liver regeneration in rats). A 1987 study that focused on the effects of rat liver cells subjected to harmful chemical agents found both cynarin and caffeic acids (both in artichoke) to have significant protective effects.
Artichoke's main plant chemicals are caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acids, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, cyanidol glucosides, cynaragenin, cynarapicrin, cynaratriol, cynarin, cynarolide, decanal, eugenol, ferulic acid, flavonoids, folacin, glyceric acid, glycolic acid, heteroside-B, inulin, isoamerboin, lauric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, luteolin glucosides, myristic acid, neochlorogenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, phenylacetaldehyde, pseudotaraxasterol, scolymoside, silymarin, sitosterol, stearic acid, stigmasterol, and taraxasterol.
Biological Activities & Clinical Research
Investigations are still being conducted on artichoke's beneficial effects on liver and gallbladder functions. The most recently documented finding, in 2002, noted that an artichoke leaf extract reversed damage done by harmful chemicals in rat liver cells and, in doing so, enhanced bile production.
A portion of artichoke's liver protective properties is thought to be attributed to its documented antioxidant actions. A 2002 study focused on the antioxidant effects of artichoke extract in cultured blood vessel cells and reported that the extract demonstrated "marked protective properties against oxidative stress induced by inflammatory mediators . . ." Artichoke's antioxidant properties were also confirmed in an earlier (2000) study that focused on human white blood cells under various induced oxidative stresses.
A 1999 clinical investigation focused on gallbladder function. It "showed the efficacy and safety of artichoke extracts (Cynara scolymus L.) in the treatment of hepatobiliary dysfunction and digestive complaints, such as sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain." A 2000 study took this notion a step further. It was known that artichoke extract was indicated for dyspepsia, a digestive disorder involving the esophagus, duodenum, and upper gastrointestinal tract, but there are many symptom overlaps between dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A subgroup of patients with IBS was distilled from the dyspepsia study group and was monitored for 6 weeks after the original study had ended. Of the IBS patients, 96% rated artichoke leaf extract as better than or at least equal to previous therapies administered for their IBS symptoms.
Current Practical Uses
The history of artichoke is a perfect example of science finally catching up to the longstanding traditional uses of a medicinal plant. While scientists still argue today over which specific chemical or group of chemicals is responsible for each documented beneficial action, the traditional uses for high cholesterol, as well as for liver, gallbladder, and digestive disorders, are being validated. While many Europeans still have to see their doctors for an artichoke extract prescription, concentrated natural leaf extracts and standardized extracts are widely available in the United States at health food stores. With the growing American trend to find more natural and healthy alternatives, these products will probably gain in popularity as consumers learn more of the most recent research studies. However, the most effective method to control cholesterol is with a sensible diet. Unfortunately, there are no magic bullets.
Traditional Preparation: Traditionally, 1 to 3 cups of a standard leaf infusion are taken daily after meals; 3-4 ml of a concentrated 4:1 liquid extract, or 3-5 g daily of dried herb in capsules, or tablets can be substituted, if desired. With standardized extract products, follow the instructions on the product label.
Contraindications: None reported for internal use. Dermatitis following contact with the fresh plant and leaves has been reported.
Artichoke has been documented in traditional uses to be hypoglycemic; however, no clinical studies have been published to confirm this action. Diabetics and people with hypoglycemia should use this plant product with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels closely in anticipation of these possible effects.
Drug Interactions: Artichoke extracts have been documented to lower blood cholesterol in human and animal studies and, as such, may potentiate the effects of cholesterol-lowering and statin drugs.
Rain-tree is responsible for the manufacturing of Artichoke Extract and they take full responsibly for their claims.
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