• Traditionally used to help support cholesterol, constipation, abdominal pain and cramps, gallstones and much more.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. The artichoke is one of the world's oldest nutraceutical plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value on the plant - it is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and sacrifice. Moreover, this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a digestive aid. In sixteenth-century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty. It can also be tried to lower cholesterol, as a digestive aid, for liver protection and gallstones.

Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3 dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and scolymoside. The choleretic (bile stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a placebo- controlled trial involving 20 healthy volunteers. After the administration of 1.92 grams of standardized artichoke extract directly into the duodenum, liver bile flow increased by 127.3% and 151.5% at the 30- and 60-minute mark, respectively. This choleretic effect has led to the popular use of artichoke extract in Europe for the potential to help support symptoms of mild dyspepsia and indigestion-particularly following a meal high in fat. In an open-label study with 553 persons suffering from non-specific digestive disorders (including dyspepsia and indigestion), 320-640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract taken three times per day was found to help support nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence in over 70% of the study participants.

The plant can also be employed therapeutically in supporting elevated lipid levels, although with mixed results. For example, a research study in the late 1970s using cynarin at a daily amount of either 250 mg or 750 mg concluded that it did not alter cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with familial high cholesterol after three months of therapy. In contrast, however, a recent open-label European study (partially summarized above) suggests that artichoke is efficacious in altering lipid values. After using a standardized artichoke extract (320 mg/capsule) at an amount of one to two capsules two to three times a day for six weeks, total cholesterol and triglyceride values decreased significantly by an average of 11.5% and 12.5%, respectively. HDL-cholesterol levels did not rise significantly. The results of this study, however, must be questioned because of the lack of dietary control and the lack of a placebo group.

While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the increased reduction of cholesterol because of the plant's choleretic action. In test tube studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to help avoid LDL-cholesterol oxidation. Moreover, artichoke leaves may be liver protective, as test tube results have demonstrated its effectiveness against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity.

The root of the Artichoke is diuretic and aperitive. It is used as such, macerated in white wine, for dropsy, jaundice, abdominal congestion accompanying or following intermittent fever. Wilson claims to have obtained good results in the similar cases from Artichoke juice in a dose of 30-100 grams.

Before the discovery of quinine, the Artichoke can be used as a febrifuge. The extract acts in the same way as all plant bitters and astringents; but the main cause of its value wherever it has been used - more particularly for diarrhea, especially chronic diarrhea in children which is so difficult to help support - is certainly due to the fact that it is rich in bitter extractive principles.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. The artichoke is one of the world's oldest nutraceutical plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value on the plant - it is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and sacrifice. Moreover, this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a digestive aid. In sixteenth-century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty. It can also be tried to lower cholesterol, as a digestive aid, for liver protection and gallstones.

Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3 dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and scolymoside. The choleretic (bile stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a placebo- controlled trial involving 20 healthy volunteers. After the administration of 1.92 grams of standardized artichoke extract directly into the duodenum, liver bile flow increased by 127.3% and 151.5% at the 30- and 60-minute mark, respectively. This choleretic effect has led to the popular use of artichoke extract in Europe for the potential to help support symptoms of mild dyspepsia and indigestion-particularly following a meal high in fat. In an open-label study with 553 persons suffering from non-specific digestive disorders (including dyspepsia and indigestion), 320-640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract taken three times per day was found to help support nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence in over 70% of the study participants.

The plant can also be employed therapeutically in supporting elevated lipid levels, although with mixed results. For example, a research study in the late 1970s using cynarin at a daily amount of either 250 mg or 750 mg concluded that it did not alter cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with familial high cholesterol after three months of therapy. In contrast, however, a recent open-label European study (partially summarized above) suggests that artichoke is efficacious in altering lipid values. After using a standardized artichoke extract (320 mg/capsule) at an amount of one to two capsules two to three times a day for six weeks, total cholesterol and triglyceride values decreased significantly by an average of 11.5% and 12.5%, respectively. HDL-cholesterol levels did not rise significantly. The results of this study, however, must be questioned because of the lack of dietary control and the lack of a placebo group.

While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the increased reduction of cholesterol because of the plant's choleretic action. In test tube studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to help avoid LDL-cholesterol oxidation. Moreover, artichoke leaves may be liver protective, as test tube results have demonstrated its effectiveness against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity.

Artichoke leaf can be used to help support liver and gallbladder problems, helping lower cholesterol, weight gain, tired limbs, and additionally it is used in small doses before meals to address digestive weakness. Artichoke contains an acid substance called cinarin, along with inulin, enzymes, tannin, and sugars. Pharmacological actions include hepatic, biliary fluidifying, cholagogic, diuretic, digestive, anti-cholesterol, and fat reducing. Artichoke originates from the Mediterranean area, where it is found wild on the island of Crete. It has a long traditional usage as a general detoxifier especially for liver issues.

Dried artichoke powder contains potent antioxidants that may have a role in improving cardiovascular health, and aging. Modern laboratory studies suggest that artichokes contain compounds that can protect the liver from external toxins such as carbon tetrachloride. There is even some evidence that traditional herbalists were right that artichokes promote the flow of bile. Claims that artichokes can lower cholesterol have yet to be proven. There are no reports of serious toxicity, although patients with bleeding disorders should be concerned about possible adverse effects on clotting.

Artichoke leaves and extracts thereof are mainly used to help support dyspeptic problems. It is known to increase the flow of bile and to detoxify and protect the liver. Observations and human studies have shown that the herb lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Globe Artichoke
Cynara scolymus L.

Family: Asteraceae.

Other Names: Artichaut (French); Artischocke (German); carciofo (Italian); alearrhofa, alcachofera (Spanish).

Description: Globe artichoke is a robust perennial herb of up to 2 m in height with sturdy flowering stems arising each year. The large, compound leaves are silvery-grey in colour and the conspicuous flower heads have green bracts and purple florets.

Origin: Europe (thought to be an old cultigen); now widely cultivated.

Parts Used: Fresh or dried leaves (Cynarae folium).

Therapeutic Category: Choleretic, liver protectant, lipid lowering.

Active Ingredients: Artichoke leaves contain numerous phenolic acids, including caffeic acid, monocaffeoylquinic acid derivatives (such as chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid) and dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives such as cynarin (1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid). They also contain a bitter sesquiterpene lactone (up to 4%), cynaropicrin. In addition, various flavonoids (rutin, luteolin) and sesquiterpenes (especially caryophyllene and beta-selinene) are present.

Health Effects: Hepatoprotective properties were demonstrated in isolated liver cells. The choleretic and hepatoprotective properties are attributed to cynarin, to chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid. Cynarin is thought to be responsible for lowering the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in blood. Clinical studies have shown definite choleretic and lipid lowering effects of leaf extracts (it could therefore play a role in supporting arteriosclerosis). Cyanopicrin, as bitter substance and tonic, may be involved in the improvement of appetite and digestion.

Notes: The involucre bracts and receptacle of the young flower heads are eaten as a popular vegetable. It is interesting to note that the bitter substance cyanopicrin is found in the leaves and not in the fully mature flower heads.

Status: Traditional health; Pharm.; Comm. E+ (dyspeptic problems only).

Preparation and Dosage: A daily dose of 6 g dose of the product (or an equivalent dose in preparations) is recommended.

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TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.

TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.

The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.

The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.

The TerraVita Premium Collection is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.