Artichokes can be delicious to eat but they also offer medicinal benefits. This article will lay out the primary medicinal benefits of the humble artichoke (Cynara scolymus).
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What are artichokes?
Artichoke is a perennial thistle with large, edible flower buds characterized by thick, fleshy leaves and a meaty heart.
Native to the Mediterranean region, artichokes are cultivated in areas with mild climates worldwide.
Primary Compounds
Artichokes contain various bioactive compounds, including cynarin, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones. It also contains cynaroside, flavonoids (e.g., luteolin), and caffeoylquinic acids.
Traditional Uses
Artichoke has been used in traditional Mediterranean medicine for centuries to support liver and digestive health.
Traditional herbalists also utilized artichoke preparations to alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia, such as bloating and flatulence.
Health Benefits
Liver Health
Artichoke is known for its hepatoprotective properties, aiding in liver function and promoting detoxification.
Artichokes have been shown to support liver health by promoting the production of bile, a substance that helps digest fats and eliminate toxins from the body. This can help improve liver function and protect against liver disease.
Digestive Aid
Artichokes are high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and keep your digestive system healthy. The fiber in artichokes can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness, making them a great addition to a weight loss diet.
Artichokes also stimulate bile production, which aids in digestion and may alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
Rich in nutrients
Artichokes are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help boost your immune system, support bone health, and regulate blood pressure.
High in antioxidants
Artichokes are a great source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Cholesterol Management
Artichoke extract has been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Artichoke may help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting its excretion.
Support heart health
The high levels of potassium and magnesium in artichokes can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health.
Clinical Research
Numerous clinical studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of artichoke extract on liver function, cholesterol levels, and digestive health.
A randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine demonstrated the efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with mild hypercholesterolemia.
Another study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that artichoke leaf extract improved liver function and reduced markers of liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Artichoke's versatile therapeutic properties make it a valuable ingredient in both traditional and modern herbal medicine. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and optimize its clinical applications.
Scientific References
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C, Simpson HC. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2008 Feb;22(6):821-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2400.
Englisch W, Beckers C, Unkauf M, Ruepp M, Zinserling V. Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000 Mar;50(3):260-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1300287.