Artichoke Roots and leaves of the artichoke contain flavonoids and cynarins (see also in green tea). These substances encourage the production of bile and have a protective effect on liver cells. Furthermore they influence lipometabolism and induce lower blood lipids.Therefore, the artichoke is used as a choleretica and as a regulative medicine against increased concentrations of blood lipids.
In addition to flavonoids the artichoke contains bitters such as cynarin which was originally considered its most efficient element. However, this is found only in very small quantities in the fresh fruit and develops only during extract preparation.
However, common drugs containing artichoke do not contain sufficient quantities of cynarin to justify therapeutic application for patients suffering from hyperlipidemia, meaning elevated blood lipids.
How to use the artichoke
For medical use the artichoke is always processed in the same season and at the same state of maturity, thus ensuring a consistent quality of the capsules. They are used in general against certain indigestions (dyspeptic disorders) especially when they are caused by a disorder of the bile system. Moreover, they are traditionally used to support digestion, to combat flatulence, or to treat lack of appetite. Furthermore, it has an adjuvant effect against increased blood lipids (hyperlipidemia) and protects the liver.
