Artichoke Leaf Extract: An herb with many benefits

Artichokes are large plants found mostly in Southern Europe and North Africa. From a medicinal standpoint, it has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments, primarily those of the digestive system and stomach. The extract is taken from the leaves of the plant, not the roots or the flowers, the value of which is undetermined. Today, artichoke leaf extract is considered an herb with many benefits for lowering of ldl cholesterol (the bad kind), assists in the prevention of arterial plaque, and improves detoxification processes of the liver. Because of the many benefits of this herb, it is now grown in many other regions of the world.

History of its use

Artichoke leaf extract was used by the Israelis of the Old Testament, primarily as a digestive aid. Greeks and Romans adopted its use for the same purposes. In the 16 th and 17 th centuries, Europeans used it for the treatment of jaundice, with some recorded successes. Clinical studies in the 1930’s demonstrated that this herb benefited liver conditions. More recent studies have isolated the specific ingredients within the artichoke leaf extract and they have been synthesized for over-the-counter sale.

The health benefits of artichoke leaf extract

There are three ingredients in the artichoke extract which provide health benefits. They are caffeeolyquinic acid (called CCS), flavonoids and bitters. The combination of these ingredients appear to act as an antioxidant, chasing down free radicals which are in the food, water and air taken in by the human body, lower cholesterol and plaque, and are widely used for the treatment of dyspepsia, a chronic condition of discomfort and perhaps burning in the upper stomach. The additional important health benefit of artichoke extract is its effect on the liver. It promotes bile flow which in turn promotes the digestion of fat. When there is more bile in the liver, moreover, it moves into the intestine and assists with peristalsis, removing toxins faster and more effectively.

The lipid lowering benefit of artichoke leaf extract

Perhaps the most important benefit of artichoke leaf extract is in the area of heart health, by reducing lipids. Lipids are fats and are put into the body by the consumption of foods that are fried or that contain high levels of saturated fats, processed sugar, butter, etc. Over-consumption of lipids leads to heart disease and arteriosclerosis, the clogging of major arteries with bad cholesterol (called ldl cholesterol). Cholesterol is simply another term for this bad fat, and probably 100 million Americans currently have ldl cholesterol levels that range from too high to dangerous. Because there can be negative side effects of commonly used cholesterol lowering drugs, artichoke leaf extract can be used as a natural lipid lowering treatment. Artichoke leaf extract has the benefit of breaking cholesterol into bile salts, thus increasing bile production with the additional benefits listed above.

Research studies relative to the health benefits of artichoke leaf extract

Most serious research studies regarding the health benefits of artichoke leaf extract have occurred from the 1990’s forward. Results have included the following:

1. Ldl cholesterol levels have reduced significantly
2. Sufferers of ulcers and acid reflux report that artichoke leaf extract reduced the burning, acidic and uncomfortable symptoms in the upper stomach
3. Ingestion of artichoke leaf extract on a regular basis improves the entire digestive process.

More recently, a number of studies have been and are being conducted to provide information on the potential of artichoke leaf extract in the repair of damaged livers, as well as potential benefits with HIV, cancer and diabetes, as well as Lupus. Early results appear to be promising.

Tolerance of artichoke leaf extract seems to be high

When dosage is as recommended, the vast majority of people tolerate artichoke leaf extract. There have been some reports of increased flatulence with its use, and individuals with gallstones should not use it, because of its production of additional bile. Some individuals have allergic skin reactions when coming into direct contact with the leaf, but these are mild and non-threatening. As always, pregnant women and those who are nursing, should be certain the use of artichoke leaf extract is approved by their physicians.

In summary, the benefits of artichoke leaf extract are numerous.

From ancient times, artichoke leaf extract has shown itself to be an herb with many benefits. Used as recommended it certainly can reduce the level of bad cholesterol, can produce more bile to aid in digestion and the removal of toxins, performs as an antioxidant and shows promising potential use in treatments of HIV, cancer and diabetes. Coupled with such high tolerance, it certainly is a valuable herb.