Globe Artichoke
Cynara scolymus – leaf
Traditionally globe artichoke has been considered as a digestive, liver and gallbladder herb with bitter principles and recent evidence supports this long time use. Experimental and clinical research has shown antioxidant, choleretic, hepatoprotective, bile enhancing and lipid lowering effects.
Globe artichoke leaves help stimulate bile flow from the gallbladder and assist the liver to digest fats. As a liver tonic it may also support the liver’s detoxification processes.
Actions
Primary: hepatoprotective, hepatic trophorestorative, choleretic.
Secondary: cholagogue, bitter, hypocholesterolaemic, anticholestatic, antiemetic, diuretic.
Indications
- Sluggish liver, loss of appetite.
- Indigestion.
- Poor gallbladder health.
Notes
Artichoke leaf has been used as a choleretic and diuretic in traditional European medicine since Roman times.
Artichoke leaf is considered choleretic (bile increasing), hepatoprotective, cholesterol-reducing, and diuretic. Clinical studies have examined its effects in hypercholesterolaemia, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, chronic hepatitis, functional dyspepsia and alcoholic hang-overs.
Contra-indications and Cautions
Contraindicated in patients with bile duct obstruction.
Use with caution in patients with acute or severe hepatocellular disease (e.g. cirrhosis), septic cholecystitis, intestinal spasm, ileus or liver cancer, or unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Flatulence, contact dermatitis, urticaria/angioedema, and feelings of weakness and hunger have been reported.
