Artichoke is used to treat dyspepsia,
and bile stasis.
Effects
1) Laboratory experiments showed
liver cells grown in test tubes and exposed to carbon tetrachloride
(a toxin to liver cells) die quickly, but if it is added with caffeic
and quinic acids, two organic acids contained in artichokes, damage
can be prevented.
2) 2. The flavonoids and polyphenols contained in artichoke
leaves are potent antioxidants, e.g. anti free radicals.
3) 3. When artichoke extract was introduced into the gallbladder
of patients suspected of having gallbladder disease through a duodenum
drainage tube, there was a very significant increase in bile flow,
compared to placebo. This reflected the ability of the Artichoke
to increase bile flow as an evident.
4) 4. Clinical trial with phospholipids (EPL), pyridoxal-phosphate
(PP) and cynarin in patients with high cholesterol have yielded
inconclusive results, but at least in the test tube, cynarin has
impressive antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions.
Concerns
A study with 62 volunteers took an
artichoke extract for two years, the ability of their platelets
to aggregate (the initial step of the clotting process), was reduced
by 51%. Basic on this study, it is hard to confirm if such a reduction
could be clinically important, but patient has bleeding disease
or under anticoagulant treatment should aware this fact.
Precautions
None. Except use for bleeding patient or
under anticoagulation therapy.
Dosage
300 -1,200 mg. per day of Artichoke
extract. 1.5 gm.per day of Artichoke powder.
Summary
Studies showed Artichoke can protect liver cells
from exotoxin and increases the bile flow. Dried artichoke powder
contains EPL, PP and cynarin which are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants
were believed to play a role in preventing cancer, heart disease,
and aging. If Artichokes can lower cholesterol have yet to be proven.
There are no Artichoke serious intoxication reported, but bleeding
patient or patient under anti-coagulation therapy should not take
Artichoke because of its effects on clotting.
Interesting Facts
Dried artichoke powdered has traditionally
been used to treat liver disease. Herbalists classify artichoke
as a "cholagogue," substances that can make the gallbladder
contract and release bile. In the past, extracts of artichoke were
used to curdle milk for cheese making.
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