Artichoke Leaf Extract

Artichoke leaf extract is derived from artichokes. This plant has been used for hundreds of years due to its medicinal properties. It has been linked to lower blood sugar levels as well as improved intestinal, heart, and liver health. In ancient Rome, it was used as a diuretic and digestive herb, as well as being used to stimulate an appetite.

Artichoke extract is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It offers vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as important minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, and manganese. Consuming this herbal supplement also offers the benefits of caffeoylquinic acid, cynarin, inulin, and luteolin.

Caffeoylquinic acid is an antioxidant that bonds with toxic compounds and lowers their toxicity

Cynarin is an antioxidant that stimulates bile production. This helps your gut absorb vitamins and digest fats from food.

Inulin is a prebiotic (benefits you by increasing the amount of beneficial microorganisms in your gut).

Luteolin is an antioxidant that can prevent inflammation and cancer.


Gut Health
Because of the components of artichoke leaf extract, it is very beneficial for your gut! While it doesn’t prove to be helpful in completely relieving the pain associated with indigestion, it has proven to be effective in improving the symptoms and quality of life. A study in which 247 people suffering from indigestion consumed this extract daily for six weeks showed that symptoms including flatulence and uncomfortable feeling of fullness were reduced. Artichoke leaf may also relieve bloating, nausea, and heartburn. Due to its concentration of cynarin, it is also effective in accelerating gut movements, fat digestion, and vitamin absorption. Because of the amount of inulin in the herbal extract, it is effective in balancing your gut flora. This just means that it promotes the growth of healthy bacteria while also inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should also know that artichoke leaf can offer effective relief from symptoms! One study concluded that 96% of participants rated the extract equally as effective, if not more effective, than other IBS treatments at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Can Improve Heart Health by lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Artichoke Leaf may reduce the total “bad” LDL cholesterol while also increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. It affects cholesterol in two different ways. First, luteolin is found in artichokes. It is an antioxidant responsible for preventing cholesterol formation in the first place. Next, the extract leads to lower overall levels of cholesterol due to the fact that it encourages your body to process cholesterol more efficiently!

High cholesterol levels can cause plaque formation in the arteries, which contributes to heart diseases. Remember cynarin? It is the antioxidant responsible for stimulating the production of bile. The body’s main method of eliminating cholesterol is through the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. In a study focusing on this fact, hamsters showed an increase in bile acid when given artichoke leaf, which could be a contributing factor in lowering their cholesterol levels. The antioxidant effects of the herb may also lower the amount of plaque in arteries by inhibiting  LDL oxidation.

High blood pressure also contributes to heart disease. Artichoke leaf extract can increase the levels of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide which is responsible for widening blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.

Liver Health
Because cynarin stimulates bile production, artichoke leaf extract can protect the liver by increasing bile production. This helps to remove dangerous toxins from the liver. Artichoke leaf extract reduced liver fat levels and liver damage in a clinical trial of 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver damage. In a separate trial conducted with 30 people, it reduced liver damage due to high blood cholesterol levels. There was also a study in which rats showed lowered DNA damage, more antioxidant enzymes, and higher glutathione levels (a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals).

Antimicrobial
Artichoke leaf extract also slows fungal activity. The extract actively inhibits eight different types of fungi, including those that cause thrush! In a different study, the extract proved to be helpful in fighting bacteria, including those that can cause food poisoning and diarrhea. 

Artichoke Leaf Extract is a wonderful herb to have on hand if you ever suffer from any of these issues. As versatile as it is, please remember that:

Any information given through this platform is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical care or medical advice. Please do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement.





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