Artichoke

Description: Artichokes are popular in all sorts of food dishes. However, the heart is the part used. The other parts such as the head, leaves, and root do have nutritional benefits.

Parts Used: Flower heads, leaves, and roots

Common Use: Artichokes are helpful in treating digestive aliments. Bile secretion is increased because Artichokes contain a compounds called cynarin and scolymoside that enhance this secretion. Due to its diuretic activities, this herb works well in the treatment of kidney diseases.

Origin: Northern United States and Europe

Active Substances: Cynarin, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids scolymoside, inulin, cynaropictin, taraxasterol

Standard: 15% caffeylquiterpene acid and 2-5% cynarin

Pharmacology:

Active Properties:

Directions For Use:200mg daily of herbal extract. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Processing:

Bio-Enhancing:The bio-enhancing agents include turmeric, milk thistle, and licorice root.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:There are no known toxicities. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Artichoke has been used to treat elevated triglycerides and cholesterol.

Analysis:15% caffeylquinic acid: Spectrophotometric Contents of caffeylquinic acids calculated as chlorogenic acid 15.82%, Character yellow-brown powder, pH 5.5, Sulfated Ash 13.8%, Water 1.71%, Heavy Metals <100.0ppm, Total residual organic solvents 0.005%, Ethanol <0.005%. 5% cynarin: Moisture content 4%, Mesh size 100 mesh, pH 4.5-5.5, water soluble, Color brown.