Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus) Leaf Extract
Benefits of Artichoke
- Gut microbiome
- Digestion
- From: Mediterranean
- Form: Extract
- Food source: Artichoke
What is Artichoke?
A famously tedious food to prepare, artichokes are a staple of Mediterranean cooking and have been used for centuries in traditional herbal practice. The common assumption is that artichokes are a vegetable. In fact, they're a thistle, from the same plant family as milk thistle.
Artichokes are also a prebiotic. This means they contain certain fibres, notably inulin, that feed the trillions of microorganisms living in our gut. The 'gut microbiome' matters not only for digestion but for our whole body.
What does the research say about Artichoke?
Artichoke leaf extract has been studied for its effects on digestion and the digestive tract, and on blood lipid and cholesterol levels. So it's worth the effort of getting past those coarse leaves!
Artichoke leaves contain a compound called cynarin, which has been studied for its role in supporting the liver's production of bile. Bile is made in the liver and released into the gut, where it helps us digest fats. Milk thistle is known for a different compound, silymarin, which has been studied extensively in relation to the liver.
In a study in healthy adults, a long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke increased levels of beneficial bifidobacteria.
You may also be interested in reading '5 signs your liver needs a detox'.
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