What effect do artichokes have?
The most important ingredients in the leaves of the artichoke plant are caffeic acid, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid, cynarin, bitter substances (around six percent), flavonoids and sesquiterpenes (bitter substances). They are thought to be responsible for the healing effect of artichokes.
Artichokes (Cynara scolymus) promote the production and secretion of bile and thus improve fat digestion. Artichokes also lower cholesterol levels and overall blood lipid levels. Existing cholesterol deposits on the blood vessel walls can also be dissolved.
In addition, the ingredients in artichokes protect the liver via various mechanisms and have a detoxifying effect. Last but not least, they stimulate the activity of the intestinal muscles, which also aids digestion.
Together, the ingredients in artichoke leaves have a very positive effect on digestion and the liver. The extracts of the leaves are therefore recognized for the treatment of so-called dyspeptic complaints, also known as irritable stomach syndrome – especially if these are caused by disorders of the liver-bile system. These complaints include
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- heartburn
- feeling of fullness
- flatulence
- Nausea and vomiting
Artichokes as a food
The flowers and fleshy bracts are considered a delicacy when cooked. However, they are not nearly as beneficial for the ailments mentioned as an extract from the leaves, as cooking renders a large proportion of the ingredients ineffective. However, the cooked parts of the plant have a high content of soluble fiber. Artichokes therefore support weight loss.
How is the artichoke used?
Artichoke leaves are available in various forms for medicinal use to treat gastrointestinal complaints: Dried and crushed for artichoke tea, artichoke capsules, as a dry extract, fresh plant press juice and aqueous extracts. The dry extract is obtained from both dried and fresh leaves and is available in the form of artichoke tablets, artichoke capsules or artichoke lozenges. The recommended daily dose is three to six grams of the medicinal drug.
In contrast to artichoke vegetables, artichoke juice, which is produced from the unblossomed flowers, still contains a large proportion of the active ingredients. The effect of artichoke juice is therefore good and helps with irritable stomach or to protect the liver.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
If you want to lose weight with the help of artichokes, you should regularly consume the flower base and the fleshy part of the cooked leaves as a side dish. However, this alone will not help you lose weight. Rather, you should also make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and include plenty of exercise and sport in your life.
What side effects can artichokes cause?
Anyone who is allergic to composite plants (Asteraceae) may also be hypersensitive to artichokes (cross-allergy). Well-known asteraceae include arnica, camomile, mugwort, echinacea, marigold and sunflower.
Very rarely, mild diarrhea, upper abdominal discomfort, nausea and heartburn may occur.
What you should bear in mind when using artichokes
- Artichoke leaves must not be taken in the case of a bile obstruction or gallstones.
- As there are no relevant safety studies available, pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of twelve should refrain from using artichoke preparations.
How to obtain artichoke products
You can obtain various preparations containing artichokes from your pharmacy or drugstore. For the correct use of artichoke capsules or other medicinal forms, please read the relevant package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are artichokes?
The artichoke (Cynara scolymus), which belongs to the Asteraceae family, originally comes from North Africa. Today, the non-hardy plant is cultivated in agricultural crops in the Mediterranean region and in Central Europe. Artichokes from the Mediterranean region are mainly used for sale as a vegetable plant, while plants cultivated under controlled conditions in Central Europe are used for the production of medicinal products.
The artichoke is a herbaceous plant that resembles thistle plants in appearance: Large, one to two pinnate, occasionally spiny leaves, which are tomentose on the underside, form a basal rosette. From this, a sturdy, leafy stem rises almost two meters into the air. Up to three conspicuous flower heads, about 15 centimeters in size, grow at the ends. These inflorescences consist of numerous blue-violet tubular flowers surrounded by bracts arranged like bricks.
