[[File:Globe-Artichoke-benefits.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Artichoke]]Other Names: Alcachofa, Alcaucil, ALE, Artichaut, Artichaut Commun, Artichaut Sauvage, Artichoke Extract, Artichoke Fruit, Artichoke Leaf, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Artischocke, Artisjok, Cardo, Cardo de Comer, Cardon d'Espagne, Cardoon, Cynara, Cynara cardunculus, Cynara scolymus, Extrait d’Artichaut, Feuille d’Artichaut, Garden Artichoke, Gemuseartischocke, Globe Artichoke, Kardone, Tyosen-Azami.<br>See also : [[File:Globe Artichok benefits.jpg|thumb|350px|left|ArtichokSilymarin]]
==Special Precautions of Artichoke==
* Artichoke is safe in the amounts used in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as a medicine. It has been used safely in research for up to 23 months.
*Gallstones: Artichoke might make gallstones worse by increasing bile flow; use artichoke with caution.
==The benefits of Artichoke are==
Artichoke has chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and intestinal gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower cholesterol.While many people's favorite part is the heart, it is the leaves that contain many of the artichoke's powerful health benefits. It contains a phytonutrient called cynarin that helps offer relief by stimulating the production of bile.
* Upset stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain, when artichoke leaf extract is used. Improvement can take up to 2 to 8 weeks of treatment.
*High cholesterol. Taking a specific artichoke extract (Valverde Artischocke, Novartis Consumer Health) seems to modestly reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and the LDL/high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio over 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.
* Good for the Liver Thanks to cynarin and another antioxidant, silymarin, artichokes are very beneficial to the liver. Studies have found they may even regenerate liver tissue. Artichokes have long been used in folk and alternative medicine as a treatment for liver ailments and the scientific studies are now proving them to be correct.
*Better Digestion : Artichokes help the digestive system. They are a natural diuretic, they aid digestion, improve gallbladder function and, as mentioned above, they are of great benefit to the liver.
*[[Hangover ]] Treatment : Thanks to their positive effects on the liver, many people swear by artichokes as a hangover treatment. Instead of the hair of the dog, try the leaves of an artichoke.
*Cholesterol Reduction : Ingredients in artichoke leaves have been shown to reduce cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. They raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
*High in Fiber : One large artichoke contains a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fiber. A medium artichoke has more fiber than a cup of prunes.
==Main Combination==
* Liver Dysfunction, Hepatitis : Artichoke + [[Milk Thistle]] (or [[Black Radish]])
* Biliary dyskinesia (stimulation of the gallbladder): Artichoke + [[Boldo]] (or [[Black Radish]])
* Sensitive liver : [[Chrysantellum americanum]] + Artichoke
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:fruit & vegetables]]