Health Benefits of Globe Artichoke
Globe artichoke has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine dating back to the 16th century. It was used in cases of jaundice, oedema (fluid retention) and urinary stones.
Taken internally it was also used as a deodorant and to help relieve the symptoms of rheumatism. Globe Artichoke contains a substance known as cynarin, a phenolic acid found in the leaves of the herb. This substance is thought to be responsible for the traditional use of Globe Artichoke as an agent to help lower elevated blood cholesterol and protect the liver.
Summary of benefits
(confirmed by Clinical Trials – details available):
- Globe Artichoke may help to prevent Atherosclerosis
- Globe Artichoke may alleviate various ailments of the Kidneys (due to Cynarin)
- Globe Artichoke may increase the contractive power of the Bile Duct, thereby improving the flow of Bile from the Liver to the Gallbladder via the Bile Duct
- Globe Artichoke may lower total serum Cholesterol levels (due to Cynarin) and may inhibit the endogenous production of Cholesterol
- Globe Artichoke may improve the metabolic function of Diabetes Mellitus patients (due to Inulin which improves Blood Sugar control)
- Globe Artichoke may increase the flow of Bile from the Gallbladder (due to Cynarin) - i.e. it functions as a Choleretic
- Globe Artichoke may protect and regenerate the Liver - similar to Milk Thistle (due to Cynarin): It will also increase the production of Bile by the Liver (due to Cynarin)
- Globe Artichoke may lower elevated serum Triglycerides levels (due to Cynarin)
- The Inulin content of Globe Artichoke may help to promote the growth of Bifidobacteria within the Digestive Tract.
28 Oct 2007
Source: Vital Times Newsletter, Vol 3
