The Benefits of Organic Artichoke Leaf

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The artichoke from which organic artichoke leaf is obtained is a domesticated form of a type of wild thistle native to North Africa. It has been cultivated in the Mediterranean since Hellenistic times, and was known to Arab peoples who gave the plant its name (in Arabic, ardishoqi). The domestic artichoke in its globe-shaped form was unknown before the 9th Century of the Common Era however, and did not arrive in the New World until a thousand years later.

Today, the source of bulk organic artichoke leaf thrives in the world's warmer regions, where well over a dozen different cultivars are raised commercially.

Bulk organic artichoke leaf has been the subject of two medical studies in recent years. The result of research done on the effects of organic artichoke leaf has demonstrated that the biochemical substance contained in organic artichoke leaf, known as cynarin, can lower levels of LDL (low-density lipid, or "bad") cholesterol in adults susceptible to this condition. Cynarin was first isolated in the 1930s; while clinically proven to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, it should be emphasized that such therapeutic use of bulk organic artichoke leaf is most effective when it is used to supplement a high-fiber diet and exercise program.

The mechanism appears to lie in the manner in which organic artichoke leaf stimulates the production of bile in the liver, which in turn prevents the absorption of cholesterol when it enters the intestines by way of the gall bladder. This has the further effect of improving digestive health overall.

There has been some apocryphal evidence to suggest that the bulk organic artichoke leaf may ameliorate the effects of over-consumption of alcohol experienced by drinkers the morning after the night before; however, under rigorous scientific conditions, this does not appear to be the case.

In addition to the biochemical cynarin, bulk organic artichoke leaf also contains high levels of chlorogenic acid, which has powerful anti-oxidant properties. Current studies are underway to determine the benefits of bulk organic artichoke leaf as a treatment for cancer, diabetes and even HIV.

Bulk organic artichoke leaf can be ingested in any number of ways. In the Dalat region of Vietnam, dried organic artichoke leaf is ground and placed in tea bags in order to brew an herbal infusion. Powdered organic artichoke leaf can also be taken in capsule form.

It should be noted that some individuals may experience side effects when taking organic artichoke leaf extract. These may include flatulence as well as allergic reactions such as a skin rash, unexplained itching and even difficulty swallowing as well as respiratory difficulties. This should be avoided by persons suffering from gallstones as well.

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