Theophrastus and the name of Artichoke.

article content dotArticle Content:

How Artichoke acts as a Herbal Remedy?

Artichoke leaf Extract INCI Name Cynara Scolymus Extract CAS 84012-14-6 EINECS ELINCS No 281-659-3 Artichoke thistle extract photo picture image Artichoke Leaf Extract has several interrelated effects:

 1. It increases healthy bile excretion. Increasing bile flow lowers cholesterol and aids in removing toxins from the liver. The excreted bile in the intestines emulsified fats improving the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

 2. It inhibits cholesterol synthesis by indirect inhibition of the enzyme HMGCoA-reductase. Direct inhibition is the method of the "statin" drugs like Mevacor?. Those drugs have side effects which Artichoke Leaf Extract does not. One study showed an average 11.5% reduction in cholesterol and a 12.5% reduction in triglycerides. HDL showed a tendency to increase. Interestingly, the higher the cholesterol level, the more effective it was. It also inhibits the oxidization of LDL cholesterol.

 3. It prevents fat infiltration into the liver.

 4. Like its cousin the Milk Thistle, it protects the liver against toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and alcohol. Also like Milk Thistle, it regenerates damaged liver cells.

 Biological effects: The original use of artichoke since ancient times has been as an aid for indigestion and insufficient liver function. The mechanism of action, however, has been essentially unknown. Recent findings have provided a new foundation for our understanding and discovered additional benefits of the extract, such as antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects.

 The beneficial health side effects of artichoke leaf extract are due to the promotion of bile flow in the body. The increased bile flow promotes the digestion of fat and contributes to the protection of intestinal mucosa, which is sensitive to acids since the bile fluid contains a considerable amount of bicarbonate. Larger quantities of bile acids entering the duodenum stimulate intestinal peristalsis resulting in better digestion. As the human body consumes toxins in many different forms through food, water, and the air we breathe, these toxins constantly bombard the liver. Bile serves as a carrier, moving these toxins from the liver on to the intestine for further elimination.

 When bile excretion is inhibited (cholestasis), these toxins and cholesterol may remain in the liver and have damaging effects. Bile flow inhibition may manifest itself as bile duct obstruction or gallstones. Other reasons that may factor into bile inhibition are excess alcohol ingestion, viral hepatitis, and certain chemicals and drugs.

 Early stages of liver disease and dysfunction often go undiagnosed because such tests as serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, and GGTP levels remain normal. These tests alone are not to be relied upon for sufficient liver disease diagnosis.

 German researchers confirmed bile promotion by artichoke leaf extract with a double blind clinical study. This study proves that high-dose extracts of artichoke leaves increased bile flow into the duodenum of healthy participants compared to placebo recipients. Bile secretion was measured with special techniques at specific times after participants were given either a single dose of artichoke leaf extract or a placebo. Those who received the artichoke leaf extract showed a significantly higher bile secretion than those who received the placebo.

Last PageNext Page

Reference:

citations1.Theophrastus and the name of Artichoke.

last edit date:1st,July.2009.