Artichoke (5% Cynarin)

History:

The Globe Artichoke is a perennial, thistle-like plant that is native to, and widely cultivated in, the Mediterranean countries and adjoining parts of central Europe, but it appears to have it origins in parts of Asia. The Artichoke is a member of the daisy/aster family, and its tuberous root produces a stem that grows to a height of approximately five feet. It has a strong, erect stem and its large leaves are lobed and the edible flower bud is purple-green in color with scales or bracts that enclose it. The plant blooms from July to August. It is one of the world's oldest cultivated vegetables, grown by the Greeks and Romans at the height of their power and used for food and medicine. In ancient Greek mythology, the god Zeus was said to love the Globe Artichoke, which gave rise to its nickname "Vegetable of the Gods." In the first century A.D., Dioscorides recommended applying mashed roots on the body to sweeten offensive odors. Globe Artichokes were first cultivated in Naples, Italy, around the middle of the fifteenth century, and are said to have been introduced to France by Catherine de Medici in the sixteenth century. During the same century, the Dutch introduced Artichokes to England, and the plants were then brought to the United States in nineteenth-century Louisiana by French immigrants and thence to California (where it was widely cultivated) by Spanish immigrants. The name appears to have originated with the Arabic words, ardi shauk, meaning "ground-thorn," via an Italian word, articiocco. The botanical specific is derived from the Greek word, skolymos, which means “thistle," describing the spines found on the bracts (they are not leaves) that enclose the flower heads forming the edible portion of the plant. The Artichoke is now widely cultivated in many places worldwide, but it is not easily grown, since it is exacting in its soil and climatic requirements and thrives in deep, rich, well-drained soil in sun. It requires good soil, regular watering and feeding, plus frost protection in winter. Its leaves, flower heads and root are used therapeutically, and the leaves are cut just before flowering for use either fresh or dried in liquid extracts, syrups and capsules. In recent years the Globe Artichoke has become important as a therapeutic herb, following the discovery of its cynarin content. The French have long used Artichoke juice as a liver tonic in their diets (often high fat), because of the herb's purported ability to break down fat. The Artichoke is highly valued as an epicurean delight: The unopened flower heads are boiled and eaten hot with sauce or melted butter, or cold with vinaigrette; the hearts are marinated, baked or fried. Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including 1- and 3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acids (including cynarin and cholorogenic acid), flavonoids (including luteolin and derivatives, such as glucosides), scolymoside and bitters (sesquiterpene lactones, including cynaropicrin), protein, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, trace minerals and carotenoids.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Artichoke Herbal Supplement is not recommended for those who are allergic to Artichokes or other members of the Compositae (daisy) family. At the recommended amount (and according to the German Commission E Monograph), there are no known side effects or drug interactions. Those who have any obstruction of the bile duct (gallstones) should not take Artichoke because of its bile stimulation.

Capsule Information:
Our Artichoke (5% Cynarin) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.