Artichoke Uses and Side Effects of Artichoke
Although the active component of artichoke hasn’t been identified, cynarin or a mono caffeoylquinic acid may have some cholesterol-lowering effects. Cynarin may also have some liver-protective qualities,and it increases bile production.
Artichoke is available as fresh pressed juice or fresh or dried leaf, stem, root, and capsules. Products containing artichoke include Artichoke Ha, Artichoke Power, and Cynara-51 Artichoke.
Benefits And Uses of Artichoke
Artichoke is used to treat dyspepsia, abdominal and gallbladder problems, and nausea. It can also be used as an antidiabetic, antilipemic, diuretic, and liver protectant. However, it’s unknown whether artichoke reduces cholesterol in patients with type IIa or IIb familial hypercholesterolemia. Artichoke has also been used to prevent the return of gallstones.
Administration
- Dried leaf, stem, or root: 1 to 4 g by mouth every day .
- Dry extract: 500 mg by mouth every day in a single dose.
Side Effects of Artichoke
Patients who take herbal artichoke and also take insulin or an oral antidiabetic may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia because both the herb and the drugs have glucose-lowering effects.
Contact dermatitis may be associated with use of artichoke.Those allergic to artichokes, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums and those with bile duct obstruction should avoid using artichoke. Those with gallstones should use artichoke with caution.
Clinical considerations
- Bile duct obstruction should be ruled out before artichoke is used medicinally.
- Monitor blood glucose level in those with diabetes. Advise diabetic patient that artichoke may have a hypoglycemic effect. If he’s taking an antidiabetic, his dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Advise patient to avoid medicinal use of artichoke if he’s allergic to artichokes, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums.
- If patient has gallstones, advise him to consult his health care provider before using artichoke medicinally.
- Advise patient to store artichoke preparations in a tightly closed container away from light.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Artichoke leaf may work by interfering with cholesterol synthesis. Besides cynarin, a compound in artichoke called luteolin may play a role in reducing cholesterol.
Tagged under:antilipemic artichoke artichokes blood glucose level cholesterol chrysanthemums diabetic patient dyspepsia gallstones Herbs hypoglycemia hypoglycemic marigolds Posted by editor on July 14th, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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