Stuffed with breadcrumbs or with hearts removed and baked into a cheesy dip, you probably know artichokes better as a gourmet treat than an herbal remedy. But artichoke extract is known to provide a variety of health-promoting benefits, from encouraging healthy digestion to strengthening liver function.
Made from the long, serrated basal leaves of the artichoke plant, artichoke extract is believed to enhance bile production, which helps the liver regulate its production of cholesterol. Bile also plays a part in the removal of toxins from the body, so its healthy flow is important to overall health.
Artichoke may also stimulate production of digestive juices, promoting healthy digestion. An informal study in 2001 showed that supplementing with artichoke extract for six weeks notably improved symptoms of individuals suffering with irritable bowel syndrome. More research, however, is needed to confirm these effects.
The recommended daily dose of artichoke extract is one to two capsules with meals daily. You may also find artichoke in combination formulas with milk thistle, which also promotes healthy liver function.