You are here:About>Health>Alternative Medicine> Conditions & Remedies> High Cholesterol> Artichoke - What You Need to Know About Artichoke
About.comAlternative Medicine
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
Related Sites

Holistic HealingYogaExerciseStress Management

Artichoke

From Cathy Wong,
Your Guide to Alternative Medicine.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

What is Artichoke?

Other names: Cynara scolymus

Artichoke is a plant native to southern Europe, North Africa and the Canary islands.

Artichoke is a food. It's also available in some health food stores and online as a liquid extract or in capsule form.

Why People Use Artichoke

  • Liver or Gallbladder Conditions

    Artichoke is approved by Germany's Commission E for liver and gallbladder complaints. It appears to stimulate the flow of bile.

  • High Cholesterol

    Artichoke extracts are thought to help decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, although it hasn't been proven in human studies.

  • Indigestion

    Side Effects and Safety Concerns

    Artichoke is thought to stimulate the flow of bile, so supplements shouldn't be used if there is a known or suspected blockage of the bile duct.

    Artichoke supplements should be avoided by people with gallstones, unless under the supervision of a qualified health profession, due to the risk of gallstones getting stuck in the bile duct.

    • Updated: February 6, 2008
    Dealing With Heart Disease

    Heart Disease BasicsCommon SymptomsTreatment OptionsReducing Your RiskWomen and Heart Disease

     All Topics | Email Article | | |
    Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
    More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare
    User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy    		©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.