Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean area. The leaf, stem, and root are used to make extracts, which are used as medicine.
Health Benefits:
- Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can reduce symptoms of indigestion, including nausea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain. It seems to take 2 to 8 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.
- High levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking artichoke extract by mouth can slightly reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. It seems to take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment to see these benefits.