What it is: Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a member of the thistle family. The globe variety, with its tasty, thorn-tipped leaves and succulent heart, has been prized as a vegetable, records show, for at least 2,000 years. What folk medicine says: Medicinal uses date back to the 4th century BC. In 1633, the English herbalist John Gerard wrote that artichoke buds boiled in wine "provoke urine and stir up the lust of the body." What we know: Artichoke lowers cholesterol. In Germany, doctors commonly recommend artichoke leaf extract (ALE) for indigestion problems.
What new research confirms: In a rigorously designed scientific study of 247 people with indigestion, those who took ALE experienced a 15% improvement in such symptoms as flatulence, fullness, and "early satiety" (losing your appetite after taking a few bites). In addition, 86% of the extract takers rated their symptom relief as "satisfactory." ALE is considered a safe, effective treatment for indigestion.How it works: ALE increases the flow of bile, and that speeds food through the digestive tract--which may be why ALE eases feelings of bloating and fullness. This action plus ALE's ability to increase bile acid production may explain the extract's cholesterol-lowering effects. What to buy: A good artichoke leaf extract made by Herbalist & Alchemist is available at most health food stores or by calling (800) 611-8235. Dose: one teaspoon, three times a day.
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Sara Altshul
Former Prevention alternative medicine editor Sara Altshul is now a freelance writer based in Rome, Italy.