Artichoke – useful properties, application, treatment

Artichoke (from lat. Cynara) is a perennial herbaceous heat-loving plant from the Compositae family, with large inflorescences belonging to the Astrov family. Cardon is considered its relative. The artichoke was bred by the ancient Arabs, Romans and Greeks. At the moment it is cultivated in North and South America, Europe and especially in France and Italy. In the USSR, this culture was known mainly in the south of the country. Larger heads of artichoke inflorescences are sent for food. There are up to 140 different varieties of artichoke in the world, and of all the species, only 40 are cultivated for sale.

For food, people use the unopened basket of the emerging flower. The mature flower resembles a thistle. You can easily recognize it by its beautiful purple or blue color. This is a rather large, original plant, measuring about 2 meters in height.

Vegetable culture has spread around the world from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region, which are officially considered its homeland. Today it is very popular in California and South America, Central Europe and Africa, Italy, Greece and Australia – these countries cultivate it actively, using it for various purposes. The leaves, like the fleshy receptacle, are edible.

The artichoke edible part, called the “artichoke heart”, which is not difficult to recognize, is the bud of a flower of a plant formed before the phase of direct flowering begins. The flower part that begins to bloom is an inflorescence of many small blooming flowers, as well as the edible base of the plant.

What does an artichoke taste like?

Those who have tasted the artichoke are convinced that its taste is very similar to nutty, but lighter and crisper, not containing the bitterness characteristic of certain types of green vegetables. Sometimes people compare this taste with the flavor notes of asparagus. Nevertheless, this subject of gourmet addiction has a sweet aftertaste, vaguely reminiscent of a “mix” of walnut, Jerusalem artichoke and wood.

Artichoke benefits

This amazing plant is known as medicinal. Its properties have a pronounced hepatoprotective, choleretic effect. But this is not the whole list, it has an excellent effect on lowering blood sugar levels, stabilizing metabolic processes, removing salts of heavy metals and urea from the body.

It is used in the complex therapy of patients with chronic renal failure, severe hepatitis, cholecystitis, urolithiasis, as well as biliary dyskinesia. As a phytopreparation, it is recommended to be taken by the elderly and children.

To date, the artichoke is used in medical institutions in the treatment (mainly in children) of jaundice, hepatitis, cholelithiasis, endarteritis and atherosclerosis.

Composition and calories

The plant extract contains: caffeylquinic and chlorogenic acids, luteolin, inulin, apigenin and sterols. It also contains vital minerals: zinc, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese and copper. ^[1].

The leaves of the plant and extracts from them are characterized by a high content of caffeylquinic acid and luteolin. The fleshy receptacle is a storehouse of caffeylquinic acid and various luteolin derivatives ^[2].

The culture extract contains a large amount of polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, cynarine, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and luteolin 7-O-glucoside.

• Luteolin – It helps to prevent the development of inflammation and cancer.

• Caffeoylquinic acid – an antioxidant. Its functions are to prevent the formation of bonds with toxic compounds and reduce their toxicity.

• Cinarin is another type of antioxidant compound found in artichokes. Its stimulation of bile production enables the intestines to process fats, followed by the absorption of vitamins from food.

• Inulin is an organic substance from the group of polysaccharides. It is a starchy sweet substance of an indigestible nature. It is a natural prebiotic that increases the content of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Artichoke for the liver

Translated from Arabic, artichoke means “earth thorn”. An attractive-looking plant is underestimated today. Few people know that the extract of the leaves of this very “thorn” can protect your liver from damage and promote the growth of new tissues. Groundthorn has the ability to increase bile production, which is an excellent method for removing harmful toxins from the liver.

An ongoing scientific experiment, in which 90 volunteers with a non-alcoholic fatty liver problem took part, concluded that if artichoke extract was taken continuously in an amount of 600 mg, the liver would perform its functions much better. The study was conducted on the basis of a two-month intake ^[3].

A different goal was set in the following experiment involving adults suffering from overweight and fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic). For 2 months, people have been taking an extract of that very “earthen thorn”. All of them had a decrease in liver inflammation and a decrease in fat deposition than before the start of treatment. ^[4].

Scientists are convinced that certain antioxidants contained in this plant (cynarin and silymarin) are partly responsible for these processes.

Benefits for the intestines and stomach

Stabilizes the state of microflora. Artichokes are a wonderful source of fiber, namely, it has a positive effect on the state of the human gastrointestinal tract. Fiber contributes to the development of such essential and indispensably beneficial intestinal bacteria, prevents the risk of developing certain types of intestinal cancer, normalizes bowel movements, relieving constipation and diarrhea.

These wonderful vegetables contain inulin, a special type of fiber that works similarly to a prebiotic. Scientific studies that were conducted with people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract showed the result: the condition of twelve adults improved. This was due to intestinal bacteria after the systematic use of artichoke extract for 3 weeks, containing inulin. ^[5].

Heartburn, flatulence. Patients suffering from symptoms of indigestion, bloating, accompanied by nausea, heartburn, it is necessary to take the extract of “earthorn”. It will relieve the symptoms – it contains cynarine, which acts on them, stimulating the production of bile, normalizing bowel function and improving the digestion of certain fats. 247 volunteer patients volunteered to participate in the study. They consumed the extract of the leaves of the plant daily and after 6 weeks felt positive changes in their body. They were no longer tormented by flatulence, the uncomfortable feeling of a full stomach, as it was before taking artichoke leaf extract, disappeared. ^[6].

irritable bowel syndrome (SRK). Many people experience pain in the abdomen, cramps, have extremely unpleasant symptoms, namely, they suffer from constipation or frequent diarrhea, flatulence and bloating. In medicine, all these symptoms are described by one disease – IBS.

A study in people diagnosed with IBS found that artichoke leaf extract taken daily for 6 weeks helped relieve symptoms. An interesting result was also recorded: almost 96% of participants rated the drug as better and more effective than other methods of treating IBS, including antidiarrheal drugs and laxatives. ^[7].

Another independent review of 208 patients with IBS found that one or two capsules of artichoke leaf extract taken regularly for 60 days reduced symptom scores by 26% and improved quality of life by 20%. ^[8].

Benefits for the heart

Improves cholesterol levels. Artichoke leaf extract can positively affect cholesterol by lowering its level. To prove scientifically and not be unfounded, a medical event was initiated with the participation of seven hundred volunteers. They were given artichoke leaf extract to take every day, while their cholesterol levels were measured. After 5-13 weeks (depending on the individual condition of the people), there was a noticeable decrease in both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol ^[9].

The herbal remedy affects cholesterol in two ways:

1. First, the artichoke contains luteolin, an antioxidant that creates a barrier to cholesterol formation.

2. Secondly, it makes the body process cholesterol more efficiently, which is directly related to its overall level.

An ongoing study involving about 150 people with solid cholesterol levels concluded that artichoke leaf extract, when taken daily for one and a half months, led to a minimization of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol by approximately 19% and 23%, respectively. ^[10].

Researchers conducted experiments on animals in parallel with human studies. The result was in favor of the drug: a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol by 30% and a decrease in triglycerides by 22% were recorded. ^[11].

Helps with hypertension. Artichoke extract can help those who have indicators of high blood pressure. It activates the eNOS enzyme, which dilates blood vessels. But that’s not all – plants are an excellent source of potassium, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure.

A study of 98 male patients with high blood pressure found that daily dietary intake of artichoke extract for 3 months reduced an average of 2,76 mmHg diastolic and 2,85 mmHg systolic blood pressure. ^[12].

Pregnancy Benefits

It has been proven that the inclusion of artichokes in the diet of pregnant women has a beneficial effect on their body. This strengthens not only the body of the expectant mother, but also the fetus. The positive point is that there is a noticeable decrease in the load on the liver, gallbladder (the plant has a mild diuretic property), and the volume of folic acid is also replenished. From the body, which carries an additional load, toxins are removed, an excess amount of water, which manifests itself in the form of edema. The artichoke does not allow early toxicosis to develop. The required level of phtholates is also replenished – substances that ensure the development of the fetus without deviations, eliminate the risk of premature birth.

All gynecologists know about the ability of artichokes to improve uteroplacental blood flow. They are also aware that it promotes the flow of oxygen to the baby. The vegetable is able to alleviate the course of nephropathy for the expectant mother, reduce the likelihood of developing severe forms of gestosis in the second half of pregnancy.

Antitumor activity. Cancer is an insidious disease, researchers are considering all measures of influence. For these purposes, a series of studies on the effect of artichoke on animals was conducted. They proved that the extract slows down the growth of cancer cells. ^[13],  ^[14]. They suggest that the antioxidants contained in the plant, such as quercetin, silymarin, rutin, and gallic acid, contribute to the anti-cancer effect.

The use of juice, infusion and decoction in folk medicine

This plant has been used as a medicine for centuries. Traditional healers knew about its benefits, that it has diuretic, choleretic and hepatoprotective properties. They have used and continue to use this large “thorn” for the treatment of jaundice in patients, the elimination of joint pain, the reduction of cholesterol, and the stabilization of metabolism:

• Fresh artichoke juice to enhance male potency, libido, problems with urination, cleansing the body of alkaloids, preventing the development of dropsy. It is prepared as follows: the plant is crushed with a meat grinder, the mixture is squeezed out, passed through a thick strainer. Ready juice is recommended to use 2 times 50 ml per day before meals 30 minutes. It is also suitable for external use in order to stop baldness (it must be rubbed into bald spots), it can be applied to areas with profuse sweating in order to eliminate the smell of sweat;

• Infusion to reduce uric acid in the joints, removing bad cholesterol, normalizing the work of the central nervous system. It is necessary to prepare 30 grams of leaves, artichoke cuttings. They should be poured with 1 liter of boiling water, close the container with a lid and stand for an hour. During this period, the infusion will be ready, it remains to be filtered, then you can take 400 ml in the morning and evening in between meals;

• Infusion for diseases of the liver and kidneys. With one glass of boiled and hot water, you need to brew 2 teaspoons of dry leaves of the plant, wait 10 minutes, strain – and you can drink. Apply the infusion three times a day, about 20 minutes before meals, half a cup.

• Tea for inflammation of the digestive system. It effectively acts on the mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach, soothing the mucous membrane, which is irritated by an increased amount of hydrochloric acid. For these purposes, medicinal tea is brewed: 1,25 grams of ground dry artichoke is added to the usual green variety. It is recommended to drink such a drink symptomatically three times a day;

• Decoction to relieve and eliminate constipation. Prepared baskets (30 grams) are boiled for 10 minutes in one liter of clean water. Then 1 raw egg yolk is added to this cooled artichoke broth, the mixture is thoroughly mixed and divided into three servings for taking in the morning, afternoon and evening;

• Rinsing with cracks in the oral cavity, stomatitis, seizures. Artichoke inflorescences are crushed, juice is squeezed out, honey is added – the solution is ready for rinsing the mouth, which should be regular – five times a day;

• A decoction for psoriasis, urticaria, eczema. It is necessary to take 30 grams of a ground plant, pour water in an amount of 1 liter and cook for 15 minutes. The broth is cooled, filtered. Then a sterile bandage is taken, moistened in the prepared decoction and applied to the affected area of ​​the skin in the form of a compress.

Artichoke infusion: fresh leaves and inflorescences of the plant are taken in equal volume – half a glass each. Finely chop the raw material, put it in a liter glass bottle and fill it with a glass of alcohol. The ratio is 1 to 1. To extract the active substances and quickly convert them into alcohol, the tincture is corked and kept in a dark place for three weeks. After preparation, a microdose is most often used – 1-2 drops per tablespoon of clean water. The standard way of taking is 15-20 minutes before meals no more than three times a day.

This tincture contains an active substance – it is a bioflavonoid cynarin, it is an antioxidant that binds free radicals. As for the liver, when exposed to it, cynarin in some way stimulates the excretion of waste products of the body from the tissues, while it has a diuretic effect and significantly accelerates the removal of excess salts and fluids from the body.

Artichoke tincture is a hepatoprotector, in other words, all available active substances protect the cells of the liver itself from the action of toxins, this allows you to remove toxins and salt from the body. Along with cynarin, artichoke tincture has flavonoids, inulin, vitamins, tannins, enzymes, and minerals. These and many other biological components make it possible to produce the right amount of bile and digest fats and proteins, they also prevent the development of cholecystitis, and reduce gas formation in the intestines.

TOP 6 artichoke remedies

Based on the artichoke, medicines are presented that have the same mode of action, similar indications for use, the same recommendations for taking. They are strong choleretic drugs, the use of which is contraindicated in patients with problematic biliary tract, acute liver failure, cholecystitis and people with low blood pressure.

1. Vietnamese artichoke extract. Vietnam is famous all over the world for its herbal treatment methods, among which the artichoke is present as an integral ingredient. Artichoke in this country is used in the form of resin and herbal tea. Resin is nothing more than an extract from a plant, it is ductile and dark in color. It should be used like this: take 1/3 teaspoon of the product in a glass of water and dilute until completely dissolved. This drink has a distant resemblance to coffee, you can add milk, honey or sugar to taste.

2. Cholesenol. The drug consists of two components – extracts of artichoke and milk thistle. The drug in the form of capsules is used to treat liver diseases and to prevent diseases. Recommended intake: 1 capsule per day. The duration of admission is one month.

3. Hofitol. The raw material for the manufacture of the extract are artichoke leaves. The extract in the preparation contains 200 mg, in others – no more than 50 mg. The drug will help in a short period to normalize the work of the gallbladder, liver, digestive system. With its help, the body is cleansed of harmful substances.

4. Cinarix. Its action is aimed at eliminating bloating, reducing pain, stopping constipation, flatulence, and nausea. The tool improves appetite, has no side effects. It is recommended to take it from two to three weeks according to the instructions.

5. Artichoke extract from Evalar. Manufacturer France. Its effect is quite mild, with a choleretic effect. Remarkably regulates cholesterol metabolism. Reception is designed for 1 month, repeat is possible.

6. Artichoke Extract by Solgar. The action of the drug is aimed at protecting liver cells, normalizing the choleretic process. It should be taken 3 times a day, one tablet.

[Video] Artichoke from Vietnam – what does it look like? Instructions for use:

How and with what canned artichokes are eaten?

A pickled vegetable has a taste similar to pickled mushrooms, its flesh is dense. They can be served as a snack, cut into slices and poured with oil, you can add a ring of thinly chopped onion.

The appetizer is in harmony with mashed potatoes, boiled rice, baked potatoes. This is a great addition to fish and meat dishes.

Artichoke cubes are added to fresh vegetable salads for piquancy, they can replace pickled cucumbers.

How to choose? Storage

How to buy fresh? When choosing artichokes, select dense and heavy inflorescences, they should not be lethargic or dryish. Color also plays a role: there should be an even green tint, without spots of dark brown. Size doesn’t matter. A healthy vegetable has closed petals. Such fruits are fresh and they will definitely have a delicate, unique taste when consumed.

What if the artichoke inside is purple? The flower itself is purple, so that’s okay. Before eating the artichoke, remove the purple part with a knife, as underneath the purple leaves is a fluffy dun choke that is edible.

Storage. Store artichokes in an airtight plastic bag. The edge of the stem must be trimmed before storage, so that it does not deteriorate during storage. The artichoke does not need to be stored for a long time, after purchase it must be used within a week. You can also freeze the artichoke – so it will not lose its qualities for a longer period.

Artichokes tend to darken during storage, but this disadvantage can be dealt with. To do this, you need to lower the peeled vegetable into water, after adding vinegar or lemon juice (citric acid) there. It is not so easy to peel artichokes for the first time, this will require a certain skill: first you need to remove the rough outer leaves and trim the inner tender ones. Then scrape off the villi that remain under the leaves, now all that is left is the most delicious – the fleshy core. As you can see, the preparation of fruits is not as scary as it seems.

Cleaning work can be skipped if you use canned blanks from cans.

Possible harm to the artichoke

It is important to know that artichokes, introduced into the diet, can rarely lead to side effects. Sometimes the cause of this can be an overdose of the extract of this plant.

Restrictions apply to people:

• with allergieswho may have an allergic reaction to the fruits themselves or an extract from them. Those who are allergic to plant species in this family, including daisies, chrysanthemums, sunflowers and marigolds, are at greater risk;

• With biliary obstruction or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Because of its property to stimulate the movement of bile.

Is it possible for children? Children at an early age (up to 6 years) are advised not to introduce plant baskets into the diet. After 6 years, the product is allowed to be included in the child’s menu gradually and under the supervision of adults. The reaction of the child’s body to an unusual product should be kept under control. If there are side effects from dishes with artichokes – allergic reactions, mouth bitterness, diarrhea or constipation, they should be discarded.