Herb
Artichoke
The globe artichoke and its leaf extract, traditionally used to support the liver, bile flow, and healthy cholesterol.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 69/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
The globe artichoke is the edible flower bud of a thistle-like plant. Both the cooked vegetable and concentrated extracts of its leaves have a long history of traditional use for digestion.
📜 Where it comes from
The globe artichoke descends from wild thistles cultivated in the Mediterranean since ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was prized as both a delicacy and a digestive aid. Medieval and Renaissance herbalists in Italy and France continued to recommend artichoke leaf preparations for liver complaints and sluggish digestion. By the nineteenth century, European physicians were using concentrated leaf extracts specifically to support bile production, a use that carried into modern herbal practice.
✨ Why it's good for you
- May help support healthy liver function
- Traditionally used to support bile flow and fat digestion
- May help support already-normal cholesterol levels
- A good source of fiber as a whole food
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 medium cooked artichoke (120g) · about 64 calories
- Fiber 7g
- Vitamin C 12mg
- Folate 87mcg
- Potassium 474mg
Source: USDA FoodData Central
🥄 How to use it
Eat cooked globe artichokes as a food, or take an artichoke leaf extract per the label for digestive and cholesterol support; it works gradually.
How much: Cooked artichoke as a food; or leaf extract per the product label.
Why it works: Artichoke leaves contain bitter compounds that herbalists say stimulate the liver and encourage bile production, which is thought to support fat digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More → and, over time, healthy cholesterol levels.
Show full details & how to prepare it
The globe artichoke is both a nourishing vegetable and the source of a respected digestive remedy. Its leaves contain compounds that gently stimulate the flow of bile... aiding the digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More → of fats and easing that heavy, sluggish feeling after rich meals... and that have been studied for supporting healthy cholesterol and the liver.
Ways to prepare it
⚠️ Cautions
- The food is very safe; avoid concentrated leaf extracts if you have gallstones or a blocked bile duct (it stimulates bile).
- Those allergic to daisies/ragweed may react.
- Liver or gallbladder disease is a reason people typically use the concentrated extract only under a doctor's guidance.
📚 Learn more
🌿 Deeper natural detail
🩺 The conventional view
💬 Ask Remy about Artichoke
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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