Artichoke Powder Extract:

    Artichoke is a member of the milk thistle family; it grows to a height of about 2 m and produces a large, violet-green flower head. The flower petals and fleshy flower bottoms are eaten as a vegetable throughout the world, which has led to its commercial cultivation in many parts of South and North America (chiefly California) as well as in Europe. The artichoke was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans; in Rome, the artichoke was an important menu item at feasts. It wasn't until the fifteenth century, however, that it made its appearance throughout Europe.

    Extracts from artichoke leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of dyspeptic and hepatic disorders. Various potential pharmacodynamic effects have been observed in vitro for mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids (e.g. chlorogenic acid, cynarin), caffeic acid and flavonoids (e.g. luteolin-7-O-glucoside) which are the main phenolic constituents of artichoke leaf extract.

    There is a small amount of preliminary information to suggest that artichoke leaf extract may be beneficial in reducing total cholesterol in patients with elevated total cholesterol.