Artichoke is a relative of Milk Thistle and is one of the oldest known cultivated plants in the world. It has a long history of use as an aid to health and modern research has now identified its main components and mechanisms of action.

Perhaps the best known application for artichoke is the support of liver health and gastrointestinal function. A clinical study showed significant improvements in patients with symptoms of poor digestion after they were administered artichoke leaf extract for 14 days.

Research has also demonstrated that artichoke leaf extract promotes the flow of bile, which is a substance required for absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. The other main role of bile is to aid detoxification, which is the liver's primary role. Bile also romotes intestinal peristalsis, which is needed for proper colon function and elimination.

Artichoke leaf extract also possesses significant antioxidant activity and has been shown to stimulate the regeneration of healthy liver cells.

Additional research on artichoke leaf has focused on its beneficial role on the cardiovascular system and its ability to support healthy blood lipids.