PROPERTIES/ACTIONS:
Choleretic, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Stimulant, Tonic, Detoxifier, Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Hypocholesterolemic

COMMON NAMES:
Artichoke, Alcachofra, Alcachofera, Artichaut,

PHYTOCHEMICALS Include:
Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Beta-sitosterol, Cynarin, Calcium, Flavonoids, Glycolic-acid, Iron, Luteolin-glucosides, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Pantothenic-acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Stearic-acid, Tannin, Taraxasterol, Thiamin, Vit-B6, Zinc

Alcachofra is the Brazilian artichoke. It effectively flushes uric acid from the system and is used as a diuretic. It increases gall bladder secretions and is used as an auxiliary remedy for digestive disorders. Liver disorders, especially those associated with alcoholism and malaria benefit from Alcachofra. It is thought to have a cleansing and healing effect on both the liver and gall bladder. Alcachofra's high content of iron nourishes the blood. It has also been found to decrease cholesterol and blood pressure.

Artichoke leaf has a reputation as a choleretic (stimulates bile), diuretic and general stimulant. It helps to neutralize excessive acid in the body. It has been used for jaundice and dropsy.

Artichoke has been shown to increase the production and volume of bile flow by as much as four times normal in a 12-hour period. Artichoke protects liver from poisonous effects of toxins in a manner similar to silymarin from milk thistle. It is able to prevent liver damage from the same wide range of poisons as milk thistle. Artichoke extract is also able to stimulate the regeneration of liver cells in much the same manner as does silymayin. The usefulness of artichoke for preventing blood and liver cholesterol elevation in the presence of toxins such as alcohol is also of note. Application in today's world would also include the prevention of liver damage due to air-, water- and food-borne toxins.

HERBAL DEFINITION:
Cholagogue:
An herb which promotes the flow of bile.