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Globe Artichoke More Than A VegetableGlobe Artichoke or cynarin (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The artichoke has a bitter taste. The enzymes contained in then are good for the digestive tract and in the the past were used to curdle milk for chesse making. Like dandelion root, the extract is a medicinal herb that has been shown to stimulate bile and has fat digesting enzymes that. It stimulates the liver, lowers serum lipids, including cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol, it protects again heart disease. The combined action of dandelion and cynarin aids digestion and helps relieve bloating, nausea and abdominal pain. Increased bile flow also helps to soften the stool by promoting the incorporation of water, thus assisting relief from constipation. 
Like Milk Thistle, the artichoke can protect the liver against the harmful effects of substances such as alcohol. So add that to your arsenal of herbs to help with your hang over! The active ingredient in the artichoke is cynarin which is found in highest concentrations in the leaves. Like silymarin, cynarin extract has protecting and regenerating effects. Artichoke powder is available in different forms and is part of liver cleansing programs.Of course eating artichokes is the best thing you can ad to your diet so stock up next time you are buying vegetables.
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