The word Artichoke is drived from the Arabic "arDy shuky," meaning literally my floor has thorns. Artichoke is a perennial, thistle-like plant, originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. Artichoke grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50-80 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8-15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple.

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The peak season for artichoke harvesting is the spring, but they continue to be harvested throughout the summer, with another peak period in mid autumn. Artichokes are perennials, and produce the edible flower only during the second and subsequent year. It requires good soil, regular watering and feeding plus frost protection in winter. Rooted suckers can be planted each year so that mature specimens can be disposed of after a few years, as each individual plant only lives a few years.

Artichoke Benefits

Since the 20th century, uses Artichoke has been used traditionally as food and as a medicinal herb.

• Artichoke also has powerful antioxidant activity.
  

• Artichoke leaves are used by many in connection with gastrointestinal complaints stemming from bile deficiency (in the liver and gall bladder), as well as to stimulate appetite and diuresis.
  

• Artichoke extracts are useful when used in connection with hepato-biliary dysfunction and digestive complaints, such as sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
  

• Artichoke is dry extract could be safely recommended to patients with hyperlipoproteinemia and for possible beneficial effects of vascular problem.
  

• Artichoke has a similar effect to some of the pharmaceutical cholesterol lowering drugs.
  

• Artichoke extracts eliminate the possible formation of Cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its formation.
  

• Artichokes contain phenolic compounds that are thought to have protective effects on cells that are exposed to oxidative stress.
  

• Artichoke also been used to restore the function of a liver that is damaged.
  

• Artichoke extract has also been successfully used in the favorable effects of an eroded sore in the inner lining of digestive track syndrome.

Artichoke Uses

Large artichokes can be filled with seafood or bread crumb stuffings, whole bottoms can be stuffed and baked or garnished with poached eggs. When sliced and sautéed, the bottoms can be used as a garnish for pasta, pizza, or omelets.
Small artichokes can be fried whole, pickled, steamed and marinated for a salad garnish. Steamed and halved, also artichokes can be added to braised chicken, veal, lamb, or seafood dishes.
Hot artichokes are often accompanied by melted butter; lukewarm or chilled artichokes by a mayonnaise or vinaigrette.

Artichoke Dosage

(250 to 750mg, daily) Dosage Range.
(250mg, twice daily) Common Dosage.
(320mg/capsule) Dosage of 1 - 2 capsules 2 - 3 times a day for 6 weeks.

Artichoke Cautions

Some may be allergic, consult doctor if pregnant or nursing, not to be used by children under 2 without doctor recommendation, do not use if bile duct obstruction is present.