A Few Facts About Artichoke Extract
Artichoke extract is a dietary supplement, taken to treat various conditions. The extract is taken from the leaves of the Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), and not from the bud or fruit of the plant, the part of the plant we eat.
Since artichoke extract is marketed as a dietary supplement, there does not need to be any accompanying proof or evidence regarding its effectiveness or whether it's safe to use. In general however it is considered to be effective in treating or relieving certain conditions, and the extract is generally considered safe, although there are a few side effects, none considered to be serious. Any cautions that are published regarding the use of artichoke extract are usually based on what is not known about the supplement, rather than what is known.
The use of artichoke extract is not generally recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women, simply because the side effects, if any, especially long term side effects, are not yet well understood. For that matter, artichoke extract has not been proven to be safe for anyone to take, although what evidence there is available suggests it is. The components found in artichoke leaves, and consequently in the extract, are known, and the major benefits claimed appear to be fairly well documented. Unlike some dietary supplements, artichoke extract is not advertised as a wonder drug or a supplement that cures everything from baldness to cancer.
Proof Of Benefits Requires Further Study - Artichoke extract is known to have high antioxidant properties, appears to be effective as an aid in reducing cholesterol, and is generally considered to be beneficial in stimulating bile release. As far as treating hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, is concerned, tests have been conducted on both animals and humans. The results are generally promising although more studies are needed before the extracts use as a means of lowering cholesterol levels can be widely recommended. On a more practical note, artichoke extract is thought to be very effective when it comes to treating alcohol induced hangovers, although there is as yet no clinical proof that this is indeed the case.
In all of these cases, it can be said that more studies need to be taken before the claims made can definitely be considered irrefutable. Like many dietary supplements, artichoke extract may or may not treat what ails you, and may or may not be safe to take, though most believe it is. Recommended dosages are usually based on German studies, where most of the clinical work with the extract has been done. Still, the recommended dosage range varies rather widely, and depends on whether one takes the extract, the dried leaves, or a tincture.
Side Effects Of Artichoke Extract - The side effects of ingesting artichoke leaves or the extract are generally fairly mild, if experienced at all, although there are a few cautions worth observing. Those who are allergic to the artichoke flower or fruit should not take the extract, if for no other reason than the concentration of the extract, hence the concentration of any allergens present, could be significant. Most of the side effects people experience are those of mild gastrointestinal disorders, including flatulence. There have been reports of kidney failure, though it's uncertain whether the artichoke leaves or extract are solely to blame. People with kidney disease or gall bladder problems are advised not to take the extract.
There are some indications that artichoke extract can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, especially if taken in conjunction with other food items which can cause an increased risk of bleeding. Just why this is so is not known at the present time, although there are some schools of thought which believe too high a dosage may be to blame.