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Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), also known as French lily, globe artichoke, or Jerusalem artichoke, is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast. It was introduced to China from France in the 19th century and has a cultivation history of over 100 years. Artichokes are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, fiber, and other substances, making them a highly nutritious vegetable.

Due to the numerous active substances in artichoke leaves, its most prominent effect is the protection and repair of the liver. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are two enzymes commonly used to assess liver health. In cases of liver damage, the levels of these enzymes are typically elevated as they are released from liver cells into the bloodstream.

A study published in Bionatura in 2021 demonstrated that researchers conducted an experiment in which rats were given 100 and 200 mg/kg of artichoke extract daily. The results showed a decrease in the activity of AST and ALT enzymes. This suggests that artichoke extract has significant potential for addressing liver issues induced by TAA.

The liver, as a vital digestive organ in the human body, plays a central role in the synthesis and secretion of bile, which is crucial for the digestion and absorption of lipid-based foods. Therefore, liver health problems can lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas. Modern medical research suggests that the mechanism by which artichoke extract treats indigestion is by promoting the secretion of bile.

In Europe, artichoke has long been used as an herbal remedy for indigestion. Artichoke extract is used to treat digestive disorders, including abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. In a clinical trial, 20 male patients with acute and chronic metabolic disorders were randomly divided into two groups. One group was given artichoke extract, while the other served as a control group. The results showed that the group taking artichoke extract had a 127.3% increase in bile secretion after 30 minutes, and a 151.5% increase after 60 minutes, with significant differences compared to the control group. This indicates that artichoke extract can be used to treat digestive disturbances caused by insufficient bile secretion, which leads to impaired fat absorption. No side effects of artichoke extract were observed in the study.

In conclusion, artichoke extract, through its unique extraction technology and rich active components, offers a new protective approach for liver health and the digestive system. As scientific research continues to advance, more health benefits may be revealed in the future, making a greater contribution to human health!