Artichokes are delicious when steamed and served with butter and herbs, and artichoke hearts are a favorite ingredient in antipasto dishes as well as salads and as a pizza topping.
Organic artichoke leaf is among a number of traditional herbal remedies that have been the subject of scientific studies. One of the oldest cultivars, artichokes were used by the ancient Greco-Romans of the Hellenistic Period as a digestive aid. It was believed to increase the liver's production of bile.
In 1998, a study was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in which artichoke extracts were shown to reduce the production of cholesterol in laboratory rats. A second study, published ten years later in the journal Phytomedicine, showed a similar effect in healthy adults. In 1998, Germany's Commission E, which at one time was responsible for the regulation of therapeutic herbs, approved the use of organic artichoke leaf as a treatment for digestive problems.
Organic artichoke leaf has no known side effects, though it may cause dermatitis in persons who are susceptible to skin allergies.
You can purchase bulk artichoke leaf from Starwest Botanicals at reasonable prices and assurance that you are getting the best quality for your money. All Starwest Botanical products come with a money-back guarantee if you fail to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
