Artichoke cools the liver and relieves heat.

Artichokes contain two important active compounds, cynarin and silymarin, which help restore liver function and are found abundantly in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.

On May 19th, Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, from the Traditional Medicine Department of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, stated that artichoke is considered a "miracle cure" for the liver, with the ability to cleanse toxins.

In addition, artichoke contains inulin, inulinase, tannins, and organic salts of metals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. These compounds help lower cholesterol and urea levels in the blood, stimulate bile production and secretion, and act as a diuretic. It is often used as a medicine to promote bile flow, relieve urinary problems, and treat liver and kidney diseases.

Animal and human studies have shown that artichoke stimulates the liver and gallbladder, prevents gallstones, combats liver toxicity, and lowers blood lipids. Regarding its liver detoxification effects, the simultaneous presence of cynarin, mineral salts, and sesquiterpene lactone helps regenerate liver cells. Therefore, artichoke is recommended for people with viral hepatitis, liver toxicity due to excessive use of harmful drugs, high blood lipids, and poor digestion due to bile acid deficiency.

Although artichokes provide very low energy (40-50 kcal), are low in fat and protein, they are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, sulfur, and magnesium, making them particularly suitable for people with diabetes. The flowers also help eliminate toxins for those with imbalances caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Artichoke-based drink. Photo: Health Care — Artichoke-based drink. Photo: *Health Care*

According to traditional Chinese medicine, artichoke leaves have a bitter taste. The parts used are fresh or dried leaves and artichoke flowers, which are decocted or boiled into a liquid extract, with a dose of 2-10g of dried leaves per day.

Artichoke flowers are brewed into a tea and used fresh (10-20g) or dried (5-10g) in cases of liver pain, stomach pain, indigestion, insufficient milk production in postpartum women, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, and general weakness.

However, people should use it in moderation; excessive use can lead to complications such as liver damage, spasms of the smooth muscles of the digestive system, bloating, and fatigue.

Thuy Quynh

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