Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a common plant in southern Europe. Artichoke leaves contain several bioactive phyto-compounds including caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid), flavonoids and bitter sesquiterpenic molecules (cynarin).
Artichoke extracts are used in the treatment of dyspeptic and digestive complaints; artichoke exert a well known depurative function and support digestion, due to hepato-stimulating and choleretic activities deriving in particular from chlorogenic acid and its derivatives.
Artichoke has also a lipid- and choloesterol-lowering action, and it contains prebiotic fibers, both soluble and insoluble.

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