The Globe Artichoke (Cynara) is one of the oldest medicinal plants used as a remedy, dating back to 4th century B.C. Ancient Greeks and Romans utilized the artichoke primarily as a digestive aid. Since then it spread gradually throughout Europe. The success is explained by the artichoke's health benefits. Having a powerful effect on the production of bile and fat-digesting enzymes, the artichoke improves digestion and liver function. Moreover, the artichoke lowers cholesterol levels by reducing absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, with less cholesterol being synthesized in the liver and more being eliminated.

German researchers confirmed the bile promotion of the artichoke leaf extract with a double blind clinical study. The increased bile flow promotes the digestion of fat and contributes to the protection of intestinal mucosa, which is sensitive to acids. Larger quantities of bile acids entering the duodenum stimulate intestinal peristalsis resulting in better digestion. As the human body consumes toxins in many different forms through food, water, and the air we breathe, these toxins constantly bombard the liver. Bile serves as a carrier, moving these toxins from the liver on to the intestine for further elimination. When bile excretion is inhibited, toxins and cholesterol may remain in the liver and have damaging effects. Bile flow inhibition may lead to bile duct obstruction or gallstones. Other reasons of bile inhibition are alcohol ingestion, viral hepatitis, and certain chemicals and drugs.

The liver-detoxifying and protective properties of the artichoke first came to the attention of researchers in a 1966 study that supported its effect on liver regeneration in rats. Another research found the artichoke's cynarin and caffeic acids have significant protective effects against harmful chemicals. The artichoke's liver protective properties are partly attributed to its documented antioxidant actions. The antioxidant properties were confirmed in a 2000 study that focused on human white blood cells under various induced oxidative stresses.

Symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, stomachache, and constipation are all alleviated with artichoke tea. The improved bile secretion that the artichoke promotes aids digestion, especially of fatty foods, and also increases bowel movement thus reducing constipation. At the same time, artichoke preparation is well tolerated. A 1999 clinical investigation focused on gallbladder function, which showed the efficacy and safety of artichoke extracts in the treatment of hepatobiliary dysfunction and digestive complaints, such as sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. Also, another research showed that 96% patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) rated artichoke leaf extract as better than or equal to previous therapies administered for their IBS symptoms.

Our food is often made with hydrogenated oils, saturated fats, high amounts of processed sugar, and fruits lacking important nutrients. As a result we are prone to higher cholesterol, which often is responsible for heart attacks, the leading cause of death. Clinical trials over the last 30 years have found that the artichoke leaf lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels tend to increase. In the 1970s, European scientists first documented the artichoke's ability to lower cholesterol in humans. One of the more recent studies, published in 2000, was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. For six weeks, 143 patients with high cholesterol were given artichoke preparation. The results showed a decrease of 10-15% in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and ratio of LDL to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Many of us cannot resist the temptation to eat junk food in front of the TV or drink beer in a local pub with friends. As a result our liver is under constant stress and our cholesterol level increases. Despite the harmful effects, we find it hard to change our lifestyle. Fortunately, artichoke herbal tea is a solution for tolerating the ingestion of fatty foods and alcohol. The artichoke improves digestion, protects the liver, and lowers cholesterol.