An extract from a medicinal Mediterranean plant called "Artichoke Extract" has long been known for its body-cleansing properties. Ancient healers preferred the juice of the plant to cause a diuretic effect or to normalize the patient's digestion.
Artichoke preparations for a long time were available only to we althy people, since not everyone could afford to be treated with artichoke leaves because of their high cost. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces artichoke leaf extract in the form of tablets or capsules, as well as in liquid form.
What is the use of an exotic plant?
The therapeutic effect of artichoke is caused by a whole complex of biologically active components: bioflavonoids, caffeol, chlorogenic and quinic acids, inulin and cynarin, pectins, sequiterpene lactone, tannins. Artichoke extract is also rich in polysaccharides, s alts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, as well as carotene, ascorbic acid and B vitamins (B1, B2).
It is the extract from the leaves that contains the maximum concentration of all useful unique substances.
Clinical effect
Tablets, liquid form or capsules "Artichoke Extract", the instructions for use of which describe in detail their properties, have: antioxidant, choleretic, detoxifying, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and diuretic effects. Due to these qualities, doctors recommend the drug for the prevention, as well as the complex treatment of most diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, artichoke extract has membrane-stabilizing properties, activates the detoxifying function of the liver, normalizes intracellular phospholipid metabolism, and has hypocholesterolemic and hypoazotemic effects. Researchers have also proven the clinical efficacy of the plant extract in chronic renal failure, biliary dyskinesia and cholecystitis.
Who needs Artichoke Extract?
The he alth of each person depends on the proper functioning of the internal organs and the functioning of the excretory system. With a disorder of the outflow of bile and a weakening of the motility of the gallbladder; dyspepsia (nausea, belching, meteorism and heaviness in the epigastric region); chronic kidney failure and advanced hepatitis; with urolithiasis, atherosclerosis and uraturia, doctors prescribe "Artichoke Extract". Instructions for use also notes that in cases of chronic intoxication with nitro compounds, alkaloids,hepatotoxic substances and heavy metal compounds, this drug conducts a good cleansing therapy, helping the body to recover quickly.
Anorexia and obesity are also indications for the use of this herbal extract, as it is an excellent tool for normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as other internal organs and systems. For people with a significant excess weight, the most valuable qualities of this drug are: improving fat metabolism, removing "bad" cholesterol from the body and restoring the liver. Chlorogenic acid - an analogue of caffeine - stimulates metabolism and helps to lose weight with little result.
Artichoke leaf extract: contraindications and side effects
Liquid drug, tablets and capsules based on artichoke have quite serious side effects and prohibitions to use. Severe liver dysfunction, obstruction of the gallbladder and bile ducts, acute pathology of the kidneys and urinary tract, hepatitis, and pregnancy (or lactation) in women are strict taboos for the use of artichoke extract in any form.
It is not recommended to use the medicine for allergic reactions and hypersensitivity to its plant components; children under 12 years of age. The side effects of the annotation to the drug include allergic reactions and diarrhea that occurs while taking artichoke extract. In some patients at the beginningtreatment, there may be an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood, but then it gradually returns to normal. "Artichoke extract", the instructions for which do not prohibit taking the medicine for this category of patients, with caution and the condition of full medical supervision, doctors prescribe hypotensive patients (people with low blood pressure).
Capsules: how to use Artichoke Extract?
Depending on the form and dosage of the "Artichoke Extract" drug, its use may differ significantly in accordance with the annotation to the drug. The drug in capsules is available in dosages of 100, 200 and 300 mg of active ingredients. As directed by a he althcare practitioner, adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) may take one capsule three times daily, 20-30 minutes before their main meal.
The duration of the course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor and is 2-4 weeks. It will be possible to resume treatment again no earlier than a month or two after the end of the first course.
Artichoke extract tablets: methods of administration and dosage
Unlike capsules, Artichoke Extract tablets should be taken with food and plenty of liquid. For patients over 12 years of age, therapeutic dragees are prescribed one tablet 3-4 times a day.
The duration of the course is also 4 weeks, and repeated therapy is carried out after a 30-day pause. Co-administration of this medicine with indirect anticoagulants mayweaken the effect of the latter.
Liquid form of artichoke extract: how to drink?
Drink "Bitter Artichoke" is an extract that is easily and quickly absorbed by the body. Adults are prescribed to take the drug one tablespoon two or three times a day after meals. If disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by a lack of appetite, then it is better to drink the drug before meals.
If the patient has problems with the he alth of the liver, then the liquid extract of artichoke to normalize the protective functions of the liver is taken from a teaspoon of the remedy, and then gradually increased to a tablespoon.
Losing weight with artichoke extract: myth or reality?
Instruction for the drug "Artichoke Extract" reports that it is prescribed in the complex therapy of obesity. But nutritionists say that it is not intended for weight loss. At the same time, reviews of the drug often report that with its help, patients managed to reduce weight. Cholagogue, diuretic and anti-atherogenic properties of the plant cleanse the body, stimulating the outflow of bile, relieve excess fluid and reduce blood cholesterol levels. But the fat-burning effect of the drug was not noticed. If you are overweight and your doctor has prescribed treatment with artichoke extract, then the drug should be taken after meals, as it stimulates appetite. Drinking an artichoke-based remedy before meals can cause weight gain.
