Artichoke has been used medicinally since the beginning of the 20th century to improve digestion. Historically used as a tea, artichoke is now preferred in the form of standardized extracts for consistent, more predictable results.
Research on standardized artichoke extract has focused on the constituent, caffeoylquinic acid, and its ability to increase bile production in the liver. An increase in bile production assists the body in fat metabolism, which assists the digestion process. Artichoke is very popular in Europe for treating digestive complaints.
