On the other hand, the artichoke aqueous leaves extract (ALE) and aqueous heads extracts (AHE) for the two varieties were used as hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic experiments by using albino rats. ALE was used in the concentration of (1.5 g/kg/day) for the two varieties. AHE was used in two different concentrations (1.5 and 3 g/kg/day). Rats were administrated orally by these different concentrations. Results show the effect of ALE and AHE extracts on the glucose level of diabetic rats. The superior effect was with G4 (Group No. 4) rats administrated 1.5 g LEG/kg/day (Leaves Extract of Green Globe). On the other hand results of the influence of artichoke leaves and heads as hypocholesterolemic action was in a positive way on the level of total cholesterol and reduced LDL and triglycerides levels and increased the level of glutathione peroxides, meanwhile it reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats serum. G3 (Group No. 3) [HFD (high fat diet) +1%cholesterol+1.5g LEG/kg/day] recorded the best results as hypocholesterolemic effect which could be attributed to their phenolic content. Our results indicated that, artichoke especially leaves extract of Green Globe (LEG) has good action as hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic.

On the other hand, artichoke leaves extract has been proposed to be antiathergenic, due to its lipid-reducing and antioxidant effects [24,48]. It is reported to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes [15] decrease the oxidation of LDL [6,23,51]. Artichoke leaves extract (ALE) is also considered as choleretic, enhancing biliary excretion of cholesterol and increasing its conversion to bile acids [24]. In addition, ALE is known to have antimicrobial properties in gut, disrupting the intestinal microflora, thus affecting the absorption of various compounds including cholesterol [53]. Thus, ALE may influence the intestinal absorption and excretion of cholesterol from organism, besides suppression of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. The inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis is due to luteolin, which modulates the HMG-CoA reductase activity (the key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway) [16,27]. Moreover, chlorogenic acid and luteolin may prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation [6]. Therefore, artichoke leaf extracts show hypocholesterolemic activity, due to two parallel mechanisms: reduction of cholesterol biosynthesis and inhibition of LDL oxidation [8,15]. Artichoke extracts are well tolerated, and may be useful for the preventive treatments of mild hypercholesterolemia.

Study Abstract:
http://pubs.sciepub.com/jfnr/4/1/10/index.html

Other link – Artichoke is a super food
http://www.oceanmist.com/artichokes/12-unexpected-artichoke-health-benefits/

Script:

Welcome to Lifestyle Medicine Update – Dr Meschino

Recent 2016 study in J of Food & Nutrition Research

Provided more evidence that Artichokes and A. Extract:

• Help Reduce High Cholesterol Levels
• Help Reduce High Blood Sugar Levels

Artichokes don’t get mentioned much in Health Discussions

So – recent study makes it a good time to bring them forefront

Previous human studies: 

Artichoke Leaf Extract – help lower high cholesterol and triglycerides

This 2016 study examined the mechanisms by which artichoke does this:

Study performed on Diabetic Rats showed: Artichoke Head and Leaf ingestion administration:

1. Reduced total cholesterol and the Bad Cholesterol LDL by:
2. Convert cholesterol to bile in the liver and excrete it
3. Inhibited cholesterol synthesis
4. Inhibited Cholesterol absorption
5. Antioxidant – which may prevent oxidation to LDL – making it less atherogenic
6. Increases liver protection against damaging agents as well
7. Diabetic rats also showed reduction in blood sugar and triglycerides

5 Major Protective Compounds in Artichoke:

1. Chlorogenic acid – antioxidant
2. Cynarin – antioxidant
3. Caffeoylquinic acid – cholesterol and triglyceride lowering effect
4. Luteolin – inhibits cholesterol synthesis
5. Apigenin – antioxidant