Artichoke, Cynara scolymus, is the leaf of the globe artichoke that is eaten as a vegetable. It contains cynarin, which has proven liver protection capabilities. Artichoke leaf also contains silymarin, the active constituent of milk thistle. The leaves are used as a digestive bitter for a sluggish liver and poor digestion.
People with an existing hypersensitivity to any member of the Asteraceae family should use caution.
This can be taken as a decoction, tincture, or glycerite.