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Original price €28,90

Original price €28,90 - Original price €28,90

Original price €28,90

Current price €25,72

€25,72 - €25,72

Current price €25,72

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Liver Support Complex · 90 capsules

4 reviews

GN Laboratories

Support the optimal function and perfect health of your liver with perhaps the most comprehensive natural product of its kind Support optimal live...
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Original price €28,90

Original price €28,90 - Original price €28,90

Original price €28,90

Current price €25,72

€25,72 - €25,72

Current price €25,72

| /

Save 11% Save %

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

belongs to the Asteraceae family. The thistle-like plant grows up to two meters high and has purple flower heads. It is probably descended from the ancient Egyptian cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). Few people know that the medicinally active components of the artichoke are found in the large basal leaves. The well-known flower heads and thick-fleshed bracts have only a minor medicinal effect, but are used as a tasty vegetable. A high-quality dry extract is obtained from the basal leaves. In ancient Rome, the artichoke was an expensive specialty, and the ancient Egyptians also used the benefits of the artichoke - as a digestive. The digestive effect of the artichoke was therefore already known in ancient times, and rightly so. Today, the artichoke is one of the best-studied medicinal plants. In 2003, it was even voted medicinal plant of the year. The fleshy parts of the bracts are suitable for consumption, as are the bases, which are free of the flowers, and the so-called artichoke hearts, which are very young and very small artichokes. The artichoke leaves and roots contain bitter substances that give the artichoke its special taste. However, when prepared correctly, this is precisely why the artichoke tastes so delicious.

The artichoke has the following effects

Digestive
diuretic
lowers cholesterol
protects the liver

The artichoke helps with

indigestion
nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
feeling of fullness
Flatulence
Excessively fatty food

Active ingredients of artichokes

Artichokes contain luteolin, caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, sterols and inulin. They are also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Leaf extracts are rich in caffeoylquinic acid and luteolin. The edible parts of the plant (artichoke hearts) are also rich in caffeoylquinic acid and various luteolin derivatives. The primary polyphenols found in artichoke extracts are chlorogenic acid, cynarin, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and luteolin 7-O-glucoside.

Luteolin is an antioxidant that may also help prevent inflammation and cancer (3).
Caffeoylquinic acid is another antioxidant that binds toxic compounds and thus reduces their toxicity (4).
Cynarin is an antioxidant compound that stimulates bile acid production, which helps in faster digestion of fat and absorption of vitamins from food (5).
Inulin is a sweet-tasting starchy substance that acts as a prebiotic, meaning it increases the number of beneficial microorganisms in the gut (6).

Potential health benefits of artichokes

Artichoke / artichoke extract can improve fat digestion

Of the bitter substances contained in the artichoke, cynarin is the most significant. The medically active substances, which promote bile formation and bile flow, are extracted from the artichoke leaves and dried. Cynarin is only present in small quantities in the fresh fruit, but is obtained in concentrated form through extraction. Poor fat digestion is the classic area of application for artichoke extract. After high-fat meals, the extract can help to alleviate complaints such as bloating, flatulence or cramp-like pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Only recently, Prof. Fintelmann (Rissen Hospital, Hamburg) presented a new study he led with more than 200 patients at a meeting of experts in Hamburg. According to Prof. Fintelmann, most people are still not aware of how important a well-functioning fat digestion and an intact metabolism are for well-being and health. More than 30% of people suffer from digestive problems such as bloating, flatulence, nausea and cramp-like pain. These symptoms are often caused by impaired fat digestion.

It can only be roughly estimated how many people have to struggle with bloating, flatulence and embarrassing rumbling in the stomach every day. It is well known that high-dose artichoke extract reliably provides rapid relief for these complaints in particular due to its liver-activating and digestive properties. Just how effective and, above all, how quickly the artichoke ingredients unfold their effect is once again demonstrated by the convincing results of the current study:

The symptoms of flatulence and bloating were reduced by an average of 70%, while the painful pressure in the upper abdomen improved by as much as 78%! The relieving effect for the patients was noticeable after just a few minutes. If the capsules are taken immediately before meals, the symptoms often do not occur at all.

The effectiveness of artichoke extract against nausea and vomiting known from earlier studies has also been confirmed again in current studies.

Artichoke / artichoke extract can promote the health of the digestive tract

Artichokes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help keep the digestive system healthy by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, reducing the risk of certain cancers of the digestive tract, and relieving constipation and diarrhea. Artichokes also contain inulin, which acts as a prebiotic. In a study involving 12 adult volunteers, an improvement in the intestinal flora was observed after three weeks of taking an artichoke extract containing inulin (7). Artichoke extract can also provide relief from a range of digestive problems such as flatulence, nausea and stomach acidity (8, 9). A study of 247 subjects with chronic digestive disorders found that consuming an artichoke leaf extract for six weeks reduced symptoms such as flatulence and bloating compared to a placebo (9). This is probably due to the aforementioned cynrin, which stimulates the production of bile acid, accelerates the intestinal passage of food and improves the digestion of certain fats (5, 8).

Artichoke / artichoke extract can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the digestive system and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence. In a study of subjects with irritable bowel syndrome, daily consumption of an artichoke leaf extract for a period of six weeks helped to alleviate symptoms of this condition. 96% of the subjects in the study rated the extract as being as effective or better than other irritable bowel treatments such as anti-diarrheal medications or laxatives (11). Another study of 208 subjects with irritable bowel syndrome found that 1 to 2 capsules of an artichoke leaf extract consumed daily over a 2-month period reduced symptoms by 26% and improved quality of life by 20% (12). Artichoke extracts may alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in several ways. For example, some compounds contained in these extracts have antispasmodic properties, which may help to relieve the muscle spasms commonly associated with IBS. In addition, compounds in artichoke extracts may help to improve gut flora and reduce inflammation (13, 14).

Artichoke / artichoke extract can improve cholesterol levels

Studies suggest that artichoke leaf extract may have positive effects on cholesterol levels (15, 16). A large study review of over 700 subjects found that daily supplementation with an artichoke leaf extract for 5 to 13 weeks led to a reduction in total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol levels (17). Another study of 143 adults with high cholesterol levels showed that an artichoke leaf extract taken daily for six weeks reduced total cholesterol levels by 18.5% and unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels by 22.9% (18). In addition, a study conducted on animals reported a 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels and a 22% reduction in triglyceride levels following regular consumption of an artichoke extract (19). In addition, regular consumption of artichoke extract could increase healthy HDL cholesterol levels in adults with high cholesterol levels (16). Artichoke extract affects cholesterol levels in two ways. Firstly, it contains luteolin, an antioxidant that inhibits the formation of cholesterol (20) and secondly, artichoke extract helps the body to process cholesterol more efficiently, resulting in lower cholesterol levels (19). In addition, the strong antioxidant effect of artichoke extract known from previous studies may be significantly involved in the protection against arteriosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Artichoke / artichoke extract may help regulate blood pressure A study of 98 men with high blood pressure found that consuming an artichoke extract for 12 weeks lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure by an average of 2.76 and 2.85 mmHg, respectively (21). How artichoke extracts lower blood pressure is not yet fully understood by scientists. In vivo and animal studies suggest that artichoke extract promotes the formation of the enzyme eNOS, which plays a role in the dilation of blood vessels (20, 22). In addition, artichokes are a good source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure. It is unclear whether consuming whole artichokes has the same benefits, as the artichoke extract used in studies was highly concentrated.

Artichoke / artichoke extract could improve liver health

Artichoke leaf extract may protect the liver from damage and stimulate the growth of new liver tissue (23, 24, 25). In addition, it increases the production of bile acid, which helps to remove harmful toxins from the liver (20). In a study with rats, the administration of an artichoke extract after a drug overdose resulted in less liver damage, higher antioxidant levels and better liver function compared to a placebo (26).

Human studies also show positive effects on liver health. For example, a study of 90 subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease showed that daily consumption of 600 mg of artichoke extract for two months led to improved liver function (27).

In another study of obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, daily consumption of an artichoke extract resulted in reduced liver inflammation and less fatty deposits in the liver compared to a placebo (28). Scientists believe that certain antioxidants contained in artichokes, such as cynarin and silymarin, are at least partly responsible for these effects (24).

Artichoke / artichoke extract has antioxidant properties

The artichoke - and in particular the leaves - contain large amounts of many antioxidant compounds, of which chlorogenic acid, cynarin and luteolin are the most important (3). In a clinical study of 22 rowers who absorbed strenuous exercise, consumption of an artichoke leaf extract was found to increase antioxidant capacity. However, this was not sufficient to reduce oxidative damage to red blood cells (29).

In another study of 80 subjects with metabolic syndrome, supplementation with an artichoke leaf extract reduced oxidized LDL cholesterol levels but did not improve any of the other antioxidant parameters tested (total antioxidant capacity, MDA production and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide peroxidase levels (30). In cell-based studies, artichoke extract protected cells from peroxide-induced oxidative stress. It also reduced the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) - a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress (31).

Artichoke / artichoke extract could promote weight loss

A combination of kidney beans and artichoke extract helped with weight loss and increased the feeling of satiety in a clinical study with 39 overweight subjects in combination with a calorie-restricted diet (32).

Artichoke / artichoke extract could help lower blood sugar levels

Artichokes and artichoke extracts may help lower blood sugar levels, according to studies (5). A study of 39 overweight people found that daily consumption of a combination of kidney beans and artichoke extract for two months resulted in lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to a placebo (32).

However, it is unclear how much of this effect can be directly attributed to the artichoke extract. Another small study suggests that consuming cooked artichokes with a meal reduces blood glucose and insulin levels 30 minutes after the meal. Interestingly, this effect was only observed in healthy individuals who did not suffer from metabolic syndrome (33).

Exactly how artichoke extract can lower blood glucose levels is still unclear. However, it has been shown to inhibit the activity of alpha-glucosidase - an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose and potentially affects blood glucose levels (34).

Artichoke / artichoke extract could have anti-cancer effects

In vitro and animal studies have shown that artichoke extract can interfere with cancer growth (10, 35). Certain antioxidants including rutin, quercetin, silymarin and gallic acid in artichokes are believed to be responsible for these anti-cancer effects (5).

Silymarin, for example, has been shown to help prevent and treat skin cancer in vitro and in animals (36).

Despite these promising results, there are still no human studies on the subject.

Artichoke / artichoke extract has antimicrobial properties

Artichoke extract inhibited fungal activity in in vitro studies. All different extracts (leaf extracts, fruit extracts and stem extracts) inhibited eight different fungi including fungi causing thrush (Candida albicans) and opportunistic infections (Aspergillus niger and Mucor mucedo) (37).

In another test, artichoke extract showed strong activity against bacteria, including bacteria that cause food poisoning and diarrhea (E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium) or belong to the group of hospital germs (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (38).

However, these are very early research results that have not yet been replicated with animals or humans, so further studies are needed before a definitive statement can be made about the antimicrobial properties of artichokes.

The best recipe for your vacation

So the next time you are on vacation in the south, take the opportunity to try the beneficial artichoke in a restaurant. If you can't control your fat consumption, you should also take artichoke extract. Of course, the most sensible thing to do - and not just on vacation - is to eat healthily and exercise in moderation.

Dosage

It is recommended that an adult person take 300-640mg of the standardized leaf extract per day, divided into 3 single doses, for a minimum of six weeks. If the standardized extract is not available, consume 1-4 grams of raw product (dried leaves) three times a day. If using a liquid extract or tincture, take 1 teaspoon or 15-30 drops mixed in water.

Safety and side effects

Artichoke is safe and harmless in food quantities and potentially safe and harmless when used in medicinal quantities. Artichoke products have been used safely for up to 23 months in scientific studies.

In some people, artichoke products may cause side effects such as flatulence and allergic reactions. People who are allergic to marigolds, daisies and similar plants have an increased risk of allergic reactions to artichokes.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of artichoke products in medicinal quantities during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal quantities to be on the safe side. Bile duct blockages: There are concerns that artichoke products may aggravate an existing bile duct blockage by increasing the flow of bile acid. For this reason, if you suffer from a blockage of the bile ducts, you should discuss the use of artichoke products with your doctor. Allergies to broomrape and related plants: Artichoke products could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking artichoke products.

Gallstones: Artichoke products could aggravate gallstones by increasing the flow of bile acid. For this reason, artichoke products should be used with caution if you suffer from gallstones.

Artichoke extract

Liver Support Complex · 90 capsules