Evidence supporting the use of: Artichoke
For the body system: Spleen

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly within European herbalism and some branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the "Spleen" refers to a broader concept than the anatomical spleen, encompassing digestive and metabolic functions. Artichoke has been used mainly to support digestion, stimulate bile flow, and relieve symptoms such as bloating and poor appetite—attributes often associated with supporting the TCM Spleen system. The rationale is based on artichoke’s bitterness and its action as a choleretic (stimulating bile production), which is traditionally thought to aid in the transformation and transportation functions ascribed to the Spleen in TCM. However, scientific validation for a direct effect on the anatomical spleen or on the broader TCM Spleen concept is limited. Most modern research on artichoke focuses on liver health, cholesterol reduction, and digestive support. While these actions may overlap somewhat with traditional concepts of Spleen support, there is little direct evidence linking artichoke to improved spleen function as understood in Western medicine. Thus, while its use for Spleen support is primarily traditional, some of the associated digestive benefits have been supported by modern research, though not specifically for the spleen itself.

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