Artichoke is a perennial herb a member of the milk thistle family which is native to Mediterranean countries. Artichoke is considered to contain beneficial health contents. According to recent studies researchers have discovered that Artichoke has dynamic ingredients like silymarin, cynarin, folic acid, thiamin and vitamins A and C helps combat high cholesterol. Extract of artichoke leaves contains beneficial antioxidants. These extract have proven immensely positive results in altering high cholesterol level in blood. Artichokes stalks can grow up to two meters long. Its flower develops in a large head from an edible bud about 8–15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales. The petals are purple and green the leaves are fleshy. Artichoke petals and flesh called as artichoke hearts is edible. Artichoke requires good soil, regular watering and feeding plus frost protection in winter. The harvesting of artichoke starts from spring, but they can be continued to be harvested throughout the summer. While harvesting of artichoke is done one need to keep in mind that they are cut from the plant so as to leave an inch or two of stem.

The active chemicals found in the artichokes leaves include lactones and polyphenols. These chemicals take action to trap free radicals, limit oxidative stress and may help to reduce risks of hypertension. Artichoke has cynarin it is an amino acid that has been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol. The nutrients present in artichokes helps body to imbibe all beneficial properties. Tests have shown artichoke extract to increase liver bile flow by more than 100%. Due to its powerful antioxidant flavonoids and compounds canned artichokes are considered as a herbal remedy for high cholesterol The right way to cook artichokes is by cutting the bottom of the stem and the top of the artichoke. In some parts of the world artichokes are regarded as a delicacy. They may have a bitter taste, but that is overpowered when one sees the valuable facts of it on health.