The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), also known as the French artichoke, ball artichoke, and American green artichoke, is a plant of the genus Thistle cultivated as food. Theedible parts of the artichoke where the tender inner leaves(bracts) and the receptacle commonly known as Bheart^ constitute nearly 35–55 % of the FW of the head . Besides,there were some non-food industrial by-products such asleaves, external bracts and stems. They represented about80 % of the biomass and might be used for the extraction offood additives and nutraceuticals.

Artichoke leaf extract was one of the few herbal remedies which the clinical and experimental trials have complemented each other. Specifically, antioxidant, choleretic, hepatoprotective, bile-enhancing and lipid-lowering effects have been demonstrated, which corresponded with its historical use. Ongoing research seems to indicate that artichoke indeed have medicinal qualities. Most significant appears to be its beneficial effect on the liver. In animal studies, liquid extracts of the roots and leaves of artichoke have demonstrated an ability to protect the liver, with possibly even to help liver cells regenerate. Although research is not yet conclusive, scientists were optimistic that its long-standing use in humans for digestive and bowel problems was indeed justified. It may also play a role in lowering cholesterol and thus help to prevent heart disease. Boiled wild artichoke reduced postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in normal subjects but has no effect on metabolic syndrome patients.