Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an ancient herbaceous perennial plant, originating from the southern parts of Mediterranean of North Africa. Artichoke provides a "globe" of edible leaves and a fleshy edible heart, which is enjoyed as a vegetable all over the world. The leaves and flower buds of artichoke contain a group of compounds known as caffeoylquinic acids with cynarin (1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) as the best known component contributing to its bioactivities.

Medicinal History
　　Artichoke leaf has been used as a medicinal plant in Europe for centuries. As a traditional medicine, artichoke has been used primarily for enhancing liver function and historically used as therapy for poor digestion. In modern pharmacological assays, artichoke leaf extracts have shown antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-HIV, bile-expelling, hepatoprotective, urinative, and choleretic activities as well as the ability to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and LDL oxidation.1-3

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