Cynara scolymnus Cynarin WHAT IS IT Artichoke Leaf Extract is an herbal remedy made from the lower leaves of the artichoke plant (Cynara scolymnus), a member of the thistle part of the compositae family. It contains 15% caffeoylquinic acids (European extracts, e.g. Hepar SL Forte, typically contain only 3%.) WHAT DOES IT DO Artichoke Leaf Extract has several interrelated effects: It increases healthy bile excretion. Increasing bile flows, lowers cholesterol and aids in removing toxins from the liver. The excreted bile in the intestines emulsified fats improving the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It inhibits cholesterol synthesis by indirect inhibition of the enzyme HMGCoA-reductase. Direct inhibition is the method of the "statin" drugs like Mevacor. Those drugs have side effects which Artichoke Leaf Extract does not. One study showed an average 11.5% reduction in cholesterol and a 12.5% reduction in triglycerides. HDL showed a tendency to increase. Interestingly, the higher the cholesterol level, the more effective it was. It also inhibits the oxidization of LDL cholesterol. It prevents fat infiltration into the liver. Like its cousin the Milk Thistle, it protects the liver against toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and alcohol. Also like Milk Thistle, it regenerates damaged liver cells.