A scientific review has highlighted artichoke extracts could provide a natural alternative for those with IBS. The review looked at eight different alternative therapies for IBS. The reviewers referenced three separate artichoke studies.
- In one study, of 208 IBS suffers, a reduction in IBS occurrence of 26.4% was observed, when using artichoke leaf extract, and a 20% improvement in the ‘quality of life score’ was reported.
- In another, researchers looked at a naturally occurring chemical found in artichoke leaves, called cynaropicrin, and its potential antispasmodic benefits (an ability to help with smooth muscle spasms) in small intestine tissue.
- Perhaps most significant was a study in which 96% of people taking artichoke leaf extract, in a group of 279 people, described it as equal to or better than their current treatments.
Electron Physician. 2016 Aug; 8(8): 2719–2725.Herbal Medicines for the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Hamid Reza Bahrami, Shokouhsadat Hamedi, Roshanak Salari, and Mohammadreza Noras.