The artichoke is one of the world's oldest vegetables. It was first grown in eastern Africa and then made its way to Europe via Egypt. Images of artichokes are found on ancient Egyptian papyri and on sacrificial altars.

Constituents of Note: Cynarin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, stigmasterol.

Artichoke leaf is typically prepared by using the powdered leaves made in a capsule or the dried leaf as a tea. For medicinal use, the dried leaf, rather than the flowering buds eaten as a vegetable, is used.