Cynarine (Cynarin) is the most noteworthy active ingredient of the artichoke, and is considered a medicinal foodstuff due to its beneficial effect on the organism, derived from its condition as a stimulant of bile secretion (choleretic effect). Cynarine is present in artichoke leaves and has a beneficial effect on the control of gallstones, helps control cholesterol levels and improves gallbladder function. Chlorogenic acid and cynarin have been shown to have activity against oxidative stress in human leukocytes, whereas cynarin has also been shown to have hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, and, more recently, antihuman immunodeficiency virus-1 (anti-HIV-1; 44) activities. Cynarin had marked antioxidant, anticholinergic, reducing ability, radical-scavenging, and metal-binding activities.