Artichoke
Artichoke extracts are studied for lipids and digestive symptoms. Evidence quality varies by outcome.
Overview
What is Artichoke?
Artichoke is a large perennial thistle plant in the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated primarily for its edible flower buds.
Dosage
A typical dose of artichoke extract is 500 mg per day.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
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Database Snapshot
Most artichoke research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Hyperlipidemia accounts for 18 of 40 studies (45%).
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease accounts for 6 of 40 studies (15%).
- Dyspepsia accounts for 4 of 40 studies (10%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Hepatitis C, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Obesity.
Safety
Oral artichoke extract is well tolerated but may cause diarrhea, flatulence and nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaway
Artichoke leaf extract may improve dyspepsia, hyperlipidemia, NAFLD, and prediabetes in some people. Evidence is insufficient for high blood pressure, IBS, metabolic syndrome, hepatitis C, and obesity. Typical dose is 500 mg daily. Generally well tolerated; may cause digestive side effects.
References
Sources37 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Dyspepsia
4 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Dyspepsia — The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) and Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) Extract Supplementation on Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomised, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial2015
In 126 functional dyspepsia patients over 4 weeks, ginger plus artichoke extract before meals improved nausea, epigastric fullness, pain, and bloating versus placebo.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Dyspepsia — Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial2003
In 247 functional dyspepsia patients, artichoke leaf extract 640 mg three times daily for 6 weeks improved overall symptom scores and quality of life more than placebo.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Dyspepsia — Artichoke leaf extract reduces mild dyspepsia in an open study2002
In 454 adults with self-reported dyspepsia, artichoke leaf extract 320 or 640 mg/day for 2 months reduced global dyspepsia scores ~40% and improved quality of life.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Dyspepsia — Artichoke leaf extract – Recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts1997
A review summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence that artichoke leaf extract has choleretic, lipid-lowering, and anti-dyspeptic effects with good tolerability.
SupplementDEX Database · Hyperlipidemia
18 references5.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effects of different natural products in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2024
A network meta-analysis of 37 NAFLD trials (2509 patients) ranked artichoke leaf extract best for lowering AST, ALT, and LDL-C among seven natural products studied.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — A Nutraceutical Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improves Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Pre-Obesity: A 6-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2023
A post-hoc of 50 pre-obese adults given Altilix (Cynara cardunculus, chlorogenic acid and luteolin) 150 mg/day for 6 months found improved weight, lipids, hepatic markers, carotid thickness, and endothelial function.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Therapeutic Potential of Artichoke in the Treatment of Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 5 NAFLD RCTs (333 patients) found artichoke leaf extract significantly reduced ALT, AST, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides versus control.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults2022
A network meta-analysis of 131 nutraceutical trials (13,062 participants) found bergamot and red yeast rice most effective for LDL lowering; artichoke also reduced LDL and total cholesterol versus placebo.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2021
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found artichoke extract reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C; artichoke juice also lowered these lipids but unexpectedly reduced HDL-C.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Artichoke and Bergamot Phytosome Alliance: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial in Mild Hypercholesterolemia2021
In 60 adults with mild hypercholesterolemia over 2 months, bergamot phytosome 600 mg plus artichoke extract 100 mg/day lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced waist circumference and visceral fat versus placebo.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis2018
A meta-analysis of 9 trials (702 subjects) found artichoke extract lowered total cholesterol 17.6 mg/dL, LDL 14.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides 9.2 mg/dL without changing HDL-C.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — A combined natural supplement lowers LDL cholesterol in subjects with moderate untreated hypercholesterolemia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial2013
In 100 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia over 16 weeks, a supplement with red yeast rice, policosanol, and artichoke lowered LDL cholesterol 14% versus placebo without safety concerns.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of a dietary supplement with plant extracts in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia2013
In 39 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia over 16 weeks, a supplement with red yeast rice, policosanol, and artichoke extract reduced LDL cholesterol 21% and total cholesterol 14% versus baseline.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Beneficial effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on increasing HDL-cholesterol in subjects with primary mild hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2013
In 92 adults with mild hypercholesterolemia, artichoke leaf extract 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks raised HDL-C and lowered total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia2013
A Cochrane update of 3 hypercholesterolemia RCTs (262 participants) found artichoke leaf extract may lower total cholesterol, but evidence remained limited and not fully convincing.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effect on LDL-cholesterol of a large dose of a dietary supplement with plant extracts in subjects with untreated moderate hypercholesterolaemia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2013
In 45 hypercholesterolemic adults, 4 weeks of a red yeast rice, policosanol, and artichoke supplement at standard or double dose lowered LDL versus placebo, with no extra benefit from doubling the dose.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial2008
In 75 hypercholesterolemic adults, artichoke leaf extract 1280 mg/day for 12 weeks reduced total cholesterol 4.2% versus a 1.9% rise on placebo, without LDL, HDL, or triglyceride differences.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Artichoke juice improves endothelial function in hyperlipemia2004
In 18 hyperlipemic patients on a hypolipidic diet, artichoke juice 20 mL/day for 6 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol, reduced adhesion molecules, and improved brachial flow-mediated dilation.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia2000
In 143 hyperlipoproteinemic adults, artichoke dry extract 1800 mg/day for 6 weeks reduced total cholesterol 18.5% and LDL 22.9% versus 8.6% and 6.3% with placebo.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Inefficiency of cynarin as therapeutic regimen in familial type II hyperlipoproteinaemia1977
In 17 familial type II hyperlipoproteinemia patients, oral cynarin 250–750 mg/day for 3 months did not significantly change mean serum cholesterol or triglycerides.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — [Controlled application of cynarin in the treatment of hyperlipemic syndrome. Observations in 60 cases]1975
In 60 dyslipidemic patients over 50 days, cynarin significantly reduced hypercholesterolemia, pre-beta-lipoproteins, beta/alpha-lipoprotein ratio, and body weight versus placebo.
22.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — [Effect of 1,5-dicafleylquinic acid (cynarine) on hypertriglyceridemia in aged patients]1974
A trial of cynarine for hypertriglyceridemia in elderly patients; the available abstract contains no extractable outcome data.
23.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure (Hypertension) — Anti-hypertensive Effects of Artichoke Supplementation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2022
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (472 adults) found artichoke supplementation reduced systolic BP 2.0 mmHg and diastolic BP 1.5 mmHg, with greater effects at ≤500 mg and >8 weeks.
24.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure (Hypertension) — Effects of artichoke on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found no overall BP benefit from artichoke, but hypertensive subgroups showed SBP −3.2 mmHg and DBP −2.3 mmHg, and 12-week use lowered DBP.
25.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure (Hypertension) — The Effect of Cynara scolymus on Blood Pressure and BMI in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial2020
In 40 hypertensive patients on captopril, artichoke 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks improved BMI versus placebo; systolic BP improvement was noted though diastolic change was not emphasized.
26.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure (Hypertension) — Artichoke leaf juice contains antihypertensive effect in patients with mild hypertension2009
In mild hypertension (140–159/90–99 mmHg), artichoke leaf juice concentrate 50 or 100 mg/day for 12 weeks reduced systolic and diastolic BP versus baseline and placebo.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — Effects of Artichoke Supplementation on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2022
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found artichoke supplementation significantly reduced ALT and AST, with stronger AST effects above 500 mg/day.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — A new nutraceutical (Livogen Plus®) improves liver steatosis in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease2022
In 140 adults with hepatic steatosis over 12 weeks, Livogen Plus (including artichoke leaf extract) reduced CAP liver fat score more than placebo (−34 vs −20 dB/m).
29.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — The effects of co-administration of artichoke leaf extract supplementation with metformin and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial2021
In NAFLD patients over 12 weeks, adding artichoke leaf extract to metformin or vitamin E lowered ALT and AST within all groups and increased the proportion reaching grade 0 steatosis with combination therapy.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — The effects of Cynara scolymus L. supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 8 trials found artichoke supplementation significantly reduced AST and ALT, especially in NAFLD and overweight/obese patients.
SupplementDEX Database · Prediabetes
1 reference31.SupplementDEX Database: Prediabetes — The Metabolic Effects of Cynara Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Class I Subjects with Newly Detected Impaired Fasting Glycemia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial2020
In 54 overweight adults with newly detected impaired fasting glucose, Cynara supplementation significantly improved fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipids, and visceral fat versus placebo.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis2004
In 208 adults with dyspepsia and IBS symptoms, artichoke leaf extract 320–640 mg/day for 2 months reduced IBS incidence 26%, improved bowel pattern, and cut dyspepsia scores 41%.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study2001
A post-marketing surveillance subgroup of dyspepsia patients with IBS on artichoke leaf extract 640 mg three times daily for 6 weeks reported reduced symptom severity and good tolerability.
SupplementDEX Database · Metabolic syndrome
1 reference34.SupplementDEX Database: Metabolic syndrome — TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism modulates the effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2018
In 80 metabolic syndrome patients over 12 weeks, artichoke leaf extract 1800 mg/day lowered insulin and HOMA-IR in carriers of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 TT genotype, without broader metabolic interaction.
SupplementDEX Database · Hepatitis C
2 references35.SupplementDEX Database: Hepatitis C — The wild Egyptian artichoke as a promising functional food for the treatment of hepatitis C virus as revealed via UPLC-MS and clinical trials2016
A pilot trial in 15 HCV patients found wild Egyptian artichoke water extract cleared HCV RNA in 12/15 and normalized ALT, AST, and bilirubin, with CYP inhibitory activity in vitro.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Hepatitis C — Artichoke leave extract for chronic hepatitis C - a pilot study2009
In 17 chronic hepatitis C patients, artichoke leaf extract 3200 mg/day for 12 weeks did not normalize ALT or reduce viral load, though fatigue and joint symptoms briefly improved.
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
1 reference37.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — The effects of supplementation with Cynara scolymus L. on anthropometric indices: А systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials2021
A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs found artichoke reduced waist circumference 1.1 cm versus placebo but did not significantly change weight or BMI overall; hypertensive subgroup lost 2.3 kg.