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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Artichoke Extract vs B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019): Artichoke Extract has the stronger overall evidence (7 vs 6/10); they're alternatives for improve digestion — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Artichoke Extract wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
2 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Too few graded studies
Top outcomes
600-1200mg extract daily (a typical label dose, no cited trial tested it as a treatment dose, the cited metabolism study gave three 320 mg capsules over one day)
Before meals (especially fatty meals), Divided doses
Standardized leaf extract (2.5-5% cynarin)
1-10 billion CFU daily for BB-12 (1 billion is enough); 10-20 billion CFU daily for HN019 if transit is the goal
Any time of day
Capsule or sachet standardized to a named strain (BB-12 or HN019)
2-4 weeks
8-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
2 weeks
4 weeks
n/a
n/a
Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2018) · Meta analysis · n=702
Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, with weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics.
Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits
Nutrients (2024) · Review
This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Part II
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024) · Systematic review
The available evidence showed promising hypoglycemic effects of the nutraceuticals reviewed both for their efficacy and safety profile.
Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.
Scand J Gastroenterol (2011) · Rct · n=100
Whole-gut transit fell 49 to 21 hours on high dose (p<0.001) and 60 to 41 hours on low dose (p=0.01); placebo unchanged
Eight-Week Supplementation With Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA Netw Open (2024) · Rct · n=229
Primary outcome (change in complete spontaneous bowel movements per week): +0.80 with HN019 vs +0.66 placebo — no difference
Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial.
Gut Microbes (2018) · Rct · n=228
No significant differences vs placebo in the primary outcome (colonic transit time) or any secondary outcome
The 600 mg point is an 8-week placebo-controlled trial in 55 overweight adults with impaired fasting glucose, where the extract improved fasting glucose, HOMA and the lipid pattern against placebo (PMID 23440660). The 1,280 mg point is a 12-week placebo-controlled trial in 75 adults with mild to moderate high cholesterol, where total cholesterol fell 4.2% against a 1.9% rise on placebo, with no difference in LDL, HDL or triglycerides (PMID 18424099). The two trials used different extracts and populations, and none compared doses, so the curve is flat and no optimal dose is set. No cited trial tested more than 1,280 mg for cholesterol.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Artichoke Extract has a higher evidence score (7/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For improve digestion, Artichoke Extract has a higher relevance score (90 vs 68).
No documented interaction was found in the data searched. This does not establish that this exact combination is safe.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.