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Ae8.5
Artichoke Extract Research
Likely helpsHigh safety
37 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Artichoke Extract appears to help in 8 of 9 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2003–2025 with a typical study size of 90 participants.
Based on 37 studies · 8 meta-analyses · 13 RCTs · 2,485 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
8helped1unclear· 28 more without graded effect data
Digestive healthReduced bloating and improved bile flow within 2-4 weeks · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Weight management
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
InflammationBetter digestion and reduced bloating · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
By the numbers
Pulled from 29 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
33%
across studies
People studied
2,485
typical study: 90 people
Strongest designs
21
8 pooled, 13 randomised
Showed benefit
89%
8/9 studies
How long studies ran
1–3 months
5
3+ months
2
Populations Studied
General population6
Patients with hyperlipidemia2
Patients with functional dyspepsia2
Patients with cardiometabolic risk factors1
Active research area
15 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2025
200320142025
1HDL-C concentrationsMeta-AnalysisCited 58×n=702 · large study2018
Thus, supplementation with artichoke extract was associated with a significant reduction in both total and LDL-C, and triglycerides, suggesting that supplementation may be synergistic with lipid-lowering therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia.
Sahebkar A et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2018)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Could be chance
Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, with weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics.
No significant alteration in plasma High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations was observed (WMD: 1.0 mg/dL, 95%CI: -1.1, 3.1, p = 0.333).
A significant association between the LDL-lowering effect of artichoke and baseline LDL-C concentrations (slope: -0.170; 95%CI: -0.288, 0.051; p = 0.005) was observed.
Artichoke supplementation may offer modest but significant improvements in several cardiometabolic risk markers.
Jafari A et al. · Diabetes & metabolic syndrome (2025)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Blood pressure outcomes revealed significant reductions in both systolic (WMD = -2.49 mmHg, 95 % CI: 4.33 to -0.65) and diastolic (WMD = -1.53 mmHg, 95 % CI: 3.01 to -0.05) pressures.
Regarding glycemic indices, insulin (WMD = -1.83 mU/L, 95 % CI: 3.33 to -0.32) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD = -0.92, 95 % CI: 1.33 to -0.51) were significantly reduced, whereas fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were unaffected.
Among liver function markers, alanine aminotransferase (WMD = -8.47 U/L, 95 % CI: 14.71 to -2.23) and alkaline phosphatase (WMD = -7.86 U/L, 95 % CI: 15.26 to -0.45) were significantly reduced, while aspartate aminotransferase showed a borderline non-significant effect.
4Neuroprotective effects against aflatoxin-induced neurotoxicitySystematic ReviewCited 2×2025
This review focuses on the molecular pathways through which AFs exert neurotoxic effects, highlighting their role in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and potential neuroprotective compounds for therapies have been highlighted.
Elangovan A et al. · Journal of applied toxicology : JAT (2025)
Mounting evidences suggests that these factors trigger neurological disorders especially neurodegenerative disorders.
Neuroprotective compounds, such as hesperetin, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), curcumin, and artichoke extract, have shown promise in counteracting AF-induced neurotoxicity.
These compounds could reduce oxidative stress, attenuate inflammation, and support mitochondrial function, offering potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate AF-induced neurodegeneration.
5Nutritional profiles and pharmacological effectsSystematic ReviewCited 17×2024
The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus.
Porro C et al. · Nutrients (2024)
This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties.
As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies.
6Diabetes and prediabetes managementSystematic ReviewCited 4×2024
Phytotherapy Research
Derosa G et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024)
Further studies are also required for Cinnamomum, Cynara scolymus, Momordica charantia, Olea europaea, and Opuntia streptacantha.
Moreover, well-designed large and long-term clinical trials including the use of standardized nutraceutical preparations are necessary for Phaseolus vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus.
More clinical trials are required before new natural compounds and herbs can be used to treat chronic hypertension and its ramifications, such as respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure.
Khaled A et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2023)
Alkaloids, amino acids, anthocyanidins, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isoflavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenolics, and triterpenoids are among the bioactive metabolites pocessing an impressive ACE inhibitory activity.
Many herbs including Rosmarinus officinalis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Curcuma longa, Rauwolfia serpentina, Emblica officinalis, Cynara scolymus, Punica granatum, Mucuna pruriens, Capsicum annuum, and Moringa olifera were found having ACE inhibitory activities comparable to captopril and enalpril.
These enticing natural ACE inhibitors deserve to be a safeguard medicine against hypertension, respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic kidney diseases.
Bjørklund G et al. · Current pharmaceutical design (2024)
Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale).
The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans.
Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect.
The following natural ingredients - red yeast rice, artichoke extract, bergamot, garlic, and flaxseed - have been specifically selected for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
von Känel-Cordoba I et al. · Journal of health, population, and nutrition (2024)
The following natural ingredients - red yeast rice, artichoke extract, bergamot, garlic, and flaxseed - have been specifically selected for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
This is important due to the varying effectiveness of alternative treatments.
However, there are lingering concerns regarding the lack of supervision and quality control that require attention. (2) Further research into the specific molecular composition and the underlying mechanisms by which it reduces cholesterol levels is warranted.
The available data support the use of standardized compositions of artichoke and bergamot extracts, alone or in combination, in the treatment of mild to moderate dyslipidemia, in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, or intolerant to common hypolipidemic treatments.
Arnaboldi L et al. · Minerva medica (2022)
An approach also shared by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).
In light of these evidence, this review aimed to describe the effects of artichoke and bergamot in modifying the lipid and inflammatory parameters described in in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.
The available data support the use of standardized compositions of artichoke and bergamot extracts, alone or in combination, in the treatment of mild to moderate dyslipidemia, in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, or intolerant to common hypolipidemic treatments.
Artichoke supplementation elicited significant reductions in liver enzymes, especially among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Moradi S et al. · International journal of clinical practice (2021)
Pooled analysis, of eight clinical trials, revealed that artichoke supplementation significantly reduced the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = .001) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = .016), in comparison with placebo.
Subgroup analysis suggested that artichoke administration significantly reduces AST and ALT in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (P = .003 for AST and P < .001 for ALT), and ALT among overweight/obese subjects (P = .025).
This meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for antioxidant activity of artichoke in animals.
Salekzamani S et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)
Thirty-nine articles (two human, 23 animal, and 14 in vitro studies) were reviewed.
The results of in vitro systems supported the antioxidant effect of artichoke, whereas limited clinical trials indicated no change or a slight improvement of antioxidant status.
This meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for antioxidant activity of artichoke in animals.
The supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products can significantly reduce the FBS concentrations in humans.
Jalili C et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine (2020)
Pooled analysis of nine Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), demonstrated that the administration of artichoke and artichoke products led to a significant reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -8.95, -1.61; p = 0.005).
The supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products can significantly reduce the FBS concentrations in humans.
Moreover, these outcomes suggested that just the supplementation of artichoke and artichoke products is more effective in the reduction of HOMA-IR levels than the co-supplementation form.
15Antioxidant function for ageing-related disordersSystematic ReviewCited 35×2018
A systematic overview of the relevant information in the antioxidant function of the many herbal products reviewed here for the control of the ageing process is proposed, to provide a new horizon on the design of anti-ageing herbal medicines.
Bjørklund G et al. · Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology (2018)
A much more complex ability to interact with survival functions makes these compounds successfully active in preventing ageing-related disorders.
Evidence suggests that decreases of 8-49 mg/dL for LDL concentration, 12-55 mg/dL for total cholesterol, and 11-51 mg/dL for triglycerides, can be attributed to 2 to 3 g/d of ALE, in which its comp...
Santos HO et al. · Pharmacological research (2018)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Evidence suggests that decreases of 8-49 mg/dL for LDL concentration, 12-55 mg/dL for total cholesterol, and 11-51 mg/dL for triglycerides, can be attributed to 2 to 3 g/d of ALE, in which its components luteolin and chlorogenic acid may play a key role.
On the other hand, the effects of cooked artichoke hearts can be attributed mainly to its soluble fibres, particularly inulin.
Despite the convincing evidence on its health benefits, additional long-term clinical trials are pivotal to fully elucidate the potential effects of ALE administration on positive cardiovascular outcomes.
17Digestive and cardiovascular healthSystematic ReviewCited 101×2015
This article intended to review the wide ranging pharmacological effects of artichoke leaf extract.
Ben Salem M et al. · Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) (2015)
Although research is not yet conclusive, scientists were optimistic that its long-standing use in humans for digestive and bowel problems was indeed justified.
It may also play a role in lowering cholesterol and thus help to prevent heart disease.
Boiled wild artichoke reduced postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in normal subjects but has no effect on metabolic syndrome patients.
Awareness of the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with metabolic disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Rondanelli M et al. · Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace (2013)
This review enumerates the most significant studies that have highlighted these therapeutic properties.
Complementary medicine information needs to be incorporated into clinical practice and patient and professional education, in addition to adequate education about proper nutrition.
Awareness of the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with metabolic disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to prevent cardiovascular disease.
19Liver disorders and atherosclerosis preventionSystematic ReviewCited 1×2012
Artichoke with multiple therapeutic properties and practically no side effects is recommended not only in disorders of the liver, but also in the prevention of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia or dyspeptic disorders.
Kulza M et al. · Przeglad lekarski (2012)
Very improtant aspect in herbal medicaments is protective properties on parenchymal organ-damaging.
Concomitant intake of plant extracts containing cytoprotective compounds, may increase the efficacy of treatment and reduce side effects.
One of the plants of the hepatoprotective action is artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.).
20Atherosclerosis and liver disease treatmentSystematic Review2012
His multidirectional treatment is a documented fact and it is associated with treatment of dyspepsia, influence of active substances contained in artichoke on plasma lipid levels and with a strong antioxidant effect of the artichoke extract--due to this properties, artichoke compounds have a protective effect on liver cells.
Horoszkiewicz M et al. · Przeglad lekarski (2012)
Substances of natural origin are the subject of growing interest on the part of both researchers and doctors.
One of the well known herbal medicines extensively examined in terms of clinical and pharmacological is artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), which was used in European medicine from the 18th century.