Artichoke is a nutritious food with potent antioxidants and prebiotics. Its extract may help with digestive issues, protect the liver, and prevent heart disease. Read on to learn more about the potential health effects of artichoke extract.
What Is Artichoke Extract?
Artichoke extract is obtained from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) or cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) plants. It has been historically used to treat stomach problems, gout, and diabetes [1].
Artichokes have a high mineral content. They also contain vitamin C, fiber, inulin, and polyphenols. Its composition depends on the part of the plant, as well as on other factors such as the variety, type of soil, and climate. The edible parts (the artichoke’s heart) contain more nutrients than the leaves [2].
Polyphenolic active compounds are mainly found in the leaves. Thus, artichoke leaf extracts have more potential health benefits than eating the artichoke as a vegetable [1].
Artichoke extracts are mainly used in herbal medicine to help lower cholesterol, protect the liver, and fight against bacteria and fungi [3].
There are two types of artichoke extracts that can be used:
- Globe artichoke extract is used as an antioxidant, to help with stomach and intestinal problems, to protect the liver, and to decrease cholesterol levels. Globe artichoke hearts, leaves, and/or roots are crushed, freeze-dried, and finally put in a mixture of methanol and water to make the extract [4].
- Cardoon extract also has antioxidant effects. Phenolic compounds from the bracts (modified leaves) of the cardoon plant are extracted with methanol. The extract is then dissolved and diluted with water [5].
Artichoke extract can be used alone or combined with other herbs. It can also be used to prepare herbal teas and medicinal products [1].
Artichoke Extract Components
Artichoke extract contains luteolin, caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, sterols, and inulin. It’s also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, copper, and manganese [4].
Leaf extracts are rich in caffeoylquinic acid and luteolin. The edible parts (artichoke heart) are also rich in caffeoylquinic acids and various luteolin derivatives [3].
The main polyphenols in artichoke extract are chlorogenic acid, cynarin, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, and luteolin 7-O-glucoside [3].
- Luteolin is an antioxidant that may also help prevent inflammation and cancer [3].
- Caffeoylquinic acid is another antioxidant. It helps form bonds with toxic compounds, thus lowering their toxicity [6].
- Cynarin is another antioxidant compound found in artichoke. It stimulates bile production, which helps the gut digest fats and absorb vitamins from food [1].
- Inulin is a sweet-tasting indigestible starchy substance found in artichoke. It is a prebiotic, which means it can increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the gut [7].
Snapshot
Proponents
- May improve indigestion, IBS, and gut microbial balance
- May lower blood cholesterol and pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart disease
- May protect the liver
- Antioxidant activity
- May lower blood sugar
- Few adverse effects reported
Skeptics
- Insufficient evidence for several benefits
- Some people may not tolerate its high inulin content
- May cause allergic reactions
- People with gallstones should avoid it
Health Benefits
Possibly Effective for:
1) Digestive Issues
Indigestion
In 2 clinical trials on over 700 people with indigestion, oral globe artichoke leaf extract improved the symptoms and quality of life. The extract was especially effective in easing fullness and reducing flatulence. However, it was barely more effective than the placebo in reducing pain and nausea caused by indigestion [8, 9].
A commercial mixture of artichoke leaf extract, chlorogenic acid, dandelion root extract, inulin, turmeric rhizome, and rosemary bud essential oil also relieved indigestion symptoms in a clinical trial on over 300 people [10].
In a small trial on 11 healthy volunteers, a standardized combination of artichoke and ginger extracts for indigestion stimulated stomach emptying [11].
Cynarin, a natural compound found in artichoke, stimulates bile production. This helps accelerate gut movement and support fat digestion and vitamin absorption [1, 12].
Balancing the Gut Flora
Inulin, a starchy substance found in artichoke, balances the intestinal microbiota. In a clinical trial on 32 healthy volunteers, daily consumption of inulin derived from globe artichoke extract increased beneficial microorganisms in the gut [7].
Most of the effects of inulin are caused by the metabolites produced by bacteria that use inulin for energy. For instance, SCFA acidifies the colonic environment. This promotes the growth of healthy bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while inhibiting potentially harmful species [7].
What’s more, the particular micro-architecture of artichokes makes them an ideal environment for the growth of a probiotic bacterial strain (Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043). In a clinical trial on 20 healthy people, eating artichokes favored the colonization of the gut by this probiotic while reducing the growth of potentially harmful E. coli and Clostridium. Artichokes enriched in this probiotic were beneficial to constipated patients in another trial on 20 people [13, 14].
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects 22% of the population. Some symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and constipation. Many factors contribute to IBS: abnormal gut movement, imbalanced intestinal microbes, genetic factors, inflammation, and immune disorders, among others [15, 16].
In a clinical trial on over 200 people with IBS, the symptoms (both constipation and diarrhea) decreased significantly after 2 months of treatment with globe artichoke leaf extract capsules [17].
In a survey of almost 300 IBS patients who took globe artichoke leaf extract, 96% rated the extract as better than or equivalent to previous IBS therapies, such as antidiarrheals, laxatives, and antidepressants [15].
Both globe artichoke extract and its compound cynaropicrin stop muscle spasms in the gut. In guinea pig intestines, these artichoke extract constituents inhibited gut contractions, which may help reduce stomach pain and diarrhea [18].
All in all, the evidence suggests that artichoke extract may improve digestive issues such as indigestion or IBS and promote a healthy gut flora. Because FDA-approved measures are preferable and possibly more effective for these conditions, you may only take artichoke extract as a supportive measure if your doctor recommends it.
2) Preventing Heart Disease
Lowering Cholesterol
In a clinical trial on 131 people with high blood cholesterol but otherwise healthy, taking artichoke leaf extract for 12 weeks slightly reduced total cholesterol. The extract lowered LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol in 2 trials on 189 overweight people with high blood cholesterol. Artichoke juice had similar effects in another trial on 18 people [19, 20, 21, 22].
Combined formulations with artichoke leaf extract, red yeast rice, and sugar cane policosanol also lowered total and LDL cholesterol in 3 clinical trials on 184 people with high blood cholesterol [23, 24, 25].
Similarly, a supplement with chlorogenic acid from artichoke extract, bergamot extract, phytosterols, and vitamin C reduced total and non-HDL cholesterol in a trial on 90 overweight people with high blood fat levels [26].
In hamsters, a 6-week diet containing artichoke leaf extract led to significantly lower total cholesterol (by 15%), non-HDL cholesterol (by ~30%), and triglycerides (by 22-29%) [27].
High cholesterol levels can cause plaque formation in the arteries. This contributes to heart diseases. By reducing cholesterol levels, artichoke extract can stop the accumulation of plaque [1].
One of artichoke’s constituents, luteolin, inhibits cholesterol formation. This helps reduce cholesterol levels [1].
The body’s main method of eliminating cholesterol is through the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. Artichoke leaf extract stimulated bile acid secretion in hamsters, possibly lowering cholesterol levels [27].
Artichoke extracts’ antioxidant effects may also reduce the amount of plaque in the arteries by inhibiting LDL oxidation [1].
Lowering Blood Pressure
In a study on over 100 people with mildly high blood pressure, taking artichoke juice capsules for 12 weeks lowered blood pressure [28].
Data from cellular and animal studies suggest that artichoke extract can increase the levels of activity of NOS3, an enzyme that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide lowers blood pressure by widening blood vessels [29, 1].
In addition, the globe artichoke has a higher concentration of potassium than sodium. This could be beneficial in preventing high blood pressure [2].
Taken together, the evidence suggests that artichoke extract may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and pressure. You may take it as an add-on to your treatment regime if your doctor determines that it may help in your case. Never take artichoke extract in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes.
3) Protecting the Liver
Globe artichoke extract increases bile production, which helps remove dangerous toxins from the liver. Its compounds can also help protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation [1, 30].
In a clinical trial on 90 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, supplementation with artichoke leaf extract reduced liver fat levels and liver damage [31].
The extract also reduced liver damage in a clinical trial on 30 people with high blood cholesterol levels [32].
Artichoke leaf extract failed to reduce liver damage in a clinical trial on 17 people with chronic hepatitis C. However, the extract of wild Egyptian cardoon did reduce viral load and liver damage in 12 out of 15 people with this disease in another trial [33, 34].
Tylenol may cause liver toxicity due to oxidative damage and decreased glutathione content. In rats, globe artichoke extract administration protected against liver injury due to paracetamol overdose. The rats also had lowered DNA damage, more antioxidant enzymes, and higher glutathione levels [35].
Although limited, the evidence suggests that artichoke extract may help protect the liver. You may discuss with your doctor if it may help as a complementary measure in your case. Importantly, never use artichoke extract to replace any medications prescribed by your doctor if you have liver disease.
Insufficient Evidence for:
1) Antioxidant
Artichoke, especially the leaves, contains high levels of many antioxidant compounds, the main ones being chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and luteolin [3].
In a clinical trial on 22 rowers subjected to strenuous training, consuming artichoke leaf extract improved their total antioxidant capacity. However, it was insufficient to reduce oxidative damage to red blood cells [36].
In another trial on 80 people with metabolic syndrome, supplementation with artichoke leaf extract reduced the levels of oxidized LDL but didn’t improve any of the other antioxidant parameters tested (total antioxidant capacity, MDA production, and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels) [37].
In cell-based studies, globe artichoke extract protected the cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. It reduced the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress [38].
Two small clinical trials with modest results and a study in cells are insufficient to claim that artichoke extract has antioxidant effects in humans. Larger, more robust clinical trials are needed.
2) Lowering Blood Sugar
In a study of 39 overweight patients, the supplementation of kidney bean and globe artichoke extract for 2 months helped lower fasting glucose but not insulin levels [39].
In another trial on 80 people with metabolic syndrome, artichoke leaf extract lowered blood insulin levels and insulin resistance but only in those with a certain TCF7L2 polymorphism (the TT variant at rs7903146) [40].
The combination of artichoke and bean extract also lowered glucose levels in rats. The two extracts acted independently, but their combination had synergistic effects [41].
One possible mechanism for artichoke’s glucose-lowering activity is the inhibition of α-glucosidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose [42].
Again, the evidence is insufficient to support the use of artichoke extract to lower blood sugar. More clinical trials on larger populations are needed to validate these preliminary results.
3) Weight Loss
A combination of kidney bean and globe artichoke extract (combined with a low-calorie diet) helped lose weight and increase the feeling of fullness in a clinical trial of 39 overweight patients [39].
A single clinical trial on a small population cannot be considered sufficient evidence to claim that artichoke extract helps lose weight. Importantly, it was used in combination with another extract that may help lose weight. Further clinical trials using artichoke extract alone are needed to draw conclusions.
Animal and Cell Research (Lack of Evidence)
No clinical evidence supports the use of artichoke extract for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.
Lead Toxicity
Lead is a dangerous heavy metal that can negatively affect human health. It builds up in the liver, kidney, and other organs and may cause physical, mental, and reproductive dysfunctions [6].
Artichoke extract protected against lead toxicity in rats. Its antioxidant activity helped reduce lead concentration in the blood and liver. This was possibly due to the chelating properties of cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeoylquinic acid [6].
Skin Health
Oxidative stress contributes to skin diseases, such as dermatitis, aging, and skin cancer. A reduction in reactive oxygen species can prevent DNA and cellular damage [43].
Cynaropicrin is a major bioactive chemical in globe artichoke extract. It reduces oxidative damage caused by UV rays in skin cells [43].
Antimicrobial
In test-tube studies, artichoke extract inhibited fungal activity. All different extracts (leaves, heads, and stems) actively inhibited eight different types of fungi, including those that cause thrush (Candida albicans) and opportunistic infections (Aspergillus niger and Mucor mucedo), [44].
In another test, artichoke leaf extract exhibited strong activity against bacteria, including those that may cause food poisoning and diarrhea (E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and hospital-acquired infections (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) [45].
Note, however, that these are very preliminary results that haven’t been replicated in humans and even in animals. Further clinical research is needed to determine if artichoke extract may be of any use in preventing or fighting the infections caused by these microorganisms.
Side Effects
This list does not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other side effects.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Artichoke extract is generally safe when taken at normal doses. Mild adverse effects such as sweating and digestive issues were rarely reported in clinical trials [33, 19, 9].
However, full safety testing has not yet been completed [1].
In cell-based and animal studies, high doses of artichoke leaf extract damaged the cells and their DNA [46].
Inulin in artichoke is a FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). People who are sensitive to FODMAPs may be intolerant to artichoke extracts or other supplements that contain inulin. Some side effects include bloating, flatulence, a feeling of weakness, and hunger [30].
Skin contact with the plant can cause allergic reactions. However, oral ingestion of the extract has not yet shown any allergic reactions [1].
Artichoke belongs to the daisy/Asteraceae family. People who are allergic to dandelions or other plants of this family might also be allergic to artichoke.
People with gallstones or bile duct occlusion should not take artichoke extract because it stimulates bile acid production [1].
User Reviews
The opinions expressed in this section are solely those of artichoke extract users, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Their reviews do not represent the opinions of SelfHacked. SelfHacked does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider user experiences as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers because of something you have read on SelfHacked. We understand that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.
Most users took in artichoke leaf extract to improve digestive issues such as IBS and indigestion. Many of them were satisfied and reported better digestions after taking it.
Other people took it to improve bile production in case of liver disease (such as fatty liver disease or hepatitis). Often, they were satisfied with the results.
No adverse effects were reported. However, some dissatisfied users complained that the extract didn’t work in their case.
