Artichoke Leaf Extract Uses, Benefits, Dosages Side Effects

Artichoke leaf comes from the artichoke plant, a perennial plant that is native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa. [5]

The artichoke has a long history of use as both a food source and medicine. In the past, the leaf of this plant was used in traditional medicines as a digestive aid, pain reliever, and remedy for urinary stones.

Italian merchants first brought artichoke to the United States in the 1880s. Scientists in France began studying its possible health benefits in the early 1900s. [2, 3]

Artichoke leaf extracts are used for stimulating bile flow from the liver and normalizing fatty acid levels in the blood. This supplement is also sometimes used for indigestion, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and alcohol hangovers. [5]

The leaf contains two active compounds cynarin and chlorogenic acid. Thee compounds exhibit diuretic, liver-protective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cholesterol-normalizing effects.

This article will discuss traditional and current uses of artichoke leaf supplements, possible health benefits, dosages, side effects and safety reviews.

Artichoke Extract

Herbal Supplement

Digestion

Liver Health

Cholesterol

How It Works:

• Boosts bile production for liver health
• Supports digestive health & weight loss
• May improve cholesterol levels

Dosage:

Between 320 - 1,800mg per day

Safety:

Generally Recognized As Safe

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Artichoke Plant Description

The globe artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus) is hardy and large. It grows up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. It is a thistle from the Asteraceae plant family. [3]

Artichoke plants are hermaphroditic meaning they have both female and male sex organs. This plant is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and moths. It is noted for attracting various fauna. [3]

Artichoke plants prefer direct sunlight and cannot grow in fully-shaded areas. It is suited well for moist clay (heavy), loamy (medium), and sandy (light) soils of any pH level (neutral, acidic, and alkaline). [3]

The plant grow best in habitats like woodlands, grasslands, and gardens that receive ample sunshine. It can also thrive in cultivated beds. [3]

The flowers, stems and leaves of artichoke are eaten as foods in numerous parts of the world. [3]

It is considered invasive in many regions because it develops dense colonies that disrupt the vegetation that was there before it. This can affect the health of wildlife, and livestock that live in a given region. [4]

Some taxonomists say that globe artichoke (Cynarascolymus) and cardoon (artichoke thistle, Cynaracardunculus) are the same species. These two species hybridize readily; meaning they can successfully and easily interbreed. [4]

How Does Artichoke Leaf Work?

Artichoke is one of the oldest known plants used as medicine. Both the flower and the leaves contain various active compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones. [5]

According to Plants For A Future (PFAF) the phenolic acid cynarin is the bioactive chemical constituent that is primarily responsible for the therapeutic effects of the leaf extract. [3]

Cynarin is a produced as an ester of two units of caffeic acid and one of quinic acid. Cynarin is one of various hydroxycinnamic acids. [3]

Cynarin and chlorogenic acid in artichoke leaf are used in manufacturing food additives like sweeteners and flavorings. They work by blocking activities in taste receptors making water and other foods and beverages taste sweeter than they are. [3]

Cynarin is also a constituent of a prescription drug used for hepatitis and liver disease called Sulfad. [3] This drug is also used to control fatty liver disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

Artichoke also contains a yellow crystalline flavonoid called luteolin, which acts as a selective PDE-4 inhibitor and raises levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

Active Constituents

This plant extract also contains the following phytochemicals:

• Apigenin and related compounds
• Caffeoylquinic acids including caffeic acid and others
• Inulin (when fiber is not removed)
• Luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, Luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and Luteolin 7-O-glucuronide
• Plant sterols including beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol [2]

Artichoke leaf is also a source of potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, sodium, and calcium.

It also contain various vitamins including A (retinol), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), C (ascorbic acid), E (alpha tocopherol) and K (phylloquinone).

The concentrations of these active ingredients vary depending on where the plant is grown, soil conditions, genotype, cultivar, and growing season. [2]

Luteolin and its derivatives, and caffeoylquinic acids are the most prevalent bioactive compounds found in artichoke leaf. [2]

According to Examine.com, “Luteolin compounds collectively range from 24.6-73.8g/kg, or 2.5-7.4% (variance depending on cultivar) and most being 7-O-glucoside. Total caffeoylquinic acids range from 3139.02-7270.11mg/kg (0.3-0.7%).” [2]’

Luteolin has been observed in in vitro (cultured cell) studies to have cholesterol synthesis-reducing effects. Similarly, cynarin and chlorogenic acid may have cholesterol-lowering effects. [5]

Inulin in artichoke leaf is reported to be an effective prebiotic, helping to promote the growth of probiotic bacterial species. Probiotic bacteria promote gastrointestinal health, digestive function and immunity.

NMCD states that this supplement exhibits “a long-lasting bifidogenic effect.” [5] This means that it enhances the growth of Bifidobacterium, which are beneficial bacterial colonies that tend to colonize the lower gastrointestinal tract.

According to the gastroenterologist Dr. Frank Jackson, “While probiotics introduce good bacteria into the gut, prebiotics act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria that’s already there. They help your good bacteria grow, improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio.” [6]

Luteolin, cynarin, cynaroside, and chlorogenic acid have recently been shown to affect vascular endothelial activities. In-vitro (cultured cell) studies suggest that these compounds may be able to increase nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. [5]

Antioxidant Effects

Multiple in vitro studies have isolated antioxidant compounds in globe artichoke leaf. Ten different preclinical studies have confirmed antioxidant activity of this supplement. [5]

Additionally, at least five in vitro studies have confirmed an antioxidant-related hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf. These studies used rat hepatocytes, monocytes, and endothelial cells.

A single in vivo (in live organisms) study in rats supported these findings. [5]

Further, one in-vitro study showed artichoke leaf to slow down the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. [5]

Effects on Cholesterol

Both in vitro and animal studies have found that isolated components from this plant might be able to improve blood lipid balance. This has been attributed to reductions in levels of fatty acids like triglycerides and cholesterol. [5]

Some animal research suggests that artichoke leaf might prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are known to contribute to artery blockage, decreased blood delivery and cardiovascular disease. [5]

Artichoke extract exhibits antioxidant effects that inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation and slow down cholesterol production. These are believed to be keys mechanisms for improving lipid balance. [5]

So far, the cholesterol-lowering effects of artichoke have been observed in rat studies and not in human subjects. According to NMCD, rats make poor models for mimicking human cholesterol synthesis. [5]

In a recent small human study, frozen artichoke 20 mL/day did not induce any significant effects on cholesterol levels. However, serum triglycerides were reported to increase in the treatment group by 5.7%. [5]

Choleretic (Bile Secretion) Effects

Bile is a dark green/yellow/brown fluid that helps the body to process lipids (fats) inside the small intestine.

In vitro evidence suggests that artichoke leaf might stimulate the secretion of bile from the liver. However, this has only been noted in rat livers, and cultured liver cells, not in humans. [5]

Some research suggests that artichoke leaf is helpful for improving dyspepsia (indigestion). This effect is attributed to reducing intrahepatic (inner-liver) cholesterol concentrations. [5]

Cardioprotective Effects

In vitro and laboratory animal studies suggest that artichoke leaf extract might have a role in inducing vasodilation. [5]

The process of vasodilation results from smooth muscle relaxation and causes subsequent expansion of blood vessels. This allows blood to be pumped through the cardiovascular system with less work from the heart muscle.

In vitro evidence also suggests that artichoke might protect cardiovascular health by affecting the modulation of the eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) gene and by increasing synthesis of NO (nitric oxide) a known vasodilator. [5]

Hepatoprotective Effects

Artichoke leaf has long been used to promote liver health and to protect against damage caused by environmental toxins.

The African Pharmacopoeia indicates that this herbal extract can protect against liver dysfunction, support regeneration of the liver and enhance overall liver function.

The NMCD states, “In vitro studies report that cynarin and artichoke extracts provide antihepatotoxic and other hepatoprotective properties against a variety of toxins.” [5]

It is thought that the antioxidant properties of various compounds in artichoke may play a role in its liver-protective effects. [5]

Artichoke Leaf Uses

Artichoke has been used medicinally since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. It was regarded as a digestive aid and was reserved for only the rich and elite in society.

Under traditional European medicine system, it was prescribed as a diuretic and a choleretic to stimulate bile secretions and flow. In the 1950’s, cynarin extract from the plant was marketed as a pharmaceutical drug to treat high cholesterol levels.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that people use artichoke leaf supplements orally for a variety of purposes including:

• Alcohol hangover
• Blood pressure
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Gallstones (cholelithiasis) and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Hepatic (liver) dysfunction
• Hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Nausea
• Normalizing blood glucose levels
• Snakebite
• Swelling/pain from fluid retention (edema) [5]

Artichoke leaf supplements are also sometimes used for anemia, arthritis, cystitis, and renal (kidney) insufficiency.

It is also used as a diuretic to increase urinary output, as a choleretic to increase bile flow, as a stimulant, and as a general health tonic. [5]

Because of its cynarin content, it is hypothesized that artichoke leaf may have:

• Anticholesterolemic effects (lowers cholesterol)
• Antirheumatic effects (reduces pain and swelling)
• Cholagogic effects (stimulates bile flow from liver)
• Digestive effects (improves digestion of foods)
• Diuretic effects (increases urine production)
• Hypoglycaemic effects (lowers blood glucose)
• Lithontriptic effects(dissolves bladder/kidney stones) [3]

Artichoke Leaf Health Benefits

Many of the purported health benefits of this supplement are linked to its effects on digestion, blood lipid regulation and bile flow.

The NMCD has rated Artichoke as Possibly Effective for dyspepsia and hyperlipidemia.

There have been some promising results from studies using artichoke leaf extract for hypertension (high blood pressure) and IBS. These studies are limited, and more research is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy for these and other conditions.

Artichoke leaf is regulated as a dietary supplement, and the FDA has not approved it as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Artichoke and Dyspepsia

According to the NMCD, artichoke leaf seems to significantly alleviate dyspepsia conditions including nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and vomiting in clinical trials.

These improvements have been noted in patients with functional dyspepsia, and dyspepsia stemming from biliary disease (disease causing bile abnormalities). [5]

Based on multiple research trials, it has been seen that it takes between 2-8 weeks of using artichoke leaf to see improvements in dyspepsia symptoms. [5]

The two specific products that have been used for dyspepsia in most studies are called ALE LI 220 and Cynara SL. [5]

Other research has examined the effects of artichoke leaf together with ginger for improving symptoms of dyspepsia.

The NMCD reports that one study found that taking a product that contained both compounds daily for four weeks, “markedly or completely improves symptoms such as nausea, fullness, pain, and bloating in about 1.5-fold more patients with functional dyspepsia compared to placebo.” [5]

More research is needed to fully determine the therapeutic efficacy of artichoke leaf for dyspepsia.

If you are interested in taking this supplement it is recommended that you speak with your doctor of gastroenterologist to determine if it is right for your needs.

Hyperlipidemia and Cholesterol

Some human research shows that using an artichoke leaf extract called Valverde Artischocke reduces LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol measurements.

This product has also been shown to improve the balance between LDL cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol over a 6-12-week period. [5]

However, in another study, using 320 mg of an extract called Hepar-SL forte, three times daily for 12 weeks did not affect cholesterol levels significantly. [5]

Some research suggests that artichoke leaf may work better for reducing cholesterol in those with high cholesterol levels relative to those with healthy cholesterol levels. [5]

Other studies suggest that using 20 mg cynarin, three times daily for 7 months reduces triglycerides by 24% and total cholesterol by 31%.

These reductions were based on baseline comparisons in patients with either high serum cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and/or high serum triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). [5]

Higher doses of cynarin have been shown to induce similar effects. In other research studies, cynarin did not significantly decrease cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia. [5]

Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that consuming 20-30 ml frozen artichoke, daily for 6-12 weeks does not reduce cholesterol in those with hyperlipidemia. Some evidence suggests that frozen artichoke juice might even cause serum triglycerides to increase. [5]

More research is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of artichoke leaf for normalizing blood lipid levels.

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning to take this supplement if you have a history of high cholesterol levels.

Artichoke Leaf Supplements

Artichoke leaf supplements come in a few different formats including capsules, tablets, bulk powder, and liquid drops. Most supplements contain between 500-800 mg of extract per dosage.

The NMCD states that there are more than 1100 different dietary supplements that contain artichoke either as a single ingredient or in combination with other compounds.

Look for products that explicitly state that they contain artichoke leaf, as this is the part of the pant that contains the most bioactive compounds, including cynarin and luteolin. [5]

When possible, choose organic and non-genetically modified supplements without fillers or additives. Make sure they have been verified by a reputable third party to contain what they claim to and are free of contaminants.

Artichoke Leaf Dosage

The American Botanical Council reports the following dosages for artichoke which have common use in herbalism, and are believed to be generally safe for healthy people:

• 6 grams dried, cut leaves daily for general health purposes
• 0.5-gram single daily dose of 12:1 dry extract
• 2 mL fluid extract, three times daily
• 6 mL 1:5 tincture, three times daily [7]

The NMCD reports that some dosages used in scientific studies include:

• Dyspepsia: 320-640 mg three times per day for up to 8 weeks
• Hyperlipidemia: 500-1920 mg per day in divided doses for 6-12 weeks
• Hyperlipidemia : 20 mg of cynarin three times per day for 7 months
• Hypertension: 50 mg or 100 mg juice concentrate per day for 12 weeks
• Irritable bowel syndrome: 320-640 mg per day for 2 months [5]

When used as a dietary supplement, most products contain between 500-1000 mg per dosage.

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to help determine the best dosage for your needs.

Side Effects and Interactions

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates artichoke as Likely Safe when consumed in dietary amounts, and Possibly Safe when used orally in medicinal amounts.

This supplement has been used for up to 23 consecutive months without causing any significant side effects. [5]

There have not been enough studies completed to determine the safety rating for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Usage in medicinal amounts is not recommended in these groups until more research is conducted. [8]

Artichoke is generally well tolerated in most people. Mild gastrointestinal side effects have been reported including abdominal pain, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and hunger. [5]

Some people might experience allergic reactions. Use extra caution with this supplement if you are allergic to other members of the Asteraceae plant family including dandelion, daisy, marigold, chrysanthemum, zinnia, and more. [8]

The NMCD states that there are no known interactions between artichoke leaf and drugs, herbs, supplements, foods, or laboratory tests. [5]

Discontinue using this and all other dietary supplements at least two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery.

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor about using artichoke leaf extract supplements to determine whether it is appropriate for you. This is especially important if you have a bile duct obstruction or gallstones as this supplement may worsen these conditions. [8]

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